Fern Identification and Ecology for
Conservationists and Gardeners
with Randall Stone, Pioneer Valley Fern Society

This introduction to ferns will be helpful and informative for anyone interested in learning how to identify ferns - be it for confirming wetland boundaries, incorporating native ferns in a naturalized landscape, or honing your "botanizing" skills. Come explore the woodland trails at the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA and learn to identify the most common ferns of our area. An indoor classroom session will cover basic fern biology, identification techniques, and ecology, and the field session will provide simple and easy methods for positive field identification.We will also observe the changes in fern species composition along the hydrologic gradient, and review the status of designated species as wetland indicators. Please bring a hand lens if you have one, a water bottle, and you’re encouraged to dress defensively (for mosquitoes and ticks). Copies of Fern Finder by Barbara Hallowell will be available for workshop attendees to purchase for $5.30, which includes sales tax. Class 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. MACC members $40, Non-members $55, Full-time students $30