cycle is emerging in which the fern gametophyte is no longer viewed as the "weak link" in the cycle, but in fact tests a broader range of habitats than the sporophyte can survive in.
be considered a salvation action and not a form of mitigation.
Wednesday, August 11 9am - 3pm
Thursday, August 12 8am - 5pm
Thursday, August 12 8am - 5pm
Premeeting Workshop: Botrychium
Dr. Farrar will discuss adaptations in the fern life cycle that allow ferns to exploit dry habitats in the Southwest. These include adaptations in both the sporophyte and gametophyte generations that allow them to tolerate desiccation and a limited free water supply. He will discuss some recent research that shows the supposedly "delicate" gametophytes to be remarkably capable of avoiding and tolerating desiccation. A new perspective on the fern life
Dr. Johnson-Groh will discuss Mitigation/ Salvation of Moonworts. Transplanting Botrychium (moonworts) has been suggested as a means of mitigating destruction of plants and habitats for development projects. Studies conducted on transplanting moonworts reveal low success. Long-term monitoring (decades) is required to ascertain the ultimate success of transplantation. At best, transplantation should
This workshop will introduce the peculiarities of the fern genus
Botrychium, followed by discussions of their ecology, evolution and
identification. Hands on experience with identification will be provided
through use of live plants and plant silhouettes. Participants will be
guided through a key especially designed for species of the southern
Rocky Mountains. A field trip will introduce methods of search for these
often tiny plants, and techniques for marking and monitoring
populations.
NOTE: This workshop is not recommended for those with physical disabilities, as the field trip will be a strenuous hike in rough terrain above 9,000 ft.
Botrychium, followed by discussions of their ecology, evolution and
identification. Hands on experience with identification will be provided
through use of live plants and plant silhouettes. Participants will be
guided through a key especially designed for species of the southern
Rocky Mountains. A field trip will introduce methods of search for these
often tiny plants, and techniques for marking and monitoring
populations.
NOTE: This workshop is not recommended for those with physical disabilities, as the field trip will be a strenuous hike in rough terrain above 9,000 ft.