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Robbins’ cinquefoil is removed from Endangered Species List Long road to plant recovery involves many steps, experts Conservation
officers swap stories at CPC Annual Meeting Center welcomes new Board of Trustees member Director’s Letter: Thanks for making 2002 a year of inspiration, encouragement Santa Barbara helps National Forest protect rare plants Institutions propose additions to National Collection L.A.
Sunflower rediscovered
Ho’opili Kanu links students with Hawaii’s
native plants |
| Robbins’
cinquefoil is removed from Endangered Species List TOP The cinquefoil, held in the Center for Plant Conservation’s National Collection of Endangered Plants, is maintained by The New England Wild Flower Society. Once threatened by backpacking and over collection, the cinquefoil is now thriving on Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. The cinquefoil is known for its hardiness. The tiny plant – only the size of a quarter when it blooms – can endure freezing temperatures. “Not only is the plant able to survive severe cold, but it grows only in areas where phenomenal winds blow the snow cover off the rocky soil,” said Bill Brumback, conservation director at New England Wild Flower Society. Robbins’ cinquefoil, or dwarf cinquefoil, is buffeted by 45 mph winds and subject to winter temperatures averaging 0 F. What the plant couldn’t endure was trampling. At one time, the Crawford Path ran straight through populations of the cinquefoil. Now the path follows a different route, skirting the cinquefoils. The Wild Flower Society has restored populations of the plants with material grown in their greenhouse. With more than 14,000 plants growing on Mt. Washington, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the plants are once again stable. The service removed the cinquefoil from the Endangered Species List on Aug. 28, 2002. But work is not complete on the cinquefoil. According to the cinquefoil’s recovery plan, scientists will need to monitor the plants for at least five more years, Brumback said. The society plans to put more plants in the ground during the next five years. The plant will remain in the National Collection as a species of conservation concern. The cinquefoil was
one of the first fully sponsored plants in the National Collection.
The following people and organizations sponsored this plant: Mr. Lalor
Burdick, Mr. Peter Doyle, Mrs. Ellen McFarland, Garden Club of America,
The New England Wild Flower Society. Long
road to plant recovery involves many steps, experts TOP Restoring an endangered plant species in serious decline may take a whole team of conservation professionals and lots of dedicated laborers. Recovery can easily take 15-20 years. A species may not require intensive care over this entire period, but long-term attention may be needed before the species is robust enough to be considered secure. The early years of recovery often require intense, coordinated work on many levels. In conservation biology, the goals of recovery are to restore a species to a condition where there are robust, self-perpetuating populations over the majority of their known geographic range. The problems that led to the populations’ initial declines must also be resolved to decrease the risk of extinction in the future. This means that the species’ community must also be robust and self-sustaining so it can support the species. The community must exist in a place that is protected from incompatible human uses, such as development, trampling or overgrazing. Provisions for stewardship and management must be made so that the habitat can be maintained into the future. Restoring plant
populations In other cases the number of remaining populations has fallen well below their previous abundance. These populations are often fragmented, so additional populations will need to be introduced to restore the species’ ability to withstand the loss of a single population or two from catastrophic events. Some species suffer from both very low numbers of individuals and low population numbers. In these cases, scientists must restore existing populations and establish new populations in suitable habitat. The Center’s National Collection of Endangered Plants provides plant material for many of these restoration efforts. Restoration projects are relatively new to conservation science, and scientists are still experimenting and learning. Once the plants are grown and planted out, it can take years of monitoring to determine whether the plants are successfully reproducing in large enough numbers over time that the population is stable and self-sustaining. Restoring Suitable
Habitat The steps to
recovery It can take a whole team to collect the diversity of information needed. Horticulturalists need to determine the species germination requirements and methods for producing healthy plants. Specialists in tissue culture and seed storage may need to be called in to provide expertise when usual growing techniques and methods fail. Geneticists may be needed to help determine the degree of relatedness in populations and the best mix of individuals to ensure success. Pollination systems and the plant’s unique breeding system may need exploration and research. Scientists may not know what the pollinators are, or what the life-cycle requirements are for the pollinators. In this case, the expertise of an entomologist may be needed. Techniques for successfully removing or controlling many invasive species may need to be worked out, and community and restoration ecologists are needed to determine effective management techniques. Land management techniques; such as prescribed burns, grazing and chemical use; must be fine-tuned to provide the diversity of habitat, appropriate levels of shade, sun, or moisture, and the presence of pollinators and seed dispersers. This is important for maintaining the imperiled plant species and to maximize the native biodiversity a site can support. Working out the species and habitat requirements and fine-tuning management can take several years of observation, experimentation and monitoring. Conservationists often must work with local landowners and communities in order to provide security for a species and its habitat. Good communicators and even real estate and tax experts can be vital to help a community find a way to conserve their species and habitat for the future. Communities may need to adjust the way they use some areas by supporting compatible uses and providing buffers or connecting corridors to help reduce fragmentation and boost biodiversity. Ideally, when the
recovery process starts, all of these steps move forward simultaneously.
