Fern Identification Workshop at Emily Allen Wildflower Preserve

Join PLC Conservation Advisor, Dr. Ken Bridle, to learn the tools to use and plant traits to look for when identifying ferns. We'll start with a classroom discussion of keys, guides and apps, basic plant structures, and then a scout in the garden to find fresh examples and refine your skills.

Cost: $30 (free for Emily Allen Wildflower Preserve Volunteers)

Space is limited to 20 participants.

With its variety of ferns in close proximity, Emily’s beautiful Friendship Garden is a perfect place to begin to tackle fern identification. We’ll work on honing observation skills and practice identifying ferns in the garden. You’ll also be introduced to other useful resources to identify ferns in our region.

Suggested materials: 

• Fern Finder: A Guide to Native Ferns of Central and Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada. Book by Anne C. Hallowell and Barbara G. Hallowell.
• A hand lens (preferably a loupe, at least 10X magnification). The advantage of the loupes is that you can put a strap on them and hang them around your neck, leaving your hands free to take notes when you’re not using the loupe. Here’s a link to one on Amazon.