Checkerspot

Why are large swaths of white snow high in the mountains marked by pink ribbons and streaks? Well, it's not a high-altitude snow-cone stand or a mysterious prank.⁠
⁠
It turns out that this rosy-pink snow—also called watermelon snow or glacier blood—isn’t artificial or left by humans. Rather, it’s caused by a bloom of green algae called Chlamydomonas nivalis, and has been observed and studied for over 100 years❄️

It’s estimated there are between 30,000 and more than 1 million species of algae— and new sub-species are still discovered each year. ⁠
⁠
Diverse algae species span blue, green, kelp, Marimo moss, orange, red, sea moss and others —all with unique characteristics and functionality. Algae can be microscopic (phytoplankton) or as big as trees (giant kelp).⁠
⁠
One major distinction between the many types of algae, is whether they are autotrophic and use energy from sunlight and photosynthesis or are heterotrophic, like the type we use at Checkerspot, and can grow in the dark using organic compounds like carbon and alternative energy sources.⁠
⁠
There’s so much to learn and celebrate about ancient algae, the Mother of All Plants.

Algae is known as the Mother of All Plants. What does that mean? Basically, it means that all the land plants you know – from grasses to towering redwoods - evolved from a group of aquatic algae.⁠
⁠
There is way more to algae than meets the eye! This month, we’re taking the time to celebrate the Mother of All Plants and give her the credit she deserves. We invite you to take a deep dive with us and appreciate the power of algae!