Aleutian Shield Fern

The Aleutian Shield Fern, a small plant only 6 inches high, is found only on Adak Island, Alaska. It was listed as endangered in the Federal Register February 17th, 1988. There are about 130 "clumps" on one single east-facing, rocky slope. I grows in moderately protected, moist spots in crevices and beneathe overhangs. All of these plants are protected and managed by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. This photo was taken in 1989.