We used 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis, fatty acid methyl ester analysis, and scanning electron microscopy to partially characterize two apparently unique bacteria isolated from the environment. Light microscopy revealed that the first organism was a Gram-positive spore-forming bacillus, while the second organism was Gram-negative. The second organism was determined to have a bacillus morphology based on the images obtained from scanning electron microscopy. The 16S rRNA sequence and fatty acid methyl ester analyses demonstrated that both organisms could be previously undescribed species within known genera. The Gram-positive organism was shown to be a close relative of Brevibacillus laterosporus; the Gram-negative organism was shown to be closely related to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Scanning electron microscopy also was used to determine the fine details of cellular morphology of both isolates.