Mosses of Maine

This introductory-level seminar (for students, educators, and nature enthusiasts) was focused on mosses (a group of bryophytes) of Maine (and the northern latitudes of N. America, as mosses are broadly distributed). Lectures, field trips, and lab time gave participants a strong foundation in moss biology, identification, and ecology. Students explored a variety of habitats while learning to (1) recognize over 50 common moss genera/species, (2) determine microhabitat specificity and ecological function, and (3) assess climate-stress and protective microhabitats. Lectures reviewed research on moss vulnerability to climate change and unique aspects of moss physiology that may offer resiliency to some species. In the lab, students viewed beautiful morphological diversity, develop microscope skills, and used keys to identify species. This type of field/lab seminar prepares participants to collect and continue studying mosses on their own. No prior experience with moss identification or microscopes was required.