Join us for a journey into the Land of Moss. Discover the hidden world of mosses in the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territory of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie First Nation) — whose name originates from the mosses that thrive on this land.
In this immersive workshop, we’ll explore the fascinating life cycle, biology, and beauty of these small yet extraordinary plants. Together, we’ll learn to recognize and name different moss species, deepen our understanding of their role in the ecosystem, and reflect on the teachings they offer.
Through guided activities, storytelling, and shared observations, we will cultivate a sense of reverence for mosses – and for the land that sustains both them and us. This experience is both a celebration of the beings for whom q̓ic̓əy̓ takes its name, and an invitation to build new, meaningful connections with the natural world.
An online session will be hosted on Wednesday October 15, followed by a hands-on field session on Saturday October 18 at the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. Those attending the field session must also attend the online session. A recording of the online session will be provided for those who cannot attend the online session live.
Meet the Facilitator
Drew Hall is a 4th year PhD candidate at UBC in the botany department, where they study how mosses build their cell walls on a molecular level. They are passionate about biology education, and have also been a member of the teaching team for UBC’s Biology of Bryophytes laboratory course for three years. Drew is originally from Madison, Wisconsin (on the lands of Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi people).
