Sixty-four lichen species were found on the summit of Mount Everett, Massachusetts, during a twelve- hour period. The summit lichen community has affinities with lichen communities of lowland pitch pine forest, mid-elevation hardwood forest, and upland rock outcrops. With the exception of one very rare lichen and another that is probably undescribed, the species encountered are a subset of typical lichen species of these communities elsewhere in the state. Lichen coverage was moderately high on rock outcrops, low to moderate on trees, and relatively low on soil. Taller trees away from the summit tower had higher coverage and diversity of corticolous lichens than those nearer the tower. Rain wetted rock-dwelling lichens could easily be damaged by extensive foot traffic associated with construction, but this damage can mostly be avoided if workmen do not stray from the construction area. Only one rock-dwelling species is worth concern, but that species is extremely rare and should be protected. Some soil lichens may be temporarily damaged by construction disturbance, but others could be favored. One lichen species growing on pitch pine bark is apparently undescribed. Nothing is presently known about its distribution or abundance except that it is not uncommon on the summit. No other tree- or wood-dwelling species are of concern, and unless tress are bulldozed or herbicides used, the lichens growing on them should be safe.

Phil's complete 1999 report, including his notes on species abundances, can be accessed online here: http://www.nativetreesociety.org/fieldtrips/mass/mounteverett.pdf

A Friends of the Farlow Newsletter feature article by Phil about his lichenological work on Mount Everett can be found here: https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/fof/files/newslspring2002.pdf

Another Friends of the Farlow Newsletter feature article by mycologist James K. Mitchell about his work accessioning the Philip F. May Lichen Herbarium into the FH General Lichen Herbarium can be found here: https://fof.huh.harvard.edu/files/fof/files/fof_newsletter_fall2019_final.pdf

Additional specimens by Elisabeth Lay during the 2012 Andrews Foray, many from the base of the mountain and surrounding forest (not the summit); plus some historical specimens collected by William L. Dix, verified by Scott LaGreca.