BY KATLAN THOMERSON
Glasgow News 1
Recently, Mammoth Cave National Park released a post on Facebook informing the public of an invasive plant species called Marina Maiden Fern (Macrothelypteris torresiana).
According to the post, The Mariana Maiden Fern has been detected in recent years at Mammoth Cave National Park by the Cumberland Piedmont Inventory and Monitoring Network (CUPN) staff. This plant with Asian roots was most likely introduced to the delicate ecosystem of Mammoth Cave by human activity, carried across oceans to new lands.
The fern can be recognized by its large, light green, triangular shaped and divided fronds.
Invasive ferns disrupt native ecosystems by outcompeting local plants. They alter soil composition, light availability, and nutrient cycles.
Those who visit Mammoth Cave National Park can help decrease the spread of Mariana Maiden by documenting what you find using iNaturalist-a science reporting and mapping application designed to assist scientists obtain data.
Visit their official website or follow them on Facebook here for information.
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