Moss Identification Workshop
Led by Joe Walewski author and naturalist from Wolf Ridge!
Saturday September 19 from 1-4pm at Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center.
Become a “Micro-forest Explorer”
Join Joe Walewski, Wolf Ridge Naturalist and author of Mosses and Liverworts of the North Woods, for a deep dive into the bryosphere – the rich, hidden world right beneath our boots.
To most people, moss looks like simple green fuzz. But if you slow down and look closer, you discover an intricate micro-forest teeming with life. This three-hour, beginner-friendly workshop focuses on the ecology of these mini-ecosystems, using the diverse habitats of the Sax-Zim Bog area as our classroom.
Date & Time: Saturday September 19 from 1 – 4pm.
Location: Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center classroom and bog boardwalk. 8793 Owl Ave. Google Map Location: FOSZB Welcome CenterBecome a “Micro-forest Explorer”
Join Joe Walewski, Wolf Ridge Naturalist and author of Mosses and Liverworts of the North Woods, for a deep dive into the bryosphere – the rich, hidden world right beneath our boots.
To most people, moss looks like simple green fuzz. But if you slow down and look closer, you discover an intricate micro-forest teeming with life. This three-hour, beginner-friendly workshop focuses on the ecology of these mini-ecosystems, using the diverse habitats of the Sax-Zim Bog area as our classroom.
Date & Time: Saturday September 19 from 1 – 4pm.
Location: Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center classroom and bog boardwalk. 8793 Owl Ave. Google Map Location: FOSZB Welcome Center
Workshop Schedule:
- Part 1: Up Close and Personal (Indoor Session) We’ll begin indoors, looking at 20+ distinct species collected and laid out on tables. You’ll learn basic identification skills and get your eyes accustomed to the subtle details of different mosses and liverworts.
- Part 2: In the Wild Context (Field Excursion) Next, we’ll explore a nearby forest habitat to see how these species live in community with the greater ecosystem. We will explore various micro-habitats and responsibly harvest a few samples to bring back.
- Part 3: Meet the Neighbors (Microscope Lab) We will wrap up our session in the lab using microscopes to peer deep inside the moss canopy. You’ll meet the “Who’s who” of microscopic wildlife – tardigrades, rotifers, mites, and more – that build their entire lives inside these emerald forests.
Who is this for? Curious adults at a beginner level. No prior botanical or microscope experience is required!
Event Leader: Joe Walewski is the Director of Naturalist Training at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota. He earned a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University and a M.Ed. in Environmental Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. When away from work, Joe finds plenty to do helping his wife, Lori, in the garden and banding birds (especially hummingbirds). He enjoys rambling and exploring outdoors with his daughter Jenny. Joe continually strives to reduce his ecological footprint. He is also the author of several beloved northwoods field guides!
Additional details: Accessibility is easy to moderate. The majority of the site is level with minimal elevation changes. There is a footpath to the boardwalk. Boots are recommended if you choose to step into the bog. All levels of expertise are welcome and encouraged as we explore the site. Please refrain from bringing pets to this event to respect the sensitive plants within this community.
Dress for a short outdoor walk (rain or shine). A hand lens or magnifying glass is recommended if you have one (ANPE has some available). Bring your sense of wonder for the small things!
Event cost: Your $20 (per household) annual Arrowhead Native Plant Explorers membership includes access to all events and field trips ($10 for students). For nonmembers, your first meeting or event is free and subsequent events are $10 per event.
Skill Level: Beginner. No plant knowledge or prior plant collecting experience necessary.
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