Author: Michael A. Tarrant, PhD

Second Edition ISBN: 979-8-9875140-4-7

About the Author: Michael Tarrant is Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia and the founding director of Discover Abroad (DA). The DA office provides overseas programs focusing on the theme of sustainable development spanning all seven continents and, since inception in 2000, over 5000 UGA students have participated. As the owner and founding director (from 2003-2010) of American Universities International Programs (AUIP) Ltd, he worked with more than 20 US universities and colleges to provide international programs for an additional 1500 students. His research interests include the learning outcomes of study abroad, global citizenship, the human dimensions of natural resources, and international protected area and wilderness management.

About the Book: There are almost 200 species of NZ ferns that occur in all environments across the country. They most commonly form the undergrowth beneath a dense canopy of evergreen trees in moist, forested areas, but are also found growing on tree trunks and branches, along stream banks, and as tree ferns (in all forest types). Some hardy species have adapted to drier climates including coastal and alpine habitats. Collectively, they have a very ancient lineage dating back over 500 million years, well before the establishment of flowering plants.