. . dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of the Colorado native flora” Volume 18 Numbers September — December 1994 The Colorado Native Plant Society Announces Mountain Peat Conservation Campaign At its November 5“‘ meeting, The Colorado Native Plant Society (CONPS) Board of Directors endorsed aggressive educational program on the effects of peat mining on mountain wetlands in Colorado. These unusual wetland ecosystems were created at the end of the last Ice Age about 11,000 years ago; they cannot be restored once they are lost. Many plant species found in high mountain fens occur nowhere else in Colorado; several are known to be rare or endangered. Examples include the Greenland primrose (Primula egaliksensis), the hoary willow (Salix Candida), and pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum). Fens also provide significant water quality and flood retention benefits. A few high mountain fens are protected from mining or water withdrawals by The Nature Conservancy and other organizations . Most are still vulnerable to these threats. CONPS has promoted protection of Colorado’s mountain fens and the plant diversity they contain through educational and regulatory strategies. Beginning in 1995, CONPS will work with other environmental and governmental organizations to publicize alternatives to Frimula p^rryi Artist: Francis Ramaley ? mountain peat as a horticultural product, to promote suppliers who convert to alternative products, and to develop educational materials for distribution to individuals, the nursery and landscaping industry, and other users of horticultural products. These educational efforts will focus on the adverse impacts of peat mining on mountain wetlands, while providing suggestions for alternative horticultural products. The Society needs your help to accomplish these goals. Do not buy products containing mountain peat and tell suppliers why. If you would like more information, or if you or your organization wish to become involved in this project, call Ken Ball (303) 697-8443 , Jim Borland (303) 922-4716, Sally White (303) 697-5439, or Janet Coles (303) 866- 3203 ext. 330. Contents Membership Information 2 Rocky Mountain Arsenal Dues Reminder 2 Field Trip Report 7 Announcements 3 Chapter Activites 9-10 Opportunities for Discount Publications 11 Involvement 4-5 Calendar 12 Field Trip Lists 6 Page 2 Aquilegia Volume 18 TIME TO. RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP! Once again, it's reminder time. Have you paid your CONPS dues? Dues notices were sent out in November. Please remember that dues cover a calendar year, except new members who join in the second half of the year are credited through the following year. The mailing label on your newsletter shows the year THROUGH which you are paid — i.e., PAID THRU 94 means you should remit your dues for 1995!! If you have sent your payment within the past few weeks, the label could be incorrect due to the length of time required for newsletter production. Membership Committee Chair Myma Steinkamp also notes that the post office will not forward bulk mail, so if you move and want to continue to receive CONPS mailings, it i^ essential that you notify the Society (P.O. Box 200, Fort Collins CO 80522-0200). As you complete your membership renewal form... Remember that the post office will soon require us to use 9-digit ZIP codes. Please help us by providing your complete, 9-digit ZIP code on your renewal form. If you do not know your 4-digit suffix, check some of your junk mail, contact your local post office, or ask your mail carrier. Thanks! Colorado Native Plant Society The Colorado Native Plant Society is a non- profit organization dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of the Colorado native flora. Membership is open to aU With an interest in our native plants, and is composed of plant enthusiasts both professional and non- professional. Please join us in helping to encourage interest in enjoying and protecting Colorado's native plants. The Society sponsors field trips, workshops and other activities through local chapters and statewide. Contact the Society, a chapter representative, or committee chair for more information. Schedule of Membership Fees Life $250 Supporting $ 50 Organization $ 30 Family or Dual $ 15 Individual S 12 Student or Senior $ 8 Membership Renewal/Information Please direct all membership applications, renewals and address changes to the Membership Chairperson, Colorado Native Plant Society, P.O. Box 200, Fort Collins, CO 80522. Please direct all other inquiries regarding the Society to the Secretary at the same address. Aquilegia Aquilegia is published