CNP Ferns, Mosses & Liverworts 

This course is an elective course and provides 4 hours toward the completion of the Certificate in Native Plants program.

This course will be an introduction to the bryophytes (hornworts, liverworts, and mosses) and ferns and their “allies” (horsetails, club mosses, whisk ferns, adder’s tongue’s, and lycopods).  Within each of these major lineages of “cryptogams,” we will cover the basic morphology of the group, the life cycle and reproductive structures, important anatomical features, and evolutionary relationships.  We will use microscopes and dissecting scopes to see features too small for the human eye.  The class will be held at the University of Tennessee Biology lab.  For many of these groups, we can discuss ecological preferences that might aid in understanding gardening optimal growing conditions for these plants, for those wanting to include them in native plant gardens. 

Instructor: Joey Shaw, Ph.D., is a University Foundation Professor of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science at UTC.  He is a member of the UTC Council of Scholars, President of the Association of Southeastern Biologists, and Chair of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Committee.  Joey earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the former Botany Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Registration Policy:  As with all Certificate in Native Plants classes, class size is limited.  To give everyone the best opportunity to participate, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $10, with the balance refunded if you cancel at least 7 calendar days before the class will be held.  If the class is cancelled by the instructor or the CNP program, registrants will get a full refund.  

If you do not pay online, you will need to mail your check to Wild Ones-Tennessee Valley Chapter, 4918 Marlow Drive, Red Bank, TN 37415.  Please put the date of the program in the memo line as well as the last name of the person you are registering.  You will not be registered until your payment is received.