Highland Farm Preserve Winter Ferns with the York Land Trust

On Saturday December 13, 2025 I went on a Winter Fern Hike with Anna DiChiara  of the York Land Trust at the Highland Farm Preserve on Route 91 in York. I have past this property many times taking the short cut back toward South Berwick from York but never made time to stop.


The group was a great size and all seemed pretty well prepared. It was cold but not as cold as it had been and the trail, though packed down, wasn't particularly icy. 


Anna, our naturalist, told me in an email later that a couple of years ago she had some medical issues that caused her to rethink her life purpose. She decided to pursue the Maine Master Naturalist program and, although this was her first hike, she carried herself with calm confidence, sharing insights with ease and demonstrating a deep understanding of nature. Her knowledge and poise made the experience unforgettable for everyone involved.


If you've spent any time with a fern identification key, you'll see that the first step is to decide how many times the leaf is divided or "cut"



Highland Farm itself occupies 91 acres, but it abuts Kittery Water District Land, shares a small boundary with Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and is across the street from the Smelt Brook Preserve. Some trails are groomed for cross country skiing. I was surprised by the different ecosystems found here


The first fern we found was Christmas Fern, a "once-cut" leaf closely related to the Sword Fern we taught the kids about in the Redwood Forest of California. It's easy to see the leathery texture that helps it survive the freeze thaw cycles of winter. Anna told us about how, as ice crystals usually destroy plant cells, some of the winter ferns will force the water down into the roots so that there's nothing in the leaves left to freeze. Some also use sugars to lower the freezing point to a level the cell can survive.


Evergreen Wood Fern. Thrice-cut


We didn't find Sensitive Fern Leaves (except for those Anna brought for teaching), but passed through an area with many of the separate fertile fronds with bead-like sori (reproductive organs)


We then met the Intermediate Wood Fern, one of the only wood ferns that is only twice-cut.



The Sori of Intermediate Wood Ferns are on the underside of the leaves.


What fern is not a fern? Sweet Fern. This aromatic plant is related to bay. It is very hardy, growing along the power lines and dirt roads near my house. One of my missionary friends made a pillow of it to bring to Brazil for when she just needed to think of home.


At the back of the property are bluffs. I believe you could see the tops of some of the factories in Kittery from here.


Polypody is a small evergreen fern that likes to take advantage of empty cracks in the rock.


Polypody also has sori on the underside


Another not-a-fern but of great interest to me. I don't think I've ever seen Pixiecups in Lichen on a tree. And this is different that the Pixiecups often associated with British Soldier Lichen



While I was exploring on my own after everyone else had left, I found a couple of these tiny critter holes (finger for reference). I don't know that I have ever seen ice crystals along the edges of these tunnels like I see in the air hole at the top of a beaver lodge. 


Some more teeny tinies I shot with my $35 lens


I think this is winter goldenrod. So intricate!


If there isn't a photo I wasn't there?

Did you find your way here after a hike where Kate was the volunteer photographer? Perhaps you've enjoyed her images or seen her byline on one of many environmental websites. Kate is a naturalist and largely self-taught photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and urgency of the natural world. Having photographed hundreds of environmental events for nonprofit organizations—entirely self-funded—she is now asking for your help to upgrade her equipment. Your support will allow her to continue providing high-quality, impactful images that support conservation efforts. Ways you can help:

  • Share this campaign with friends, family, and nature lovers at GoFundMe. https://gofund.me/4cff87b7e
  • Connect Kate with organizations that might benefit from my photography. You can check out the HodgePodgeImage Portfolio website at https://HodgePodgeImages.com

Thanks!


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The HodgePodge Images Project

Image
All my life I have been a teacher, desiring to convey what I consider important to anyone who will listen. Through my photography, if I can encourage you to engage more deeply with an issue and prompt reflection, then I have accomplished my goal. My photographic journey began in the Redwood Forests of California, where I taught Environmental Science. This new world inspired me to capture its essence, leading me to purchase my first point and shoot digital camera. As a New Englander, I eventually returned to the east, bringing with me a newfound passion for photography. The discovery of a Great Horned Owl nest ignited my desire to be a better photographer. I begged and borrowed camera equipment and eventually was given antique film cameras and lenses by an old newspaper reporter. The wonderful thing about Nikon glass is that old Nikon lenses fit on new Nikon bodies. I bought a used Nikon d5000 and taught myself manual photography so I could use the wide range of equipment I had be...
Read more

HodgePodge Images: MES Winter Workshop: Discovering the Magic of Flower Flies

Image
I’ve always had a soft spot for underdogs—maybe because I’ve often felt like one myself. It’s probably why I love photographing the tiny, easily overlooked things in the world. About six years ago, I started spending time with the Maine Entomological Society . I tell people, “They find the bugs, I shoot them,” though these days I’m finding my fair share too. Every winter, MES holds a workshop featuring presentations around a particular theme. They’re usually in Augusta, which is a bit of a drive for me, so I haven’t always been eager to attend. Last year’s topic was mosquitoes… not exactly inspiring. But this year? Flower flies—also known as hover flies. If you’ve seen my insect photography, you know hover flies are some of my favorites. The first presenter for 2026 was Dr. Jeff Skevington, one of the leading experts on flower flies, from Carleton University in Ontario . He co‑authored FieldGuide to the Flower Flies of Northeastern North America back in 2017, and as a self‑procla...
Read more

Historical Adventures: Winter on the Piscataqua

Image
Along with my environmental  adventures  I also love to experience living history.  Last week end, I attended the "Winter on the Piscataqua" event hosted by the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH). While I missed the advertised outdoor activities, I enjoyed exploring the rich history of the Colonel Paul Wentworth House and learning about local traditions.   Founded in 2003, ARCH was originally  established  with the goal of preserving and  maintaining  the Colonel Paul Wentworth House as an educational and cultural resource. The house itself has a fascinating history, having been  relocated  three times—first, up the hill in Rollinsford, second to Dover, Massachusetts, and finally brought back to its last site in Rollinsford. The organization’s efforts have ensured that this piece of local history  remains  accessible and preserved for future generations.   My visit began at the rear of the house, steppi...
Read more