four to six times per year by the Colorado Native Plant Society. This newsletter is available tomembers ofthe Society and to others with an interest in native plants. Contact the Society for subscriptioninformation. Articles from Aquilegia may be used by other native plant societies or non-profit groups if fully cited to author and attributed \o Aquilegia. ^ Newsletter Contributions Please direct all contributions to the newsletter to: Nina Williams 976 Cherryvale Road Boulder, CO 80303 Short items such as unusual information about a plant, a little known botanical term, etc. are especially welcome. Camera-ready line art or other illustrations are also solicited. Please include author's name and address, although items will be printed anonymously if requested. Articles submitted on disks (IBM or Mac) are appreciated. Please indicate word processing software and version. Officers President Tom Ranker 492-5074 Vice-President Chris Pague ....491-1309 Secretary Mark Gershman — ....443-9365 Treasurer Carol Scheid ....493-1367 Board of Directors Ann Armstrong (95) .... . Boulder ....494-0545 David Buckner (95) . Boulder .,..494-3231 Kathy Carsp.y (9fi) . Rnnlder ,,.,449.3041 Tanp.t (*^5) RnidHp.r 440-0595 Mark Gershman (96) ... RonlHer . . 443-9365 Andrew Kratz (95) . Lakewood .... ....238-6317 Tamara Naumann (95) . . Arvada ....441-4142 Chris Pague (96) . Lyons ....492-4719 Tom Ranker (96) . Boulder ....492-5074 Carol Spurrier (96) . Lakewood .... 274-6905 Chapter Presidents Boulder . Lynn Riedel 666-6687 Metro- Denver . Jeff Dawson 722-6758 Fort Collins . Milfp, Scott 490-1788 Yamparika . Reed Kelley ; ..878-4666 San Juan . Gretchen Van Reyper ... ..835-3268 Southwest . Sandy Friedley ..884-9245 or . Leslie Stewart ..882-7241 Committees Gonspivation . Janet Coles 440-0595 and . Kathy Carsey ..449-3041 Editorial . Nina Williams ..499-9858 and . Tamara Naumann .. ,,441.4142 and . William A. Weber ..492-6171 F.fliiratinn Andrew Kratz. 238-6317 Field Trips . Rick Brune .,238-5078 and . Jeff Dawson ..722-6758 Field Studies . Mary Edwards ..233-8133 Hort/Restoration ... . Tina Jones .,794-2647 and . Ann Armstrong ..494-0545 Legislative Affairs . VACANT Membership . Myma Steinkamp .. ..226-3371 and . Sue Martin ..226-3371 Publicity . VACANT Workshops VACANT Numbers Aquilegia Page 3 ANNOUNCEMENTS STRUGGLING WITH GRASS ID ? Two new publications by Jan Wingate might be just what you are looking for! Contact Velma Richards (see For Your Library on page 10 of this issue) for availability. These new publications can be ordered along with any others listed on page 11. Illustrated Keys to the Grasses of Colorado is available for $ 7.50 plus tax and $ 1.00 for postage and handling. Simplified Guide to Common Colorado Grasses, A is available for $ 3.00 plus tax and $ 1.00 postage and handling. Happy grass hunting! COLORADO WEED MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION The Colorado Weed Management Association (CWMA) was organized to educate anyone interested in weed management in Colorado. Through its efforts, CWMA encourages proper use of integrated weed management practices and fosters cooperation between intrastate agencies and neighboring states. The Association works to support university programs in applied research and extension to address major weed problem s in Colorado. Membership information can be obtained by writing to: CWMA, 2305 Nottingham Court, Fort Collins CO 80526, or by calling: (303) 229-0352. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW Two important Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) are available for review: Bureau of Land Management White River Resource Area P.O. Box 928 Meeker CO 81641 Comment period closes: February 10, 1995 Astra0slue \utoeu& Artist: Kaye H. Thorne COLORADO NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM MOVES TO FORT COLLINS The Colorado Natural Heritage Program has a new home! After years of cramped quarters and occasional evictions, CNHP has been welcomed to new and more spacious digs at Colorado State University. You can reach them for information requests at: (303)491-2844 and for other business at: Colorado Natural Heritage Program 103 Natural Resources Building Colorado State University Fort Collins CO 80523 (303)491-1309 Aquilegia barneby] Artist: Kaye H. Thorne U.S. Forest Service (Comanche National Grassland) Picketwire Area Call: (719) 52S-9998 to get on the mailing list to receive a copy of the EIS when it becomes available. Both of these areas contain well-preserved examples of native plant communities. The White River Resource Area provides habitat for a significant number of rare native plants that are