Fern Identification 101: Evergreen and Tardy Ferns

Join fern fanatics Michael Nerrie and Nate Marchessault for this primer on fern identification. The one hundred and fifty-five acres of forest, fields, and wetland of contain over two dozen species of native ferns during the growing season. Learning to identify them in the height of summer can be a daunting task. With the onset of below-freezing temperatures, fern identification becomes much easier. The majority of our native ferns die back in the fall, but a handful thumb their noses at Old Man Winter and refuse to hide from the cold.

With only a few ferns left standing at this time of year, it is much easier to hone your identification skills on those that remain. We have two forms of the small and often overlooked Cutleaf Grape Fern at Distant Hill, along with the very similar Leathery Grape Fern. You will also learn to identify the Christmas Fern, Marginal and Intermediate Wood Fern, and the beautiful and incredible Rock Polypody, which can grow on bare rock. And we will take a look at a few of the non-evergreen ferns that are still easy to identify in winter, such as Sensitive Fern.

The workshop will feature a presentation, a collection of live specimens, and a short walk to practice our newly learned skills. A follow-up workshop will be held during the 2026 growing season, building on these skills to discuss the entire suite of ferns that grow in our region.

Registration is required

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