Chapter Meeting:
February 15, 2024

Examples from Olypic Peninsula, Washington, of byrophytes growing on non-organic matter. Scot Loring’s presentation at the February 20, 2020, Chapter meeting.
A slide from Scot Loring’s presentation at the February 20, 2020, Chapter meeting. All examples came from the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. Photo by Linda Finkel.

Shasta Chapter CNPS is very excited to bring back bryophyte expert Scot Loring to regale us with the intricacies of some of the world smallest plants—mosses, liverworts, and hornworts!

Bryophytes exist all around us in the natural world but often go overlooked and underappreciated. Scot’s presentation, A Big World of Tiny Plants: The Bryophytes, will explain what bryophytes are and what makes them so special, with a focus on northern California.

Scot is a botanist/mycologist who has been geeking out on nature across the western U.S. for twenty-eight years. He works primarily as a biology consultant for federal agencies and private sector clients. He has discovered many undescribed species, including at least one undescribed genus, and co-authored two books.  

Entosthodon californicus moss. Photo by Scot Loring
Entosthodon californicus moss. Photo by Scot Loring

Tonight’s presentation is only one of three bryophyte events that Scot is leading. He will also lead a workshop and a field trip:

It’ll be a regular bryophyte blitz! Scot held a similar three-event, two-day marathon for us exactly four years ago, which was extremely well received and very popular. So be sure to reserve your spot early for the workshop and/or field trip!

VW Bug covered in moss; scene from Scot Loring’s Feb. 20, 2020, Chapter meeting presentation.
Partial slide from Scot Loring’s presentation at the February 20, 2020, Chapter meeting, illustrating the fact that bryophytes do not need a nutritive substrate on which to grow. Photo by Linda Finkel.

Come join us for what will certainly be a very engaging presentation! We will meet on Thursday, February 15, at 6:30 PM, at the Shasta College Health Science & University Programs building in downtown Redding, 1400 Market Street, Community Room 8220 (clock tower building at the north end of the Market Street Promenade; enter at the main entrance, on the northeast corner of the building). Like all Shasta Chapter meetings, this meeting is open to the public.

In addition, the Chapter will treat our speaker to dinner at Final Draft Brewing Company, Redding, before the meeting, at 5 PM. The membership is invited to join us there for a casual, no-host meal, and to meet and talk with Scot pre meeting. Please contact shastacnps@gmail.com should you have questions. See you there!
~Shasta Chapter CNPS