endemic to oil shale country. Let your federal land management agencies know that our native flora has an active and vocal constituency! Contact a member of the Conservation Committee for more information on these areas. Page 4 Aquilegia Volume 18 ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT COLORADO’S NATIVE FLORA ? LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BE MORE INVOLVED WITH PRESERVATION ? WHY NOT BECOME INVOLVED IN ONE OF CONPS’ MANY COMMITTEES? The Committee Chairs andChapter Presidents welcome interested members who wish to become more active in the Society. The functions of various CONPS committees are briefly described below. For more detailed information, contact the appropriate committee chair at the telephone numbers listed in the masthead found on page 2. FIELD TRIPS COMMITTEE Chair: Jeff Dawson and Rick Brune Each year, the Society offers its members many opportunities to visit interesting areas with unique or representative flora — often with the guidance of a local botanical expert. Committee members: • Arrange, schedule, publicize, and organize field trips throughout Colorado. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Chair: Janet Coles and Kathy Carsey Members of the Conservation Committee have worked with local, state, and federal agencies to bring about policies and actions consistent with the S ociety ’ s goals. Committee activities include: • Advocacy for the conservation of rare plants, plant communities, and natural diversity by local, state and federal agencies. _• Assistance in information exchange among agencies and with members of the public about the status of Colorado’s flora. • Preparation of the Society’s position papers of various environmental impact and development review proposals. EDUCATION COMMITTEE Chair: AndyKratz The Society has produced several travelling displays and slide presentations, and has cooperated in the production of several brochures, all aimed at getting the word out about the value of our native flora. Education Committee projects might involve: • Sharing information with members, public agencies and the general public about Colorado native plants and landscapes. • Creating brochures, public presentations, displays and other products to encourage the appreciation and conservation of native plants. • Developing a speaker list or initiating other forms of outreach. EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chair: Nina Williams and Tamara Naumann \ The Society’s newsletter, Aquilegia (named for Colorado's state • flower — the Colorado columbine), is produced four to six times each year. This means writing, soliciting articles and artwork, editing, working on layout, trips to the printer, and addressing and mailing approximately 600 issues. There are many opportunities for assisting the Editorial Committee. This committee has also worked in the past to produce technical and education bulletins for members of the Society and the general public. FIELD STUDIES COMMITTEE Chair: Mary Edwards Members of this committee have worked hard at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Golden Gate Canyon State Park and other locales developing plant inventories and establishing herbaria. Committee members may: • Undertake projects for natural resource agencies in need of better information about the vegetation on the lands they manage. • Maintain lists of plants observed on Society field trips and make those lists available to interested individuals. WORKSHOP COMMITTEE Chair: VACANT (contact Mark Gershman for information) The Workshop Committee is dormant this year; perhaps you would enjoy reviving it. TheSociety’s workshop calendar normally begins in the late fall, bringing opportunities for members to brush up on, or learn anew various plant identification skills. Past topics haveranged from grass identification workshops, to an introductory bryology class. It takes work to find workshop leaders, find meeting spaces, and process the registration materials of workshop participants. Committee objectives include: • Providing education in all aspects of Ihe Colorado flora during the winter, when field trips are impractical. • Presentation of the latest botanical research from experts in the field. • Publication of keys and other materials to interested Societ^'- members. • Presentation of specialized botanical training not available elsewhere. continued — next page Numbers Aquilegia Page 5 ^ HORTICULTURE & RESTORATION COMMITTEE CONPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS Chair: , Tina Jones and Ann Armstrong Many Society members and other Colorado residents would like to incorporate native