“Ferns of the Gila” – presenter Russ Kleinman
At the November virtual meeting of the Gila Native Plant Society, Russ Kleinman will discuss the unique characteristics of ferns and what it takes to survive as a fern in the Gila. He'll then give a survey of many of the 37 species of ferns known from the Gila and explain how to tell them apart.
Retiring early from a career in surgery to devote his energies to botanical exploration, Russ Kleinman was instrumental in creating the website www.gilaflora.com, an invaluable archive of photographs and information on the vascular plants of the Gila region (including 10 families of ferns).
He has been studying mosses, liverworts and ferns for some years and has ongoing research projects in some of the hardest-to-access places in the state.
As always, the public is welcome. Those interested in joining in the Zoom presentation at 7:00 pm on Friday, November 20th, should send a request for a link to gilanative@gmail.com.
The Gila Native Plant Society is committed to promoting education, research and appreciation of the native flora of the Southwest; encouraging the preservation of rare and endangered plant species; and supporting the use of suitable native plants in landscaping. For information on programs, publications and membership, please visit www.gilanps.org.