Date: September 14, 2027

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Polk County Public Libraries, Saluda Branch

Speaker: Susan Moyle Studlar, Botanist & Bryologist

During this presentation, we will discuss the unique features of bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and their essential roles in nature, as illustrated by easy-to-recognize Appalachian species. These small plants can grow luxuriantly in cool, moist montane and northern areas. Yet they also thrive in the nooks and crannies of seemingly unfavorable habitats. Bryophyte colonies readily absorb water but also quickly lose it; most bryophytes are usually dry and asleep. When it rains, they wake up, photosynthesize, and grow.  Microscopic animals (notably tardigrades and rotifers) residing in bryophyte colonies also wake up and feed. Larger animals such as arthropods, salamanders, and birds also live in or use bryophytes. All species, including humans, benefit from the extraordinary ability of bryophytes to both store and slowly release large amounts of water and nutrients. Bryophytes are ecologically powerful, and they are also beautiful.

Sue Moyle Studlar became enchanted with bryophytes while taking a field botany course in northern Minnesota. With a B.A. degree in Biology from Carleton College (Minnesota), and a Ph.D. in Botany (Bryology) from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville), she taught botany and biology courses for 40 years: at West Virginia University (23 years), Centre College, Kentucky (10 years), Mountain Lake Biological Station (University of Virginia), Oklahoma State University, and Wellesley College (Massachusetts). As a retiree in Asheville (NC) Sue taught bryophyte and lichen courses (identification and ecology) at Highlands Biological Station (Western Carolina University, 2024) and the University of North Carolina – Asheville (2020). Currently she leads Small Wonders Moss-Lichen Walks at the Asheville Botanical Garden. Sue’s published papers discuss how humans impact bryophytes via trampling, climbing, harvest, and stream acidification. She has long enjoyed serving as a consulting bryologist for public forests and parks. Sue is passionate about educating the public about bryophytes, which are small, beautiful, and ecologically powerful.

The Saluda Library Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to our partnership with the Polk County Public Libraries Systems.

Contact Pam Torlina, pam@conservingcarolina.org, with questions or for more information.