Discover the world of Maine’s feathery ferns! The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) invites curious naturalists to learn about the ferns of Merrymeeting Fields Preserve on Saturday, June 23 at 10 a.m. Maine Master Naturalist volunteer Alan Seamans will lead the way to uncover the world of these often overlooked flowerless, seedless plants. This free event is geared for adults and children 10 years old and older.

Ferns are a common sight in the woods and fields of Maine and KELT’s Merrymeeting Fields Preserve boasts both types of habitats. The interrupted fern, sensitive fern, and cinnamon fern are common species speckling the preserve’s landscape. Seamans will lead walkers on how to ‘read’ the fern’s frond (or leaf) to get important clues for identification, to observe the variety of mechanisms ferns employ to disperse their spores (reproductive bodies), and to discover the ferns’ role in a forest or field habitat.

This is a light rain or shine event and registration is strongly encouraged at www.kennebecestuary.org or 207-442-8400. The walk was generously sponsored by the Merrymeeting Bay Trust, Bath Savings Trust Company, and First Federal Savings.