Rod giving his introductory lecture in the parking lot.
– U. Koleszar

All his support materials in the back of his truck!
– U. Koleszar

Rod’s cheat sheet and lyrics to “Hylocomium splendens”
– N. Pezel

Jane examines the finer details of a Step Moss!
– N. Pezel

Examining mosses along the way.
– U. Koleszar

A variety of moss species on the rock, that’s what they are all looking at!
– N. Pezel

Rod leading the choir in singing “Hylocomium splendens”. A serenade to the surrounding moss species.
– N. Pezel

Several different mosses growing together
– U. Koleszar

Gathering all the specimens and beginning the identification process
– U. Koleszar

and the studying continues…
– U. Koleszar

And still the studying contnues…
– U. Koleszar

The answers at last – I hope we got it right!
– U. Koleszar

The view at lunch over Lost Lake.
– U. Koleszar

Heading back on the moss lined trail.
– N. Pezel

Mrs and Mr Moss – getting to know them
by Tom Koleszar, 1 May 2022

Fifteen of us gathered at the Inland Lake parking area to begin to get to know the mosses of this area with trip leader Rod Tysdal.  Rod is a retired forester, and spent the last few months delving into the world of mosses – buying new books and dusting off old ones – to prepare for this trip.   Before we started out, he gave us an introductory talk aided by samples and other materials in the back of his truck.

We then proceed around the lake to the Lost Lake Trail, looking at mosses in the forest on the open rocky areas and collecting samples of many different kinds as we went.  Rod provided us with a guide sheet including a little songs entitled “Hylocomium Splendens” which we sang to the tune of “I’ve been everywhere, Man”.  Its probably just as well there was no one else on the trail to hear us!  Once we reached Lost Lake, we gathered together all our samples and learn to identify them and a little bit about their different natures.

We topped it off with lunch at Lost Lake, enjoying the scenery and more discussions about mosses and other things before heading back.  Rod did his usual wonderful job, and everyone really enjoyed the trip.   A special thanks to Rod, and also to Nancy Pezel for coordinating the trip.