PUTNAM COUNTY, Ind. — A rare plant has been discovered in west central Indiana.
The weft fern, a state-endangered species that grows on rocks, caves and sheltered crevices, was found during a plant inventory at Fern Station, a new nature preserve in Putnam County. The preserve, a 570-acre forest located west of Greencastle, was purchased last year by the Central Indiana Land Trust (CILTI).
Indiana Department of Natural Resources botanist Scott Namestnik and ecologist Wyatt Williams were joined by CILTI's stewardship director Jamison Hutchins as they surveyed the plants on the property over several days, the trust said.
“We knew we would see a wide variety of ferns because they thrive in lush, wooded ravines,” Hutchins said. “But weft fern was unexpected. It grows in protected crevices within outcrops or cliffs, so you really have to look hard for it. It was a very cool find.”
Cliff Chapman, president of CILTI, said the discovery of the weft fern in the preserve shows "the area has been undisturbed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years."
At this time, Fern Station is only open for guided hikes and events hosted by CILTI and its partners.
The purchase was made possible, in part, by a $3.1 million contribution from the Next Level Conservation Trust.
"Because it is owned by the land trust, the land will be protected and the ongoing care will not require tax dollars," CILTI said in a release announcing the weft fern discovery.
You can learn more about the Central Indiana Land Trust at ConservingIndiana.org.
