The Hammond Pond - Webster Woods complex is the largest
conservation area in Newton, and one of the most biodiverse.
We will visit the western portion, a little southeast of
Newton Center, and see a dozen fern species and perhaps a
club-moss, or a lady slipper in bloom. It's not very hilly,
but we may go off-trail a bit. Wear long pants and
repellent. Bring any fern you would like me to identify.
Meet at the end of Warren St. From Beacon, take Glen Ave.
south, then first left onto Warren.
The Newton Land Management Committee has systematically
surveyed the city's open spaces to document the existing
biodiverstiy. In terms of ferns and realated plants
(pteridophytes) we have found 28 species and hybrids. Some
occur infrequently and are difficult to get to, and some are
very subtle to distinguish. We will provide an introduction
to some that are quite common and easily recognized with a
little practice.
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