March chapter meeting: Mysterious Sword Fern Mortality
Details
Mysterious Mortality of Western Sword Fern
presented by Dr. Joey Hulbert
Date: Monday 9 March
Time: 6:30 PM with presentation starting at 7:00 PM
Location: Coach House behind the Lord Mansion at 211 21st Ave SW, Olympia
Mortality of western sword fern has been observed by community scientists in many natural areas throughout the Puget Sound. The cause of the sword fern die-off has been investigated through multiple studies over the past decade, but it is unclear if there is a single factor that explains the patterns regionally. Some studies suggested root disease because of the localized pattern of spread in areas such as Seward Park and Blakey Harbor. In 2025, WSU was awarded a small grant from WSDA to explore the root disease hypothesis further.
Joey Hulbert is a Research Assistant Professor in the Urban Forest Health Lab at the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center. The lab leads the Forest Health Watch program and many community science projects focused on tree health issues. Learn more at https:treehealth.wsu.edu.
This event will be held in person at the Lord Mansion Coach House or you can attend by Zoom. To register click this button