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Mosses & Liverworts of the North Woods
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02 June 2026

Get the field identification guide to 81 of the most commonly seen mosses and liverworts of the Upper Midwest and New England.
Welcome to the fascinating world of mosses! Once you take a closer look, it becomes clear that these small, often-overlooked plants are everywhere—and they can be identified in the field. This first-of-its-kind guide introduces nature lovers to 81 of the mosses and liverworts most commonly found in the northern forests, including the many species of Sphagnum, an important carbon sink for the planet.
Detailed descriptions, field-friendly identification tips, habitat notes, and full-color photographs help you recognize these quiet wonders and better understand the vibrant world beneath your feet. Stepping into the cool, green world of mosses and liverworts is an invitation to slow down, look closely, and discover a remarkable part of the natural world. This is the perfect guide to help you explore a miniature realm teeming with resilience, connection, and unexpected wisdom.
Book Features:
- 81 common mosses and liverworts of the North Woods
- First-of-its-kind field guide for identifying bryophytes in northern forests
- Clear explanations of the differences between mosses and liverworts
- Detailed species descriptions, identification tips, and habitat insights
- Guidance on the tools and ethical practices for observing bryophytes responsibly
- Full-color photographs to support accurate field identification
- Content applicable to Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Ontario, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin
Joe Walewski has spent nearly four decades studying and stewarding the North Woods at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota. A longtime mentor to Graduate Naturalists, he brings deep field experience and a naturalist’s perspective to his writing. This guide completes his North Woods trilogy that includes Lichens of the North Woods and Ferns & Allies of the North Woods. Through his work, Joe invites readers into a closer relationship with the often-overlooked wonders of the natural world.
Acknowledgements
The World of Mosses and Liverworts
Beyond the Green Fuzz: The Intricate World of Bryophytes
The Secret Life of Mosses: A Deep Dive into Biology
Mosses Through Time: An Evolutionary Journey
How to Use This Field Guide
Liverworts: The Ancient Lineage
Acrocarps: The Upright Explorers
Pleurocarps: The Weaving Tapestry
Sphagnum: The Bog Architect
The Great Carbon Vault: Sphagnum’s Global Legacy
Glossary
Titles of Interest
Photo Credits
Index