Upcoming Eagle Hill Seminar!



Bryophilous Fungi

September 16–23, 2026

Title: Bryophilous Fungi

Scheduling Details: September 16–23, 2026



Description: Bryophytes host a diverse array of fungal associates. This seminar focuses on morphologically identifiable ascomycetes that produce fruiting bodies on bryophytes, most of which are considered “microfungi.” These organisms display remarkable diversity in morphology, infection strategies, and host impact, ranging from severe pathogenic effects to virtually asymptomatic associations. Their minute size, combined with the need for both bryological and mycological expertise, has made this group challenging to study. This seminar aims to bridge that disciplinary gap and is best suited to participants with some prior experience in bryology. All major groups of bryophilous ascomycetes will be covered, with integrated field and laboratory components. As microscopy is central to their study, participants should be proficient in the use of both dissecting and compound microscopes to gain full benefit. Lectures will address classification, systematics, taxonomy, evolution, ecological adaptations, infection mechanisms, and best practices in specimen collection and curation. While the emphasis is on morphological identification, guidance and materials will also be provided for participants interested in culturing and DNA sequencing approaches.

Dr. George R.L. Greiff (greiff.grlg@gmail.com) is a Research Associate at the John Innes Centre in England, working on the molecular mechanisms underpinning natural moss-fungus interactions. Prior to this, he worked at the National Museum of Wales as Senior Curator of Bryology, Mycology and Lichenology. He has 10 years’ experience working on bryophilous ascomycetes, having described several new species and done fieldwork in Europe and Africa.

Each summer since 1987, regional and national authorities in the field of natural history have come to the Eagle Hill Institute on the Eastern Maine Coast to lead intensive seminars on their specialties. Seminars involve field trips that are focused on learning about the ecology of species in their natural outdoor environment. The indoor classroom part of these seminars includes lectures, discussions, and lab identifications and studies of specimens that have been collected in the field. They begin with a Sunday late afternoon arrival and dinner at 7 PM, followed by an introductory program. Mondays through Fridays are full teaching days, with meal times as relaxed settings for informal discussions. Evenings are set aside for discussions by the fireplace in the dining hall's comfortable lounge or for follow-up classroom activities. They conclude after breakfast on Saturday. For more information on seminar registration and costs, click here.

Early Registration Discounts. Save on tuition costs by registering for seminars early—6% if you register at least 8 weeks before the start-date of a seminar, or 3% if at least 4 weeks before. To qualify, your registration must be accompanied by a deposit or purchase order. Early registration discounts apply only to tuition, but are calculated before, and cumulate with, other general discounts you qualify for.

Student Discounts. Both undergraduate and graduate students receive an automatic 15% discount off tuition and accommodations—upped to 30% with a faculty letter of recommendation.