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Lichen: While visiting the park, you may also notice various colors of what resembles paint on the
rocks. Ranging from orange and yellow to mint green and grey, these colorful patches are actually
living organisms. These “composite” organisms are a combination of fungus and algae, which require
nothing more than clean air, a little bit of moisture, and a host surface to hold onto. As they grow
incredibly slowly, please be careful while climbing on rocks with this extra splash of color.
Examples of the colorful lichen organisms that thrive at Vasquez Rocks. As they are extremely slow growing, they
should be admired without being touched. Photographs by Sarah Brewer, 2016.
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