Ferns are beautiful additions to our landscapes, their graceful fronds embellishing the forest understory and  edges of streams, swamps and clearings. Around 75 species of ferns can be found in New England, with only a dozen that are relatively common.

Join Jeff Pengel in exploring the natural history of some common ferns that inhabit coastal Maine. Jeff will elaborate on the ecology and unique biological adaptations of ferns and allies we encounter at the Preserve and share identification tips for the species we find.

Jeff Pengel was trained as a botanist and geologist at The University of Akron. He worked briefly as a field geologist. A former high school science teacher, he taught earth science and biology in an urban Cincinnati, Ohio public school. Jeff worked for many seasons as an outdoor educator for Nature’s Classroom in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He now volunteers as a naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club at many of their facilities. He is also a Maine Master Naturalist instructor and actively volunteers for that program. A practitioner of interpretation, he does public presentations at land trusts throughout Maine primarily on non-flowering plants. He teaches the botany of non-flowering plants for various Maine Senior College sites. Jeff also surveys rare plants for the Native Plant Trust.

A hand lens is helpful but not required – loaners will be available. Cameras welcome. Max participants of 18. Children 13+ welcome.

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