Raising its periscopic appendage to the world above, another subterranean creature emerges from a long, winter’s nap. Its furry antenna unfolds to behold the wonder of spring.
Sprouting from spreading rhizomes, these solitary fronds can grow from 24 to 80 inches in a season. They are deciduous and often form a mat when they die off in the winter. A rabbit lived near this small forest of ferns last year, and would often use it for cover when someone walked by on the path.
The diversity of life is undeniably true — I experience it with all my senses, and yet, at the same time it all seems unbelievable.