plants into their home or commercial landscaping. Doing so in amannerrespectful of natural processes is not always intuitive or easy. The Horticulture & Restoration Committee has been active in: • Developing guidelines for the collection and use of native plants. • Establishing open lines of communication with nurseries, seed suppliers, landscape architects, garden clubs, etc. • Helping local, state and federal agencies select appropriate native plants for landscaping and reclamation projects. • Compiling information regarding appropriate regulations and policies relevant to native plant use. PUBLICITY COMMITTEE Chair: VACANT (contact Mark Gershman for information) / This committee has long been inactive. If you are interested in i 1 working to help publicize the achievements and activities of the Society, think about working to reactivate the publicity committee. If there are other ways you think you could help meet the Society’s goals, feel free to contact any Board member with suggestions for new committees, or new projects for existing committees. Remember, you will be asked to participate. If you would prefer to become active at the chapter level, contact the Chapter President with your ideas and suggestions; offer to assist in chapter projects and Junctions. COLORADO WEED MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION FORMS A HORTICULTURAL WEED COMMITTEE The Colorado Weed Management Association (CWMA) recently formed a committee to address problems associated with invasive horticultural weeds. This is a topic of interest to many Colorado Native Plant Society members. The CWMA Annual Conference and Trade show was held in December in Estes Park, and featured several talks in which horticultural weeds were discussed. If you would like to get involved, or if you just want more information, contact Cindy Owsley (303-441-4559) or Ron Jepson (303-659- 4150). See page 3 of this issue for CWMA membership information. Members of the Society are always welcome at meetings of theBoard of Directors. Meetings are held in alternating months on Saturday afternoons at 1:00 pm. See the list below for dates and locations. A typical meeting agenda follows: RoU call Approval of minutes from previous Board meeting Announcements (items of general interest to the Society that do not require formal action by the Board) Old Business (follow up on items introduced at past meetings which may require action by the Board) New Business (items which require discussion, action, or decision by the Board) Chapter President Reports Committee Chair Reports Adjournment (often with refreshments) If you have an item for the agenda, please contact Tom Ranker. If there are materials you would likeBoard members to receive, contact Mark Gershman. DATE January 7, 1995 March 4, 1995 April 22, 1995 September 9, 1995 LOCATION Boulder Open Space Operations Center 66 S. Cherry vale Road, Boulder Boulder Open Space Operations Center To Be Announced To Be Announced Elaeagnus an0uetlfol!a (Ruesian dive) Artist: Janet Wingate Russian olive is still sold in nurseries and recommended by landscape designers as a good xeriscape plant. It escapes and displaces more native riparian and wetl^d vegetation every year. To obtain a free brochure about Russian olive and the threats it poses to natural values, contact Laurie Deiter, City of Boulder Open Space, 66 S. Cherry vale Road, Boulder CO 80303, (303) 441-4142. Page 6 Aquilegia Volume 18 Calling All 1994 Field Trip Lists! In spite of the dry summer season, many of our native plants bloomed and were observed by enthusiastic CONPS field trip participants. Unfortunately, there is a drought of new trip lists for the 1994 season. Only four of eight have been submitted. This is a plea for lists in any form by any trip participants to be sent to Loraine Yeatts for compilation and addition to the following available CONPS field trip plant lists. Chamerion ep. Artist: Francis Rama ley COLORADO NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY FIELD TRIP LISTS Number of Pages Trip Name Date Leaderts) By Family/ Genus Aiken Canyon 6/6/1992 5 4 Billy Pardee Ranch 6/6/1990 Rick Rhoades SCS 1 1 Butler Ranch 6/6/1990 Rick Rhoades SCS 3 2 Cedar Mesa & Vicinity 5/15/1991 Rick Brune, Loraine Yeatts 5 4 Conejos River Basin 6/20/1992 Patsy Douglas 5 4 Devil’s Head 8/5/1989 Judy Von Ahlefeldt 1 1 Dinosaur National Monument 5/1/1993 Lynne Riedel 4 3 East Carrizo Creek 5/21/1989 Rick Brune, Meg Van Ness 1 1 East Cottonwood Creek 5/21/1989 Rick Brune, Meg Van Ness 1 1 Florrisant Fqssil Beds 6/27/1987 Mary Edwards 4 3 Fort Carson: The Hogback 5/20/1989 Rick Brune, Meg Van Ness 2 1 High Creek Fen 7/11/1992 