Fern Walk in June

Under a mix of sometimes blue, sometimes threatening skies on consecutive days, a total of 18 Blue Ridge Naturalist Network members set out to learn more about our local ferns and fern allies.  Our own David Phillips shared his incredible knowledge and passion in a way that was both relatable and practical, and helped to demystify these sometimes overlooked forest floor denizens.  From diminutive rattlesnake and bladder ferns to chest-high interrupted ferns we examined 23 species of ferns and fern allies and learned to look for the subtle clues distinguishing one species from the next.  

The combination driving and walking tour allowed us to maximize the number of species and habitats.  Our travels took us up Bent Creek Gap Road from an elevation near 2000 ft to Buck Spring at about 5000 ft elevation – North Carolina to Maine in a few hours.  A few representative photos from Steve Livingston are attached to provide a sense of the adventure for those who you who couldn’t join us.