Identifying ferns is fun – and not that hard! Ferns don’t have pesky flowers to distract from identifying them by their fronds and growth habit – they look pretty much the same all season. And, in this region there are only 10-15 common native ferns that one might encounter on a woodland walk – an easily manageable number. On August 17, from 10 am to 12 pm, naturalist Hildy Ellis will help participants on an Identification Walk learn to ID commonly encountered ferns by their fronds, fruiting bodies (sori), growth habit and habitat; share fern lore and ecology; and discuss the fascinating details of fern reproduction. Several fern ID guides will be available for use and all participants will receive a free copy of the “Quick Guide to Common Ferns of New England,” by Ariel Tal.
Hildy Ellis has a BS in Plant Science and Horticulture from UMaine and also conducted graduate research on the invasive characteristics of Euonymus alatus (burning bush). From 2004 – 2008, she was education director at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, PA, after which she returned to Maine and served as program manager for Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District. Since retirement in 2021, Hildy has continued to lead walk-n-talks on plant ecology.
For more information and to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/naturalist-workshop-series-august17.
Midcoast Conservancy is a vibrant regional land trust that works to protect vital lands and waters on a scale that matters and to inspire wonder and action on behalf of all species and the Earth. The organization works throughout the Sheepscot River, Medomak River, and Damariscotta Lake watersheds. Midcoast Conservancy manages over 15,000 acres, including 55 preserves and 100 miles of trails; and Hidden Valley, a preserve with cabin and outdoor recreation equipment rentals and a low-impact forestry program. Community members can get involved in the organization’s work as volunteers with water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, fish passage projects, forestry and oyster farming or outdoor recreation and education. For more information, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.