There are hundreds of different species of moss in Vermont. Often overlooked, difficult to specify, mosses and their allies (liverworts and hornworts) nevertheless play an important role in our northern temperate forests. Learning a little bit about them can enhance your woodland walks and deepen your understanding of ecology at the miniature scale. We will explore the wooded area across the road from the parking lot. Park and meet at the summit parking lot. We won’t be walking very far—more of a wandering.

• Bring hand-lenses or magnifiers
• Smart phones can be very useful
• No dogs, please
• Children are welcome
• Masks appreciated
• Rugged/water resistant footwear
• Insect precautions advised

Resources:

Links:
https://northernforestatlas.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moss
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/vermont-atlas-of-life

Field Guides:
Mosses of the Northern Forest: A Photographic Guide, A Northern Forest Atlas Guide by Jerry Jenkins
Mosses, Liverworts, and Hornworts: A Field Guide to Common Bryophytes of the Northeast by Ralph Pope
Common Mosses of the Northeast and Appalachians, by Karl McKnight and Joseph Rohrer Princeton University Press
Ferns & Allies of the North Woods by Joe Walewski 

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