Fern ID and Ecology Walk (Registration Required)

 

Identifying commonly seen ferns is fun and easy. Unlike flowering plants — with leaves, buds and flowers to remember, all at different times of the year — ferns look pretty much the same all season, so there is just one set of characteristics to learn.

 

On Saturday, Sep 11 from 10 am to noon at Erickson Fields Preserve, Hildy Ellis, recently retired program manager for Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, will demonstrate how to identify about ten common ferns using the “Quick Guide to Common Ferns of New England” by Ariel Tah and “Fern Finder” by Barbara Hallowell. In addition to identification tips, the talk and walking tour will cover fascinating fern natural history, reproduction, and ecology. We will meet at the and follow the trail around the woodland loop, which is an easy walk of about 1.4 miles.

 

Participants will meet at the Erickson Fields kiosk (164 West Street, Rockport) and follow the trail around the woodland loop. This is an outdoor program; please wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Facemasks are required. If you have one, bring a hand lens or magnifying glass. “Quick Guide” will be provided to all participants; copies of “Fern Finder” will be available to use and to purchase.