In The Field: Independence Trail Moss Walk

Independence Trail Moss Walk

Moss: A beautiful addition to a garden path, a nuisance on your roof, or something much more fascinating? These tiny plants are among the oldest lineages of plant life on Earth, and they thrive in nearly every biome, from the coldest tundra to the edges of the hottest deserts.

Join us at Independence Trail on Saturday, November 14 for a closer look at the wonderful world of moss! We’ll explore these fascinating, flowerless, non-vascular plants and discover what makes them so special.

Leading the walk is Alex Lerch, Restoration Lead with Sierra Streams Institute, devoted moss enthusiast, and all-around great human. Come get curious about the little green wonders growing all around us!

What to bring: A hand-lens if you have one (we will supply more), water, and snacks. Come curious, bring your questions, and get ready to see some fascinating bryophytes!

KNOW & GO

What: In The Field: Independence Trail Moss Walk 

When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10am-12pm

Where: Independence Trail, east entrance, parking along highway 49.

How: This event is free and open to the public but space is limited. To attend, register on this page.

ABOUT ALEX LERCH: Raised in Grass Valley, Alex grew up fishing frisbees and footballs out of blackberry brambles across western Nevada County. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Legal Studies from UC Santa Cruz and previously worked as a botanist for California State Parks where he focused on invasive vegetation management. At SSI Alex is working in the Restoration program where he hopes to contribute to safer landscapes for our community. When Alex isn’t working, and even while he is, you might hear him, distantly, talking about plants to someone too polite to walk away.