Alan Carpenter 2 2 Hoosier Ridge 7/17/1994 Robin Bingham 4 3 Horseshoe Cirque 7/12/1992 Barbara Siems 4 3 1-25 Rest Area near Pueblo 5/19/1989 Rick Brune, Meg Van Ness 2 1 Kim Area 5/21/1989 Rick Brune, Meg Van Ness 1 1 Los Lagos Ranch, Rollins ville 7/23/1994 Betsy Baldwin 3 2 Mesa de Maya 8/22/1987 Ivo Lindauer 5 4 Middle Park 6/18/1989 John Anderson 2 1 Moffat County 5/28/1987 Steve O’Kane 3 3 Mt. Evans 8/29/1993 Betty Willard 3 '2 North Table Mt. 5/14/1994 Sally White, Loraine Yeatts 5 4 Pawnee National Grassland 5/29/1987 Rick Brune 4 3 Pawnee National Grassland 6/5/1993 Jim Borland, Rick Brune 6 5 Perly Canyon 5/20/1989 Rick Brune, Meg Van Ness 2 2 Phantom Canyon 6/10/1989 Alan Carpenter 4 3 Pinon Canyon 5/25/1983 Tom Eamons 1 1 Poudre Canyon - Laramie River 6/30/1990 4 3 Pueblo West 7/8/1988 Jim Borland 3 2 Rampart Range 6/28/1987 Dave Powell, Neal Osbourne 3 2 Rampart Range 6/25/1988 Frank Hawksworth 3 2 Rattlesnake Canyon 5/28/1994 Walt Kelley 3 2 Sewemup Mesa 5/29/1994 Walt Kelley 2 2 Taylor Arroyo 5/20/1989 Rick Brune, Meg Van Ness 2 2 Unaweep Canyon 8/10/1991 Scott Ellis 2 2 To Place An Order: Cha maepericiymenum canadenee= Cornue canadensis Artist: 0. V. Rlrkton For each field trip list desired indicate: 1. trip name and date 2. preferred list format (alphabetical by family or by genus or one of each) 4. total number of pages for all lists requested. Calculate charges based on the rate of $ .20 per page with a minimum of $ .50 if ordering fewer than three pages. Enclose a check made payable to Loraine Yeatts for the total amount of your order and mail both to: Loraine Yeatts 1395 Nile Street Golden, CO 80401 For further information see Aquilegia Volume 18, Number 2, page 10. Number 5 Aquilegia Page 7 ' FIELD TRIP REPORT L On June 12th 1994, Carl Mackey of MK-Environmen- tal Services led CONPS members on a tour of habitat improvement projects at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA). The Arsenal is 10 miles northeast of downtown Denver and encompasses 27 square miles. Once native prairie, the land was eventually plowed for farming and also utilized for grazing cattle. The Arsenal was established in 1942 during World War II. The U.S. Army manufactured chemical weapons at the site until the early 1960s. In the early 1980s the site was used for weapons destruction. In addition. Arsenal facilities were leased to private industry, including Shell Oil. Shell produced herbicides and pesticides on site until 1982. Contamination of theRMA occurred during disposal of military and industrial wastes. Disposal methods included burial of toxic wastes and the use of evaporative basins to contain liquid wastes. Chemical contamination affected soils, water, plants, and animals. The Arsenal is now an active Superfund site. Due to its size and large areas of relative inactivity, it is also host to a large number of wildlife species and has been a National Wildlife Area since 1992. Once cleanup is complete the area will become a National Wildlife Refuge. Many projects have been completed and more are underway to address the contamination problems. Five groups are involved in the cleanup process, including the U.S. Army, Environmental Protection Agency, Colorado Department of Health, Shell Oil Company, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Buchloe dactyloldee O Artist: Francis Kamaley ? We were able to visit some of the grassland restoration projects that are part of the cleanup effort. The goal of these projects is to increase the diversity of habitat types, including sandhills, mixed grass, shortgrass, and tallgrass prairie. A first step in prairie restoration is to look .at undisturbed areas and use them as a reference in directing revegetation efforts. Therefore, our first stop on the tour was a remnant sandhills The Rocky Mountain Arsenal From Environmental Contamination to Future National Wildlife Refuge Report by Catherine A. Lee prairie site. We identified sand bluestem (Andropogon haUii)Muo grama (Bouteloua gracilis=Chondrosum gracile), prairie sandreed {Calamovilfa longifolia), sideoats grama {Bouteloua curtipendula), switchgrass {Panicum virgatum), prickly pear {Opuntia polyacantha) , and spiderwort {Tradescantia occidentalis). mixture included sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, switchgrass, blue grama, sand sagebrush {Artemesia filifo lia = 0 li gosporus filifoUus), and western wheatgrass. The shortgrass prairie mixture included blue grama, buffalograss (fiMc/t/oe dactyloides) and western wheatgrass. Tallgrass prairie restoration was underway near First Creek, where deeper soils and increased runoff from adjacent slopes providedahigher water