Native Fern Identification Lecture & Hike

How different are ferns from other plants? Ferns are ancient, having grabbed a foothold on Earth eons ago, and continue to thrive while others have disappeared. Native plant expert Judy Fulton will teach us about the traits that help ferns continue their success and how they vary with unusual forms and structures in this combination hike and Zoom lecture.

We will be more successful with our field identification by understanding these unique features before we get on the trail. Let’s get started with a Zoom lecture to discuss these differences on Thursday, July 10, at 7 pm. We will then apply our understanding of fern structure on our July 12th hike through Gunpowder Falls State Park, as well as discuss their preferred growing conditions and which birds and insects thrive in a fern community.

The hiking trail will include a short distance downhill to a stream, with uneven terrain in some places. Total mileage should be no more than two miles. We will be moving slowly as specimens are found and discussed.

If you are interested in only the Zoom lecture and not hiking, check out this link: https://marylandnature.wildapricot.org/event-6224395.

Our trip leader, Judy Fulton, founder of EcoPlant Consulting, believes healthy ecosystems are crucial for human survival. In her business, she transforms places overrun by invasives into native landscapes and shares her knowledge by speaking at workshops and as an invasive plant litigation expert in Annapolis. Judy is the president of the Maryland Native Plant Society and chair of the Maryland Invasive Species Council. She is also a board member for the Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council. Judy earned a Harvard MBA and three awards from Maryland’s Top 100 Women. She has co-authored the field guide, Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, and played a role in creating the Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool, an online guide to more than 900 invasive species.

• Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date, including the Zoom presentation link.
• Additional fern information can be found at Resources at the American Fern Society website and “What Are Ferns” at the USDA U.S. Forest Service website.
• Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles.
• Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and insect spray. Ticks may be in the area.
• Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for looking at details, if you have them.
• Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
• No pets, please.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.