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Fern Forays

“The ancient lineage of ferns, their interesting biology, the comparatively few numbers of orders, families, genera and species, and the presence of ferns in nearly all ecological systems make them objects of special interest to both the scientist and layperson. The number of species in Northeastern and Central United States is limited to about 100.” From: “A Field Guide to Ferns”, by Boughton Cobb. Peterson Field Guide Series.

In the Park 57 ferns and their allies have been identified to date. So, how about this activity for spending a great day in the Smoky Mountains! Fern Forays take advantage of the established trails in the Park to identity and quantify all the ferns and their related allies observed – Horsetails, Clubmosses, Spikemosses, and Quillworts. The scenery can’t be beat; and the fellowship is a hoot!

Please see the events calendar for dates and locations.

View photos of past Fern Forays at the DLIA Photo Gallery.

For more information contact Pat Cox at pbcox@tva.gov, 865-632-3609.

Instructions:

  • Volunteers are divided into groups (5-7-including a leader knowledgeable about ferns).
    • Each person has a specific duty:
      • plot site measurement
      • plant search
      • dominant overstory conditions
      • data recording
      • measuring the distance to the next plot center
  • The group is given a map of the trail to be investigated, beginning at Plot 1, the trailhead.
    • A 15 meter circle is marked, and all ferns/allies are identified and counted individually up to 30 specimens.
    • Species over 30 in number are noted (30>).
    • All tree species which “shade” the plot are noted (by species, not number).
    • GPS coordinates are recorded for plot center (see Guidelines for Collecting GPS Data).
  • After the plot data are recorded, the trail is then followed, with volunteers measuring 200 meters from the previous plot center.
    • Enroute, information concerning any ferns or allies seen is recorded and a rough estimate of density noted.
    • The new site becomes the next plot center, and the above activities are repeated.
    • The daily goal is to have 12 or more plots taken on each trail segment (often, 20 or more plots are completed).
    • This continues until either the whole trail is mapped, or a time limit is reached.

Safety Considerations:

  • Since these searches are concentrated off the trail at each plot center volunteers should not place feet or hands in dense vegetation until searched for:
    • poisonous plants
    • stinging insects
    • snakes (Don’t freak out, now! Another good reason to have a hiking stick!)
  • Volunteers should be in good physical condition and used to working in steep country, often during hot and humid weather.
  • Bring more water than you think you’ll need!