Why “Searching for Moss”
So often, as I have shared my vision for “Searching for Moss” with family and friends, I will get a little tilt of the head and a look of…’What did you say?’ Moss is not everyone’s topic idea for a website, but Julie and I share a love of moss that draws us in and makes us stop in our tracks.
This tiny plant is the pop of color in a beautiful landscape or a simple forest scene. The deep green and soft, subtle characteristics give it a romantic feel that just speaks to me. It has a calming effect. I search for it and sometimes it searches for me. I have to stop and admire it when our paths cross and I just smile.
My husband and I have been hiking different trails most every weekend since the pandemic started in March 2020 which helped me to realize my passion for moss. We have the pleasure of living near the Cleveland MetroParks and are able to take advantage of their beauty all year round. Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is surrounded by 18 Reservations, referred to as the ‘Emerald Necklace,’ which are filled with 300 miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails, rivers and streams, rock formations, picnic areas, fishing ponds, and nature centers. Included in the mix is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park which is one of the most visited national parks in America. The MetroParks have served as our happy place to help us enjoy the outdoors and recharge our batteries each week. Finding moss on each hike is the perfect icing on the cake.
After being inspired by the local MetroParks, my search of moss has carried over to each new outdoor adventure. For millions of years, moss has survived all around the world. Despite its hardiness, moss is not everywhere so sometimes I have to look a little harder. Shady, moist, clean areas are ideal but it can grow in almost every condition. One area that moss tends to be less productive is in salty regions and waters. Moss will grow on any hard surface, but it tends to favor North-facing surfaces because they like the darker, more humid environment but moss has been found on all sides if the conditions are right.
When you see moss, just know that it is benefiting your environment. It is low maintenance and does not require fertilizers and chemicals to grow. It absorbs harmful toxins from the soil and air and makes them clean and friendly which allows for other plants to grow and contribute to a clean environment.
With 12,000 species of moss, researchers have found some notable medical benefits in the treatment of nausea, inflammation, and muscle cramps. Moss was used during WWI and WWII to prevent blood loss, as well as, an antibiotic for wounded soldiers. One benefit I can attest to is it helps release stress and can make you feel happier; it always has that affect on me whenever I see it.
So the next time you see a thick carpet of lush moss along your path, take a moment to enjoy this little treasure and what it contributes to your environment. You may find you are a moss lover too.
