CBS News ‘Sunday Morning’ Features L&C’s Moss Week

Lewis & Clark’s annual Moss Appreciation Week stepped into the national spotlight this weekend with a feature titled “The Beauty of Moss” on CBS News Sunday Morning. Reported by correspondent Conor Knighton, the story explored moss as an ancient, resilient life form—one that has survived for more than 450 million years—and prominently featured L&C’s scenic campus along with key members of its moss-loving community.

At Lewis & Clark, Knighton found a celebration equal parts playful and scientific. The broadcast, which regularly airs to about 5 million viewers, highlighted favorite Moss Appreciation Week traditions, including the Moss Petting Zoo, moss cupcakes, terrariums, art projects, and opportunities to view moss under the microscope.

Produced by Lewis & Clark’s Natural History Club, Moss Week reflects the spirit of a popular organization that welcomes students from any major and requires no prior background in natural history. Parvaneh Abbaspour, science and data services librarian in Watzek Library and the club’s advisor, helps support that broad culture of curiosity and discovery.

For biology major Finn Goldberger-Judd BA ’26, that culture was part of Lewis & Clark’s appeal from the beginning. “Moss Week was one of the reasons I came to this school,” he said. “I heard about it while I was visiting, and I thought it was so cool because I already loved moss and stuff on the forest floor.”

Associate Professor of Biology Margaret Metz hopes Moss Week will continue to generate that type of enthusiasm among others in the Lewis & Clark community. “I think there’s joy in discovery and awe and wonder when you look at these mosses up close and you see these incredible jewel-like structures,” she said. “I think most people don’t take the time to stop and look at moss. I highly recommend up close and personal.”

Sunday Morning Biology Natural History Club