2025 Workshop #5 -- Taking a Closer Look at Mosses: Bryophyte ID in Microscope Lab

2025 Workshop #5 -- Taking a Closer Look at Mosses: Bryophyte ID in Microscope Lab, Brevard, NC

Saatuday, May 17, 2025     9 am – 12 noon 

Cost: $130 per person 

Pre-registration is required. Register early to confirm your workshop attendance. Space is limited to a maximum of 15 people.

(Register on different pages for other 2025 Spring Workshops)

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For SERIOUS MOSS LOVERS and Aspiring Bryologists

Previous Lab Experience Not Required

Workshop Description: The year-round green of moss landscapes is quite appealing. When you take a closer look at these miniature plants, it is fascinating. Yet, few mossers have had the opportunity to experience the magical world of bryophytes by examining their unique botanical characteristics through a microscope. This workshop offers a rare opportunity for the serious mosser who possesses a scientific curiosity. Under the expert guidance of Ed Schwartzman,  participants will be introduced to selected moss species that are recommended for moss landscaping. This workshop will be held in the Biology Lab at Brevard College which is well-equipped with the instructor’s microscope linked to a large screen projection system and an individual microscope station for each attendee. While scientific methodology and terminology will be the order of the day, content will be geared to the general public. The instructor will demonstrate the identification process of keying out species. Participants will mainly take a closer look at the special characteristics of common moss species. If desired, workshop attendees may bring specimens from home (limit 3). After the lecture, participants will be invited to drive to nearby Mossery and make special moss purchases. 

Bryophyte Lab Instructor BIO:  Ed Schwartzman is a well-respected WNC botanist and ecologist. As the director of Joe Pye Ecological Consulting, LLC, based in Asheville, NC, he provides a range of professional consultation services emphasizing environmental solutions which feature native plants. His expertise includes botany, bryology, herpetology, and forest and wetland ecology gained from his academic background at the University of Maryland combined with years of practical field experience specifically in the North Carolina mountains.

Presently working as an independent consultant, his current projects include wetland and stream restoration, forest inventory, and native plant seed collection and propagation. Ed previously worked as a biologist conducting natural area inventories for the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) for Cherokee, Graham, Macon, and Transylvania counties. While employed with the Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ), he implemented the NC Unique Wetland classification. Ed’s teaching experience includes Western Carolina University on topics related to Natural Resources Conservation and Management as well as Environmental Science courses at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. Besides sharing his expertise in the classroom, he’s led botanical hikes for the Highlands Biological Station, Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, and Alarka Expeditions.

Workshop Leader BIO: Asheville native and internationally-recognized expert on creating moss landscapes, Annie Martin, known as Mossin’ Annie, infuses her passion for mosses with her knowledge of bryophytes and successful gardening techniques. Owner of Mountain Moss Enterprises, Inc., author of The Magical World of Moss Gardening (2015; Japanese translation, 2017), and licensed NC Landscape Contractor, Martin offers consultation services, lectures/workshops, and turnkey moss landscape installations emphasizing the year-round green appeal of eco-friendly mosses. At her Mossery in Brevard, NC, she cultivates shade, sun and versatile moss species for DIY moss gardeners and professional landscapers. Mossin’ Annie advocates the benefits of native mosses as intentional horticultural choices that play an essential role in healthy ecosystems. Through participatory education and professional guidance, Mossin’ Annie will lead participants through an interactive learning process.

Location: This workshop will take place in the Biology Lab in Moore Science Annex at Brevard College; 1 Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC. Please arrive before 9 am to allow yourself time to park. Information about designated parking and Brevard College map will be provided later. 

Level of Difficulty: Inside event. Venue is a handicapped accessible facility.

What to Bring: If possible, bring a hand lens/jeweler’s loupe for intermediary close-up view; and if desired, a few moss specimens from your yard (limit 3).

Appropriate Attire: Workshop will take place inside. No special clothing is necessary. 

Medical Concerns: If you have any health restrictions (especially allergies) and you can’t actively participate, please let the workshop leader know in advance. While we’ll provide demonstrations of proper techniques, this is not a lecture. Every workshop participant will be expected to be involved. If you do have allergies, please don’t forget to bring your medication including an EPI pen, just in case you need it.

Bathroom facilities will be available onsite.

Extra Detail: Mossin’ Annie’s book, The Magical World of Moss Gardening, will be available for sale ($26.64 including tax). She’ll be happy to autograph your copy with a special inscription. Checks should be made payable to: Mountain Moss. If you prefer to pay with cash, please bring exact change. Credit card payments will be subject to a 5% CC processing fee.

NO REFUNDS: This event is non-refundable. Pre-registration is required. Once registered and confirmed, your place is reserved. Space is limited to a maximum of 15 people for this seminar.