Rare plant discovered at Fern Station Nature Preserve

Scientists recently discovered the rare weft fern (Crepidomanes intricatum) during a recent survey of Fern Station Nature Preserve west of Greencastle.

Courtesy photo/CILTI

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 in Madison Township.

Weft fern (crepidomanes intricatum) 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.

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 CILTI stewardship director Jamison Hutchins, 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 hard 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.

A team of natural scientists including (from left) Scott Namestnik, Max Gerke and Wyatt Williams conduct a floristic survey of Fern Station Nature Preserve in Madison Township. The work paid off with the discovery that the rare weft fern grows on the land.

Courtesy photo/CILTI

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,” Land Trust President Cliff Chapman said. “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.”

The purchase of Fern Station was made possible by a number of 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.

The Central Indiana Land Trust (CILTI) preserves the best of Central Indiana’s natural areas, protecting plants and animals, so Hoosiers can experience the wonder of the state’s natural heritage. Since it was created in 1990, CILTI has protected more than 8,000 acres of land that meet science-based criteria for conservation value. More information is available at www.ConservingIndiana.org.