Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Assessing the impacts of historic redlining on lichens
Publication Date
2024
College
Sciences and Mathematics, College of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Matthew Heard
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Historic redlining has greatly impacted both human health and the environment. However, we are just now beginning to understand the full extent of these impacts. In this study, we examined how lichens, which are commonly used as bioindicators to assess pollution impacts and environmental change have been impacted by historic redlining. To do this, we overlaid research grade observations of lichen species from iNaturalist on to maps of Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) graded areas across the United States. We then assessed whether lichen functional groups that are more susceptible to pollution were more commonly found in redlined versus non-redlined areas. Using this approach, we found no legacy effects of redlining on lichen presence and abundance. However, we did find that lichen observations for more tolerant functional groups (e.g., foliose lichens) were more common in parks and greenspaces. Ultimately, our findings suggest that lichens may not be useful bioindicators for assessing the impacts of redlining. However, more research is needed to determine if this is the case.
Recommended Citation
Harrison, Carmyn and Heard, Matthew, "Assessing the impacts of historic redlining on lichens" (2024). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 232.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/232
