Ferns are considered a fascinating woodland plant, and there are more than 65 species native to the Carolinas. To learn more about the various species, the Botanical Gardens is offering the course “Fantastic Fern Foray.”
Led by Larry Mellichamp, director of the gardens, “Fantastic Fern Foray” is a class and field trip that will serve as a primer on fern characteristics and identification techniques. Mellichamp will emphasize roughly 20 species, and participants will visit three great fern sites in the Brevard, Looking Glass Falls and Mt. Pisgah areas.
“Fantastic Fern Foray” will be held Tuesday, July 9, and Thursday and Friday, July 11-12. The class will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Friday; the field trip is 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday. The cost is $112 plus a travel supplement to be determined. Registration is limited to 14 participants. For more information, call 704-687-0719.