In 2023 The Lichenologist decided to recognize a published paper (per calendar year) that has delivered an outstanding contribution to lichenology, through the Editor’s Choice Award.Reference Dal Forno, Ellis and Myllys 1 The aim was to acknowledge gratitude for an outstanding contribution made by an individual or team that we can feature, highlight or spotlight, as a community of scientists. Having announced the award in 2023, 2024 became the first full year of published papers that could be assessed by the Awards Committee.
The Lichenologist is therefore proud to present its inaugural Editor’s Choice Award (2024) to: The Manna Effect – a review of factors influencing hair lichen abundance for Canada’s endangered Deep-Snow Mountain Caribou (Rangifer arcticus montanus).
This is a fully deserving paper for the following reasons: it is founded on perceptive and interpretative field biology that is the hallmark of the best natural history; it marries this perspicacity with the detailed and robust empirical evidence that we have come to expect from the team of authors involved; it links the ecology of lichens to wider conservation issues relating particularly to the fate of a charismatic megafauna, and management decisions within the forest industry. It therefore demonstrates that lichens are not just the preserve of lichenologists but that their fate has ramifications across ecosystems and society.
Commensurate with the flexibility that we allowed ourselves in establishing this award, two of the authors (Coxson and Gauslaa) have requested that it should be particularly dedicated to their collaborator, Trevor Goward, and we are happy to oblige them in their request. Yngvar Gauslaa states:
‘Trevor Goward, the lead author of this paper, represents an exceptional example in the field of lichenology. Although Trevor has an extensive publication list and is widely regarded as the leading lichen expert of western North America, his expertise has been self-taught… The current manuscript submission reflects the thoughtful synthesis of lichen ecology and biology that characterizes Trevor’s contributions. Readers may be familiar with the Twelve Readings on the Lichen Thallus essay series that Trevor published in Evansia in 2009, a series that pushed conceptual boundaries in the field of lichenology. The Lichenologist’s Editor’s Choice Award would be appropriate to recognize the lifetime contributions of Trevor Goward.’
Trevor Goward is widely acknowledged as an outstanding contributor to the field of lichenology. Trevor’s lifelong dedication to the study of lichens, despite an unconventional academic path (with a first degree in literature), exemplifies the values this award seeks to recognize. Trevor is known for his famous quote, ‘Lichens are fungi that discovered agriculture.’ This short yet profound statement captures the essence of lichen symbiosis, where fungi cultivate photosynthetic partners – green algae and/or cyanobacteria – to obtain nutrients. This analogy has resonated widely in both scientific and educational circles, illustrating the remarkable evolutionary nutritional strategy that lichens have developed to thrive in diverse environments, and demonstrating Trevor’s remarkable ability to convey biological complexity through metaphor. Trevor’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and environmental stewardship makes this award even more fitting. Trevor’s achievements stand as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity. Through this award, we honour Trevor’s remarkable legacy and contributions to lichenology, and we hope that his influence will continue to inspire generations to come.
Presented by:
Manuela Dal Forno, Chair of the Awards Committee, and on behalf of The Lichenologist Editorial Team
