new Black ???

this looks like a black fernlet
it is rigid

i picked some
here is a close up

Xylaria hypoxylon or something close.

Candlesnuff fungus - this particular one, however, has white tips.

http://www.ask.com/wiki/Xylaria_hypoxylon?qsrc=3044

i think you nailed it Vickie
mine is less then a year old so it might still get white tips with age

thanks
Dick

I have to give credit to Google images for the nail job!!! I knew I had seen such as this before, but I had no clue as to the scientific name. In fact, I started searching in the lichen assemblage. I enjoy the search and am happy to help!