Introduction to Sphagnum Mosses

Jon Shaw, Sean Robinson and Tom Phillips are all long-time devotees of bryophytes.

Jon is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Duke University.  Dr. Shaw’s research is on the systematics, population genetics, and evolution of bryophytes (mosses). His current focus is the evolution of peat mosses (Sphagnum).

Sean Robinson is a bryologist and Associate Professor of Biology at SUNY Oneonta and has been awarded a Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.  Dr. Robinson has conducted research in the areas of bryophyte ecology, population genetics, and systematics.

Tom Phillips is a retired veterinary doctor.  Dr. Phillips now spends much of his time studying bryophytes throughout NYS and beyond.  The three make an incredible team and we are pleased to offer this workshop that will provide beginners a field-based introduction to macroscopic features and ecological diversity of NYS’s Sphagnum species.

Saturday, June 7th | 10 am – 4 pm.

Join us for a one-day workshop focused on the Sphagnum species found at Zurich Bog.  This workshop will be conducted solely in the field and will provide an introduction to the wonders of Sphagnum.  Identification of Sphagnum species often relies on microscopic examination of leaves and cellular structure.  In this workshop we will use macroscopic features and ecological diversity to puzzle out this fascinating and important group of plants.  The three instructors have decades of professional experience working with Sphagnum mosses and teaching bryophyte identification. 

Zurich Bog is a very interesting wetland nestled within a drumlin swarm in Wayne County in central NY.  Because of its underlying bedrock and the materials within the surrounding drumlins, Zurich Bog pH varies from acidic to basic and it exhibits traits of both bogs and fens.  Sphagnum and other bryophytes, as well as other plants, are responsive to changes in pH leading to high species diversity.

Participants will be provided with meet up information and suggested gear prior to the workshop.

The workshop fee is $35 for NYFA members and students; $50 for non-members. Participants are encouraged to become NYFA members.

Participation is limited so please sign up early (see below).

 For questions please contact mosses@nyflora.org

NYFA Cancellation Policy: The workshop fee, minus a $20 processing fee, is refundable up to four weeks prior to the start of the workshop. No refunds for cancellations within four weeks of the start of the workshop. Alternatively, the registrant may opt to apply 50% of the fee to a future NYFA workshop to be offered in the same or following year. There will be a full refund if NYFA needs to cancel the workshop.

To Pay by Check: Download this Form

Limited Scholarships Are Available: For details and to apply download and submit this form.  We will process your application, and respond soon.  If approved you will be sent a code to use, when you go back and register for the trip.

NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts. Suggested Donation is $10.