Instructor: Ed Schwartzman (Joe Pye Ecological Consulting) Please note that this course may not be taken for graduate credit. The Southern Appalachians are an area of high bryophyte diversity, and this course will introduce students to common and some rare mosses, liverworts, and hornworts of the region. The class will survey bryophyte diversity by visiting and sampling from a variety of habitats in the vicinity around Highlands, NC. Laboratory work will involve extensive use of microscopes, and identifications will rely on microscopic characters and use of dichotomous keys. Students will explore diagnostic features for bryophyte identification and learn common taxa in the field and closeup using microscopes. Lectures will cover differences among mosses, liverworts, and hornworts as well as morphological features used to distinguish bryophyte taxa. No prior bryology experience or studies are necessary to take the course, though students should be willing to work with microscopes and use diagnostic keys for identification in the lab. The course is geared towards botanists, natural resource professionals, naturalists, and students. Prerequisites: a botany, plant science, or plant taxonomy course or permission of instructor.   Prerequisites: None Cost: $500 course fee + $300 housing fee (if staying on-site) Click here for the syllabus.

Instructor: Dr. John Morse (Clemson University Emeritus) Please note that both sessions of this course are identical - you only need to sign up for 1 session. Natural history and taxonomy of mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera), including systematics, ecology, and behavior of larvae and adults, with emphasis on those aspects important in ecological studies, biological monitoring of water quality, and sport fishing.  Insects will be collected from mountain stream habitats, and identifications will be done in the laboratory. Prerequisites: Students are expected to have prior training in zoology, but not necessarily entomology. Cost: $1000 course fee + $600 housing fee (if staying on-site) Click here for the syllabus.

Dr. Jessi Allen (EWU) and Dr. James Lendemer (NYBG) This course will focus on lichen identification, both in the lab and in the field, including basic morphology and chemical tests, keying, and sight identification of common genera. We will also discuss the ecological and evolutionary importance of lichens. Prerequisites: None Cost: $300 course fee with on-site housing available for $120/person (Thursday night - Monday morning) Click here to register.