How different are ferns from other plants? Ferns are ancient, having taken hold 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 9, at 7 pm. We will then apply our understanding of fern structure on our July 11th 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 downhill distance 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 only in the Zoom lecture and not in hiking, check out this link: https://marylandnature.wildapricot.org/event-6729352.
JudyFulton is founder of EcoPlant Consulting, President of the Maryland Native Plant Society, and a member of the Board of the Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council. She helped write and pass the 2023 Maryland Native Plants Program and the 2024 Maryland Invasive Plant bill. In addition, she has co-authored the widely recognized Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Field Guide and the prize-winning Maryland Native Plant Guide, Piedmont Region. She also played the lead role in creating the Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool, an online guide to more than 900 invasive species.
- Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- The Zoom link will be listed in your registration confirmation email.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
- No more than two children per adult.
- 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 that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-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.