table. Species seeded here include big bluestem {Andropogon gerardii)y green needlegrass, switchgrass, and sideoats grama. We spent the rest of the morning looking at revegetated areas. On the mixed grass sites the seed mixture included green needlegrass {Stipa viridula), needle-and-thread {Stipa comata), slender wheatgrass {Agropyron trachycaulum=Elymus trachycaulus), and western wheatgrass {Agropyron= Pascopyrum smithii). The sandhills prairie In localized areas on the Arsenal, ring muhly {Muhlenbergia torreyii) and sandberg bluegrass {Poasecunda~P. sandbergii) srt present. Carl noted that prairie junegrass {Koeleria macrantha) was conspicuously absent. Other natives on the Arsenal include yucca, rabbitbrush {Chrysothamnus nauseosus), winterfat {Ceratoides= Krascheninnikovia lanata), and scarlet globemallow {Sphaeralcea coccinea). Revegetated areas had large components of annual mustards, andcheatgrass {Bromus- Anisantha tectorum) was an overwhelming (and unwanted) volunteer. Although the sites were seeded to native species, the exotics comprised much of the pre-existing vegetation and seedbank. Irrigation was not used on revegetated sites. A variety of weed control measures were considered, but a number of factors led managers to choose mowing as the most appropriate method. Finally, we visited a needlegrass site to be used as a seed source for future restoration projects. In August, Canada wild rye {Elymus canadensis) seed will be collected and grown to establish a local seed source for this species. Those wishing to learn more about the Arsenal may call the U. S . Fish and WildUfe Service at (303) 289- 0232 for information about tours and programs. Page 8 Aquilegia Volume 18 A4d'. boAij. (S < 1 ^ bo^m (Ptoum/y SncImM filvh Hvi dccloLa, tdumd Jvouclm>^ ocvd adhmamAfs> iMmMxl '[jrdllu^umb anul amM aniAwd a irmillMl imAMh. WviL o!l pmjdi wh (&^iWucmjA a/y Ifu' qAAitL wnfl cjfiAvirmiA’ odimum^i. d^llkjojrri ImjaI Kmi~Tflm'rv Number 5 Aquilegia Page 9 CHAPTER NEWS Boulder Chapter January 10; The Galapagos International Scientific Program (GSIP), 1964 The GSIP, a motley collection of scientists of all natural history disciplines, sailed to the Galapagos Islands in 1964 to dedicate a research station, and on to Guayaquil, Ecuador, for a symposium to interest the Ecuadoran people in establishing a National Park. This is the story of that expedition, which opened the islands to world tourism and emigration from Ecuador, saved much of the flora and fauna, and introduced problems common to other sanctuaries today. Join Dr. William Weber, Professor Emeritus, University of Colorado, for this exciting program, February 14; The Natural History of the Southern Rockies Audrey Benedict, founder of Cloud Ridge Naturalists and author of A Sierra Club Naturalist's Guide to the Southern Rockies, will share her knowledge and inspiring photography of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Fort Collins Chapter January 10; Plants and Their Habitats TENTATIVE. Peter Heartlove is a physician and an award- winning amateur photographer. He will present a show of some of his favorite plant and habitat photographs. February?; Embryos Inside Leaves? (Mimulus gemmiparus) Mark Beardsley is a graduate student in the Department of Biology at Colorado State University. He will discuss his research on Mimulus gemmiparus, a federal Category 2 plant species (a candidate for listing as threatened or endangered). In particular, Mark will describe the very unusual mode of vegetative reproduction exhibited by this unique rare plant. March 7; Fire Ecology of the Major Forest Types of the Central Rockies Dr. RickLaven,professor ofForestry at Colorado StateUniversity, will discuss his work in Colorado forest ecology. , j March 14: Tallgrass Prairie in the Boulder Area: Unique si Features and Prospects for Sustainability Dr. Tim Seastedt, Biology professorwith the University ofColorado and Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, will present a program on Boulder's tallgrass prairie. He will compare local tallgrass prairie with the mid- western prairies he studied during his tenure as Director of Research at Konza Prairie. Join us for an insightful look at this important source of regional biodiversity— an unique ecosystem facing an uncertain future. April 11: Habitat Fragmentation: Insect Responses In Mixed-Grass Prairie Sharon Collinge is a landscape architecture graduate student at Harvard University. Her research on the effects of habitat fragmentation on mixed-grass prairie insect communities on Boulder Open Space is the topic of this program. Learn how this local research project will illuminate fragmentation