Post Symposium Workshops
13 January 2027
Optional post-symposium workshops are scheduled for the Wednesday following the Symposium. You do not have to attend the Symposium to register for a workshop. To register for a workshop, visit the Registration Page.
Workshop 1: Introduction to Bryophytes
Instructors: Ben Carter, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife and Jordan Collins, California Native Plant Society
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (with ½ hour lunch break)
Location: CSUC, BMU Room TBD
Cost: $75 (workshop will be cancelled without a minimum of 10 participants)
Description:
This is an introductory course on the bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and hornworts). We will discuss the basic biology of bryophytes and how they differ from vascular plants. We will also cover the basic anatomy of these plants and participants will come away being able to confidently separate mosses, liverworts and hornworts as well as the major groups within each of those lineages. General ecology, biogeography and conservation of California bryophytes will be covered, and we will take a short walk around campus (no driving necessary) to look at bryophytes in the field.
Workshop 2: Soil Properties and Online Resources for Botanists
Instructor: Garrett Liles, California State University, Chico
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: CSUC, BMU Room TBD
Cost: $40 (workshop will be cancelled without a minimum of 10 participants)
Description:
This workshop will cover some soil basics, how and why soils vary across the landscape, and exposure to online soil survey interfaces (SoilWeb, Web soil survey, Land PKS) to help you better understand the sites you care about and the plant you love.
Workshop 3: Mushrooms of Big Chico Creek Watershed
Leaders: Gerald Cobian and Isabella (Bella) Rubenaker, California State University, Chico
Time: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Location: TBD (Meet at the eastern most Park n Ride at Hwy 32 and Hwy 99 at 8:30)
Cost: $40 (workshop will be cancelled without a minimum of 10 participants)
Description:
Join Bella and Gerry for a mushroom foray at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. Mushrooms will be collected and brought back to a group table for identification of species and potential DNA extraction and sequencing of interesting specimens. Participants are encouraged to bring the following items: basket to hold the mushrooms you collect, a pocketknife, hand lens, phone with iNaturalist app, whistle, appropriate field attire, rain gear if needed, and lunch/snacks. If hard rain is expected that day, the workshop will be moved inside. The workshop leaders will bring specimens to look at microscopic structure using microscopes and help with learning identification using iNaturalist and identification books.