In California most large fern species prefer
habitats that have low light, moderate temperatures, and even moisture
supplies. Thus the most abundant fern gardens grow in the coastal
rain forests such as the redwood groves.
Caves entrance microhabitats can provide growing
conditions similar to redwood forests in even harsh deserts. Under the auspices of the
Cave Research Foundation, curators from the Oakland Museum of California and U.C. Berkeley
found fern species typical of coastal regions growing in sagebrush desert near the Oregon
and Nevada borders.
Here in the sagebrush desert, this steel
grate guards the entrance to a cave lush with natural and cultural history.
Just below the grate, previously
unreported from more than five miles inland of the coast, this woodfern species thrives in
the protection of the cave mouth. The Modoc Indians, valuing this unique spot centered
their spiritual practice in this cave.
Moist air escaping from this cave mouth is
enough to support a different woodfern species out under the desert sun.
In another nearby cave, this swordfern
grows to a size seldom attained in its usual habitats.
