Moss in Prisons Project
What is the Moss in Prisons project?
To investigate methods to sustainably grow mosses for the
horticultural trade, Research Ambassadors enlisted the help of
inmates at the Cedar Creek Correctional Center to grow mosses.
One of the characteristics of plants is their ability to inspire
renewal. Prisoners working with plants are given opportunities
for both an emotionally rehabilitating experience and to learn
about the process of science.
Prisoners monitored the
growth rates of four species
of native mosses.
What issues does this project address?
Collection of mosses and
other “secondary forest
products” from the forests of
Washington is a growing industry for the horticultural trade.
Collecting mosses from branches of trees in old-growth forests, is
not sustainable. However, collecting continues, both legally and
illegally. Two goals of the project were to provide emotional
benefits to incarcerated persons and to provide an alternative to
the harvest of wild moss populations.
How was it done?
Original moss samples were collected with a permit from the
Olympic National Forest in Washington State. With the prisoners,
researchers developed methods to grow mosses, including
growing the wild-collected gametophytes in hanging mesh bags
and in plastic flats with varying amounts of shade and water.
Growth activity is documented by oven-drying and weighing
subsamples on a monthly basis. Inmates also make
observations and notes for participating researchers.
What were the outcomes?
The Moss in Prisons project is enthusiastically supported
by the prison administration. Inmates eagerly participate in
the project. The goal to provide sustainably grown mosses
suggests promise. The project has led to the implementation of a
lecture series at the prison called “Sustainable Futures - Sustainable
Lives.” Visiting lecturers deliver talks about an aspect of
sustainability or ecology. Lectures are attended jointly by prison
staff and inmates.
