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Weft fern confirms uniqueness of the nature preserve
A team of natural scientists recently discovered a rare plant at Fern Station, the new nature preserve that the Central Indiana Land Trust (CILTI) purchased last year. Weft fern is a state-endangered species that grows on rocks, caves, and sheltered crevices. The scientists found the specimen during a plant inventory of the 570-acre forest west of Greencastle in Putnam County.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources botanist Scott Namestnik and ecologist Wyatt Williams spent several days surveying the property to inventory its diverse plant species.
“We knew we would see a wide variety of ferns because they thrive in lush, wooded ravines,” said Jamison Hutchins, CILTI’s stewardship director, who joined the duo for part of the survey. “But weft fern was unexpected. It grows in protected crevices within outcrops or cliffs, so you really have to look for it. It was a very cool find.”
Thanks in large part to $3.1 million from the Next Level Conservation Trust, the land trust purchased Fern Station in 2023. Now CILTI is developing a land management plan that will enable the preserve to eventually open to the public. For now, Fern Station is only open for guided hikes and events hosted by land trust staff and partners.
Because it is owned by the land trust, the land will be protected and the ongoing care will not require tax dollars.
“Weft fern at Fern Station tells us that the area has been undisturbed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years,” said Cliff Chapman, president of the Central Indiana Land Trust. “Our challenge is to protect its plant and wildlife habitats while also providing opportunities for Hoosiers to enjoy this special place. We’re looking forward to seeing the full results of the botanical inventory, which will guide our work as we move ahead.”
Fern Station’s purchase was made possible by these partners: The Efroymson Family Fund, The Herbert Simon Family Foundation, The Silicon Valley Community Foundation, The Meyer Family Fund, The Sam Shine Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, The Putnam County Community Foundation, Indiana Native Plant Society, and the Amos Butler Audubon Society, as well as CILTI’s generous members.
Jen Schmits Thomas
Media Relations