and the threat it poses to grassland biodiversity. May 9: Spring Hike To be announced. Please suggest a favorite location near Boulder for enjoying the spring bloom. Monthly meetings are held from September through April on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Foothills Nature Center, 4201 North Broadway, unless otherwise noted. For more information call Lynn Riedel (666-6687) or Elaine Hill (494-7873). Check the Daily Camera or the Colorado Daily for changes. Bring a friend! April 4: Old Growth Forests of the Medicine Bow National Forest Judy von Ahlefeldt is an ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service in Laramie, Wyoming. Her recent work has focused on landscape and biodiversity issues on Forest Service lands. May 2: For “Peat's” Sake — Grow Your Petunias With Something Else! Jim Borland is a writer and horticulturalist. He has a special interest in Colorado peatlands and their use as a source for commercial peat. Learn what you can do to protect Colorado’s precious wetland plant communities. Monthly meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at the Headquarters for the Rocky Mountain Station/ Arapaho-RooseveltNational Forest, 240 West Prospect, unless Page 10 Aquilegia Volume 18 CHAPTER NEW5 Metro-Denver Chapter January 25: DOUBLE BILLING: Rocky Horror Horticultural (Weed) Show with CONPS member, Bobbi Henig, and Microscope Workshop with Richard Kline, local microscope dealer. Classroom A, DBG. February 22: Parry, Hall and Harbour — Collectors in Colorado in 1862 Join Dr. William Weber, Curator Emeritus, University of Colorado Herbarium, for this historical look at Colorado's early botanical explorers. Morrison Center, DBG. March 22: To Be Announced Dr. Y an Linhart is a biology professor at the University of Colorado. He will present a program on a topic yet-to-be-announced from his eclectic research interests. Morrison Center, DBG. April 26: Plant-Insect Interactions Dr. Deane Bowers, Curator of Entomology at the University of Colorado, will discuss her research on plant-insect interactions. Classroom A, DBG. , Monthly meetings are held from September through May on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Garden (DBG) Morrison Center or Classroom A, 909 York Street, unless otherwise noted. For more information, call Jeff Dawson (303) 722-6758. San Juan Chapter This letter arrived in November from San Juan Chapter President, Gretchen Van Reyper: It's the end of another field season, and time to share with everyone some of the highlights of this year's Western Slope field trips. We started out on a sunny April day atKodel Canyon near Grand Junction. The white blooms ofFendlera rupicola (Fendlerbush) were all around as we started up the trail amidst plentiful Astragalus, including A. FOR YOUR LIBRARY ^ CONPS is pleased to provide a selection of books to members at discount prices. If you are interested in any of the publications listed on the following page, contact: Velma Richards 3125 W. Monmouth Englewood, CO 80110 (303) 794-5432 Make checks payable to CONPS . Postage costs are additional for books received by mail. If you want to save the postage charges, you can pick the books up yourself in Denver from Velma Richards, in Boulder from Tamara Naumann, in Fort Collins from Myma Steinkamp. mollissimus, A. nuttallianus, and A. desperatus. The fascinating flowers of Pediomelum megalanthum (Indian potato or breadroot) and Streptanthus cordatus (twistflower), and the rare miniature shrub- like Poly gala subspinosa, a member of the milkwort family (Polygalaceae), made this hike an interesting one. Thanks to the efforts of Jeanne Wenger and Cindy Carlson for their leadership. In early May, we held a combination plant and bird hike in conjunction with Migratory Bird Week, as arranged by Montrose member Tony Hoag, of the U. S. Forsest Service. We went to the Escalante Wildlife Area near Delta. We spotted several plants in bloom, including Oenothera speciosa (evening primrose) and Allium macropetalum (wild onion), and a variety of upland and water birds. The next stop was Confluence Park in Delta, where we planted at least one hundred cottonwood and willow poles along the shore of the new wetland area. Our next trip was to BlackRidge in Colorado National Monument, near Grand Junction, in late May. Local member Betty Hall shared her knowledge of the flora along this trail. We saw rnany composites, including Hymenopappus filifolius, Packera multilobata (Uinta groundsel), mdErigeron pumilus (Vernal daisy). Some interesting members of the Polemoniaceae family were also in bloom — Ipomopsis roseata (rose gilia) and Leptodactylon pungens (prickly