Friday - Saturday Overnight Fern Foray

Ferns and Lycophytes of the Driftless Area Option 1 
Friday 2:00 pm - Saturday  5:00 pm
$150.00

Trip Sponsored by AFS.

The fern foray will take place immediately prior to the Botany 2018 conference. Participants of the  foray have the option to either participate in the full overnight foray (Option 1) or to participate in the Saturday 1/2 day portion of the foray only (Option 2 – see Fern Foray trip on Saturday). The Driftless Area in southeastern Minnesota includes unglaciated regions of the state, which host an array of limestone endemics and encompass the northern-most extent of the range for many fern species. Special highlights of this foray include visits to an above-ground sink hole (Mystery Cave State Park (Option 1)) and to cliff faces overlooking the mighty Mississippi River (Options 1 & 2). 

Option 1 the full overnight fern foray. We will board the bus at the conference center on Friday, July 20th, 2018 at 2 PM. From there, we will journey southward toward Forestville and Mystery Caves State Park. This 1 hour drive will be punctuated with stops to see ferns at various locations along the way. Upon arriving at the park, we will embark upon a foray at the park and surrounding areas. The evening will conclude with dinner and a fire-side chat. The following morning, we will board the bus, departing Mystery Caves State Park at 10 AM. From there, we will travel to Frontenac State Park by way of Whitewater State Park and surrounding areas. 

Lodging: Four camping cabins with bunkbeds and electricity have been reserved for the overnight. Each cabin sleeps 6 (one sleeps 5) and one is handicapped accessible. Cabins do not have bathroom facilities, but bathrooms and showers are located nearby. Additional options for tent camping are available, but equipment, supplies, and reservations must be organized in advance by contacting the field trip coordinator (Amanda Grusz, algrusz@d.umn.edu).

What to bring: For the overnight foray, please be prepared with an overnight bag and anything that you may need overnight (clothes, bathroom essentials, etc.). We will organize food and bedding for participants in advance. Please also bring suitable attire and footwear for light hiking. Food will be provided for dinner (Fri), breakfast (Sat), and lunch (Sat). 

Trip Leader: Amanda Grusz, American Fern Society