Happy #FernFriday! Our species this week is the Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum). The name derives from its dark, slender stipes (stalks that connect leaf blades to stems) which resemble wisps of a young woman’s hair. Interestingly, the stipes have been used in basketry as a weaving material. The dark colour creates a nice contrast against cedar roots or sweetgrass, both of which are commonly used in basketry. The fronds (divided leaves) are resistant to rain — appearing dry even after a hard rainfall, and their broad fan-like pattern is unique among native fern species. This delicate perennial is relatively common in the park and can be found on many of the hiking trails and throughout the campgrounds!