American Fern Society facts for kids
The American Fern Society is a group for people who love ferns. It was started a long time ago, in 1893. Today, more than 1,000 people from all over the world are members. They even have smaller groups in different places. A very famous member was Oliver Sacks, who joined in 1993.
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How the Society Began
The American Fern Society was founded by Willard N. Clute. He first started it as the Linnaean Fern Chapter. This chapter was part of a larger group called the Agassiz Association.
The chapter had meetings in 1898 and 1900. Members were in small groups and shared their reports by mail. In 1905, the members of the Linnaean Fern Chapter decided to form their own group. This is how the American Fern Society was created.
Sharing Knowledge About Ferns
The society helps people learn more about ferns by publishing different materials.
Journals for Fern Experts
Since 1910, the society has published the American Fern Journal. This is a science journal that shares new information about ferns. Before that, they published The Fern Bulletin from 1892 to 1912.
News for Members
Since 1974, the society has also published The Fiddlehead Forum. This is a newsletter that keeps members updated on society news and fern topics. They also publish special books about ferns called Pteridologia since 1979.
Fun Activities for Fern Lovers
The American Fern Society offers many ways for members to get involved and learn.
Growing Ferns from Spores
The society has a special "spore exchange." This is where members can order fern spores. Spores are like tiny seeds that ferns use to reproduce. Members can then grow different kinds of ferns at home.
Exploring Nature on Field Trips
The society also organizes field trips. On these trips, members go out to explore and find ferns in nature. They also have an online forum where members can talk about ferns and share their discoveries. Oliver Sacks, the famous member, even wrote about one of these field trips in his 2002 book, Oaxaca Journal.
See also
In Spanish: American Fern Society para niños
