This lichenized moss is here year-round. These images are from several days ago (Spring 2015).

Lichen can use algae, some bacteria or even moss as their photobiont.

Many people like to think of lichens as a symbiotic relationship but if they look deeper they will discover that the fungus is “symbiotic” with its photobiont in the same way a rancher is symbiotic with their livestock. Except perhaps most ranchers feed their animals better.

lichenized moss

lichenized moss

lichenized moss

lichenized moss

lichenized moss

lichenized moss