Randy Stone, left, guided participants on a fern walk Sunday, July 25, at the Bearsden Conservation Area in Athol.
Thanks to Randy Stone for guiding us on an exploration of local ferns at the Bearsden Conservation Area in Athol on Sunday, July 25th. The event was co-sponsored by the Athol Bird and Nature Club and the Pioneer Valley Fern Society. 20 members and friends gathered in the post rain-soaked afternoon to learn about these interesting and ancient members of the plant community. 13 Species of fern were identified in a 1/4 mile stretch of the conservation area access road. They included:
- Interrupted Fern
- Cinnamon Fern
- Sensitive Fern
- New York Fern
- Hay-scented Fern
- Lady Fern
- Bracken Fern
- Evergreen Wood Fern
- Marginal Wood Fern
- Common Polypody
- Applachian Polypody
- Marsh Fern
- Spinulose Wood Fern
For more information on the Pioneer Valley Fern Society see their website https://pvfernsociety.org/ In case you missed this event another fern walk will be scheduled around Labor Day. Check our events calendar for updates on this and other natural history field trips and lectures.