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ABLS is an organization devoted to the scientific study of all aspects of the biology of bryophytes and lichen-forming fungi and is one of the nation's oldest botanical organizations.

The study of lichens and bryophytes invites us to pause, to slow down, and to take a closer look at the world around us. We invite you to detach momentarily from the business of your daily lives, and to wonder at the beauty, diversity and resilience of these life forms. Larger, louder, or more charismatic organisms may seek our attention, but lichens and bryophytes remind us to notice and celebrate the little things. 

 

The mission of the American Bryological and Lichenological Society is to promote and support the research, understanding and conservation of bryophytes and lichens. We are resolutely committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who are interested in learning more about these cryptic and often overlooked organisms.

For membership renewals and journal access, click HERE.
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Eagle Hill Institute’s 2026 Bryology and Related Seminars

Eagle Hill is right on the coast of Eastern Maine, between Acadia National Park and Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge.

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June 14–20

Liverworts and Liverwort Ecology1

Blanka Aguero

 

June 21–27

Introduction to Mosses: Diversity, Ecology, and Physiology

Theresa Clark

 

July 5–11

Lichens, Biofilms, and Stone3

Judy Jacob & Annie Evankow

 

July 5–11

Tardigrade Biology, Ecology, Field Sampling, and Identification

Emma Perry

 

August 2–8

Advanced Bryology: Taxonomy & Microscope Techniques for Moss Identification

Theresa Clark

 

September 17–26

Bryophilous Fungi*

George Greiff

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For general information, the registration form, seminar flyers, and a complete calendar:

https://eaglehill.us/programs/sems-weeklong/calendar-weeklong.shtml

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Botany Meeting 2026​

ABLS will meet with the Botanical Society of America in Tucson, AZ from August 1-5.

More info here!

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ATTENTION ABLS STUDENTS!

There are multiple funding opportunities for students through ABLS!

Research Awards:

Culberson & Hale Lichenology Field Award ($1000)

Anderson & Crum Bryology Field Award ($1000)

For more information, see our grants page.​

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Check out our new Lichen videos!!

We have a new link under the "Lichenology" tab called Videos! Learn how to perform chemical spot tests on lichens in our latest channel.

If you are interested in contributing/sharing lichen or bryophyte videos, please contact the Webmaster.

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LICHENOLOGY

Lichenology is the study of symbiotic associations between primarily an alga (or cyanobacterium) and a filamentous fungus.

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BRYOLOGY

Bryology is the study of nonvascular plants including mosses, liverworts and hornworts.

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