In reality, progress is slow and uneven due to budget constraints and
the need to coordinate all parties involved in the complex recovery
puzzle. Nevertheless, conservationists are making progress, and every
successful project gives us more experience and ideas to take to the
next plant recovery project. Conservation
officers swap stories at CPC Annual Meeting TOP Surrounded by miles of Shaw Nature Reserve’s native prairies and woodlands, CPC scientists shared information about the projects they are working on and heard reports from national office staff. Kathryn Kennedy, Ph.D., president and executive director of the Center, introduced the national office staff, many of which were attending their first CPC Annual Meeting. Andrea Tietmeyer of Chicago Botanic Garden gave the group a sneak peak at the new National Collection plant profiles that will appear on the Web. The profiles include information and photographs of each National Collection plant. The profiles will be available on the CPC Web site and will officially be unveiled in February. Ed Guerrant of Berry Botanic Garden presented information about the third CPC book, “Saving the Pieces.” Several conservation officers shared information and research data with the group. Presentations were given by Holly Forbes from the University of California Botanical Garden, Steve Clemants from Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Bill Brumback from the New England Wild Flower Society, Flo Oxley from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Ed Guerrant from the Berry Botanic Garden, Joyce Maschinski from Fairchild Tropical Garden, and Kimberlie McCue from Missouri Botanical Garden. For the first time at an Annual Meeting, the Center for Plant Conservation discussed the role of education in conservation. Valerie Pence from Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Carolyn Devine from the Berry Botanic Garden, Kay Havens from Chicago Botanic Garden, Laura Zybas from the Center for Urban Horticulture and Johnny Randall from North Carolina Botanical Garden presented information about their educational programs. The Annual Meeting was held in conjunction with the Systematic Symposium on the Genetics of Conservation that CPC co-sponsored with the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Center for Plant Conservation sincerely thanks Kimberlie McCue and the Missouri Botanical Garden for hosting the 2002 Annual Meeting. Next year, Brian Parsons and The Holden Arboretum will be hosting the annual meeting.
Historic
Bok Sanctuary finds protected home for Florida’s Lakela’s
mint TOP Lakela’s mint, or Dicerandra immaculata, is found in an area that is only one and a half square miles. The plant grows on the ancient dunes formed along former ocean shorelines on the border of two Florida counties. While the plant was introduced in 1991 and 1992 to two sites at Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge in Martin County, this location was outside of the mint’s known range. This October, however, Bok Sanctuary and partners reintroduced the plants to Indrio Savannas, which is protected land owned by St. Lucie County. This property is within the mint’s range. Bok Sanctuary staff took cuttings from the mint in May. Due to the rapid growth rate of the species, 800 plants were ready to be transplanted this fall. The Sanctuary will be monitoring the plants every month. Cheryl Peterson, conservation program manager at Bok Sanctuary, is hopeful that this reintroduction will be successful. “Propagation from cuttings has proven very successful,” Peterson said. “These plants have successfully reproduced following reintroductions. The next milestone is for these plants to survive the dry winter, then to produce viable seed with next year’s bloom.” Lakela’s mint is a small, fragrant shrub that reachs a height of 50 centimeters. The perennial shrub produces small rose-purple colored flowers that bloom in the fall. Its stems and leaves have a strong mint smell. The hardy mint thrives
in sunny coastal areas with highly drained, infertile soils. Center
welcomes new Board of Trustees member TOP Sladen, from Warrenton, Va., is a conservationist and writer. She is a founder of Rachel’s Network, an organization that promotes women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth. She was also a founding member of the Virginia Native Plant Society. She serves on a variety of boards for national and regional conservation-related organizations. She has worked to promote an ethical view of our relationship with the natural world. Sladen is the author of seven children’s books. She’s also written numerous articles related to her conservation interests.
