🌿 Ferns of the Pacific Northwest – Edward Alverson – Botanist & Ecological Steward

A recent analysis of North American fern biogeography found that the Pacific Northwest includes one of the greatest concentrations of fern species on the continent. The Vancouver area and SW British Columbia is an especially species-rich region. The diversity of climate, topography, and geology all come together to produce suitable habitats for a breathtaking variety of ferns. . From the tiny aquatic Mosquito Ferns, to majestic Giant Chain Ferns whose fronds can reach 2-3m; our ferns come in an amazing array of shapes, sizes, forms and textures.
This illustrated talk will include a brief primer on fern biology and ecology, followed by an overview of the taxonomic diversity of Pacific Northwest ferns and the places they grow. For a preview, visit the “Ferns and Lycophytes of the Pacific Northwest” project on iNaturalist,org

Ed Alverson currently serves as the Natural Areas Coordinator for Lane County Parks in Eugene, Oregon. He has a BS in Biology from The Evergreen State College and a MS in Botany from Oregon State University, and has worked as a field botanist and stewardship ecologist in the Pacific Northwest for over 40 years. Ed’s botanical interests include fern taxonomy and ecology, floristics and endemism in vascular plants, and conservation and restoration of native plants and ecosystems, particularly prairies, savannas, and oak woodlands. Ed has authored or co-authored more than 50 popular and scientific articles on a variety botanical and ecological topics, from plant taxonomy and ecology to botanical history and exploration. He has also revised keys for a number of fern families and genera for the 2nd Edition of Flora of the Pacific Northwest.

This presentation is likely to be a hybrid of in-person and Zoom Video Conferencing. The location would be as in past years the Unitarian Hewett Centre at 949 w 49th ave in Vancouver.   In-person attendees will be required to wear masks and present proof of vaccination. In person audience will be limited to 40 attendees. Please RSVP to botany@naturevancouver.ca .This page will be updated if limit is achieved.  Check this page for updates. 
On the Monday preceding the event, Nature Vancouver members will receive the Zoom link in the weekly e-News.  The talk will begin at 7:30 pm.  Non-members are welcome and should Email denis@NatureVancouver.ca well in advance to register for the link.