Hiking Club

Don’t bust the crust - Stay on the Trail

Cryptobiotic soil is a sponge-like desert “carpet” made up of many microscopic organisms. Algae, cyanobacteria, fungi, and other tiny living elements bind together to create a surface of living and nonliving soil matter.

Rain and precipitation encourage the growth of the organisms within the surface layer. Moss and lichen may form, sometimes covering the entire surface. This crust is critical to the desert ecosystem as it holds vital resources to soils, plants, and other organisms. These crusts are a valuable resource of nitrogen and organic matter for desert ecosystems. In addition, cryptobiotic soils work as an absorbent and reduce flash flood runoff.

While the living organisms that build cryptobiotic crusts are small, they grow at a very slow rate. A healthy, elevated crust could take 250 years to grow back if harmed or destroyed! The best way to preserve cryptobiotic soil is to remain on designated trails and observe from a distance. Please don’t bust the crust; stay on the trail.

Jil

Baird, Hiking Club Secretary • (701) 260-3089 • jilbaird20152@gmail.com

Hiking Dates:

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023

Desert Canyon and Pushing Tin

Hike Leader: Marietta Rigby

Event time: 9am-1pm

Tuesday, February 14th, 2023

Church Rocks Loop from Grapevine Trail

Hike Leaders:

Naomi and Greg Marshall

Event time: 9am-2pm

Tuesday, February 21st, 2023

Walk about Valley of Fire Arches

Hike Leader: Douglas Walker

Event time: 7:30am-4:30pm

Tuesday,February 28th, 2023

Hamburger Rock in the Gorge

Hike Leaders:

Marianne Orton and Steve Mobbs

Event time: 9am-12:30pm