Sphagnum Moss: The Story of an Ecosystem Engineer

Presented by Karen Koornneef, Corridor Project Ecologist, Georgian Bay Land Trust

This talk will be presented on Zoom - register here to attend.

Sphagnum moss, a keystone species and an incredible ecosystem engineer, is one of the most overlooked organisms shaping the landscapes of Georgian Bay. Its unique cellular structure allows it to hold water, create and maintain important wetlands, support specialized plants and animals, and build up layers of peat over time. These peat layers not only store large amounts of carbon, which is beneficial for our climate, but also preserve millennia of ecological and cultural history.

This presentation will take a closer look at how sphagnum moss works, its biology and medicinal properties, and the crucial roles it plays in nature. We will also discuss the challenges that peatlands face today due to climate change, drainage, and resource extraction. By the end, participants will have a better understanding of how this tiny but mighty moss contributes to healthy wetlands and helps stabilize our planet’s climate.