Director’s
Letter: Thanks for making 2002 a year of inspiration, encouragement TOP It was exciting and encouraging to see Robbins’ cinquefoil delisted. The sites are apparently prospering after years of work to detour hikers and restore populations. The restoration was a team effort that continues to include the New England Wild Flower Society, a CPC participating institution. Our supporters make CPC work, and we salute you. We’re off to a great start in 2003, as we just heard we’ll be able to replace obsolete, bulky computer equipment with new technology. A gift from the Fidelity Foundation will make this happen. Our challenge remains to explain the importance of our work to more people so we can grow and be more effective. I’m certain most people don’t realize the number of imperiled plant resources in the U.S., how important they are, and that most can still be saved. Recently in New York, I visited with the hostess of my little bed and breakfast. I told her I worked to protect imperiled U.S. plants. She was genuinely shocked saying, “I had no idea – none at all – that our own plants are endangered, and I consider myself an informed person. It makes me feel awful. How can this be happening in our own country?” She won my heart when she said, “Well, I know now, and you can bet it will be a topic of conversation for me!” I hope in 2003 each of you make imperiled plants a topic of conversation. I hope you use this newsletter as a springboard for starting these conversations.
Network
News and Notes TOP Rancho Santa Ana is pleased to report that 80 percent of these plants have survived, and 40 percent have flowered and set seed. The milkvetch, Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus, was thought to be extinct after the last known population was destroyed in 1967. Then in 1997 scientists discovered the plants growing in the sandy soil covering a coastal California oil dump. The milkvetch is listed on both the federal and California Endangered Species List. After more than five years of work gathering seed and growing the plants, Rancho Santa Ana botanists had enough material to introduce the plants. This April, the plants were transplanted to experimental sites in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Scientists will continue monitoring these populations at least through February 2003. At each of the planting sites, data is being collected on the soil and any disturbances to the plants, such as gophers and aphids. Researchers are also collecting data on the condition of each individual plant, number of vegetative shoots and flowering shoots, and information on reproduction. This experimental reintroduction will help botanists understand the habitat that the Ventura marsh milkvetch prefers.
Seed
vault opened in Seattle TOP
Santa
Barbara helps National Forest protect rare plants TOP A botanist at the national forest identified two unlisted species of environmental concern: Arroyo Seco bush mallow (Malacothamnus palmeri var. lucianus) and Arroyo de la Cruz manzanita (Arctostaphylos cruzensis). The botanist requested assistance from the garden’s conservation program staff. Dieter Wilken, Ph.D., from Santa Barbara Botanic Garden collected living materials of the bush mallow and the manzanita. Only one population of the manzanita remains on public land, and only two populations of the bush mallow remain on public land – one is on the maintenance perimeter of a road and is threatened by plans for grading. The garden will
attempt to propagate materials of both species for recovery efforts
and will assist the national forest in developing out-planting protocols
to enhance survival. The garden and the national forest are planning
to identify other species of conservation concern. Institutions
propose additions to National Collection TOP
L.A.
Sunflower rediscovered
Nebraska
FloraSearch launched TOP
Ho’opili
Kanu links students with Hawaii’s native plants TOP On a recent work day, students collected seeds in the garden from Kokia drynarioides, a National Collection plant. They sanded the seeds to remove the thick fuzz and thinned the coat to stimulate germination. Students planted the seeds and will care for them until the young trees are ready to leave the nursery. Ho’opili students work with native and Polynesian-introduced plants that will be used in Arbor Day giveaways, plant sales, restoration projects and for landscaping the garden. This program continues the work that was started here by Konawaena Elementary students Camille Kauhaihao and La’akea Washburn. Camille, who was pictured in the 2001 special edition of Plant Conservation, and her sister died in a tragic accident this last summer. The program is supported in part by donations to Bishop Museum in memory of Ku’ulei Camille and Anela Kamilipua Kauhaihao.
Plant
Profile: Pitcher’s
thistle TOP The thistle is held in the National Collection of Endangered Plants by The Holden Arboretum. The Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden have been reintroducing this species in Illinois where it hadn’t been seen since the early 1900s. The plant may live for up to eight years before it finally flowers. The color of the thistle’s blooms range from yellow to creamy-pink. Bees pollinate Pitcher’s thistle, but the plant can also self-pollinate. Individual plants reproduce only once, disperse their seeds and then die. Its seeds are among the largest of any North American thistle. The seeds usually disperse only a few meters away from the plant. Rodents and birds feed on the seeds, leaving only a few to germinate. Listed as threatened on the federal Endangered Species List, the thistle faces a variety of challenges. Trampling and other recreational disturbances threaten the plant. Its habitat has been degraded by sand mining, lakeshore development and invasive plant species. |