gilia). It was a beautiful spring day. In July, several of us met in Gunnison with people from the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park S ervice to conduct an inventory of Astragalus microcymbus (skiff milkvetch). After viewing some known colonies, we split into two groups to cover as much sagebrush habitatas possible along S outh B eaver Creek We explored some interesting territory anc^^ discovered one new population that day. In August we were off to Black Mesa near Crawford with member Evelyn Horn, of Delta. Despite the dry summer, we still found plenty of interesting plants in habitats ranging from sage meadows to riparian areas to spruce-fir forest. We saw many composites, including Erigeron coulteri (Coulter daisy). Aster engelmannii (Engelmann aster), mdAgoserisaurantiaca (orange agoseris). We enjoyed some thimbleberries along the roadside and the view froni the top at lunch. All in all, it was a fun season and I want to thank all the trip leaders and participants. We're getting more local interest. I want to welcome any new members, and hope to meet more of you in the coming year. My goal in 1995 is to organize the trips early enough to make the spring issue of Aquilegia. With that in mind, let me know as soon as you can of special places we could visit. Have a good winter! For up-to-date information on San Juan Chapter activities, write or call Gretchen Van Reyper, 2126 L75 Lane, Austin CO 81410, (303)835-3268. Number 5 Aquilegia Page 11 COLORADO NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY — DISCOUNTEO PtlRlACA-HONS ORDER PORllH Title Author Price Each Postage Each Book Total Postage Total Botany For Gardeners B. Capon $ 14.50 $2.00 Catalogue of the Colorado Flora... W. A. Weber &, R. C. Wittmann $ 36.00 $ 2.00 Colorado Flora: Eastern Slope W. A. Weber $ 21.00 $ 2.00 Colorado Flora: Western Slope W. A. Weber $ 21.00 $ 2.00 Edible Wild Plants of the Prairie K. Kindscher $ 10.50 $ 2.00 Field Guide to Wildflowers of Nebraska J. Farrar $ 14.50 $ 2.00 Flora of North America - Volume 1 Rora of North America Editorial Committee $ 68.00 . $ 3.00 Flora of North America - Volume 2 Rora of North America Editorial Committee $ 68.00 $3.00 Flora of the Great Plains Great Rains Rora Association $40.00 $ 3.50 Flora of the Pacific Northwest C. L. Hitchcock & A. Cronquist $ 42.00 $ 3:00 Flora of the San Juans S. Komarek $ 15.75 $ 2.00 The Gardener's Guide to Plant Conservation N. T. Marshall (Published by WWF GCA) $10.00 $ 2.00 Handbook of Rocky Mountain Plants R. A. Nelson (revised by R, Williams) $ 16.00 $ 2.00 How to Identify Plants H. D. Harrington & L.W. Durrell $ 8.00 $ 2.00 Intermountain Flora: Vascular Plants of the Intermountain West, U.S.A. by A. Cronquist, et al. Volume One: Geo-Botanical History/Plant Geography/Glossary/Cryptogams/Gymnosperais $ 30.25 $ 2.00 Volume Three, Part B: Fabales R. C. Bameby ! . $ 53.60 $ 2.00 Volume Four: Subclass Asteridae (except Asterales) $ 69.00 $ 3.50 Volume Five: Asteraceae $ 65.70 $ 3.50 Volume Six: The Monocotyledons $ 36.00 $ 3.50 Jepson Manual (Higher Plants of California) J. C. Hickman, Editor $ 59.50 $ 4.00 Life In An Aspen Grove (VIDEO) CONPS $ 20.00 $ 3.50 Life In An Aspen Grove (SLIDEA’APE) CONPS $ 42.00 $ 3.50 Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie K. Kindscher $ 10.50 $ 2.00 Meet the Natives, Ninth Edition M. W. Pesman $ 10.50 $ 2.00 Northwest Weeds R. J. Taylor $ 9.50 $ 2.00 The Prairie Garden... R. Brune $ 3.00 $ 1.00 Prairie Plants and Their Environment J. E. Weaver $11.00 $2.00 ’ Rare Plants of Colorado CONPS $ 8.00 $ 2.00 ' Roadside Wildflowers of the Southern Great Plains C. C. Freeman & E. K. Schofield $ 14.00 $ 2.00 Rocky Mountain Flower Finder J. L. Wingate $ 3.00 $ 1.00 Sagebrush Country: a Wildflower Sanctuary R. J. Taylor $ 9.50 $ 2.00 A Utah Flora Welsh, Atwood, Higgins, & Goodrich $ 68.00 $ 3.00 Weeds of the West T. D. Whitson, Editor $ 18.00 $ 3.00 Wildflowers of the Western Plains Z. M. Kirkpatrick $ 12.00 $ 2.00 cnptbook.Uib 31 December 1994 BOOK TOTAL Calculate sales tax for BOOK TOTAL. (City of Boulder 6.91%, Boulder County outside Boulder city limits 4.05%, Denver 7.30%, Fort Collins 6.00%, Adams, Arapahoe & Jefferson Counties 3.80%, all other areas in Colorado 3.00%) SALES TAX Postage applies only if books are mailed to purchaser, books may be picked up at several locations. TOTAL POSTAGE Make checks out to CONPS. Include your NAME, ADDRESS, COUNTY, and DAYTIME PHONE. TOTAL CALENPAR OVERVIEW Boulder Chapter Fort Collins Chapter Jan 10 Galapagos International Scientific Jan 10 Plants and Their Habitats Program Feb 7 Embryos Inside Leaves? (Mimulus Feb 14 Natural History of the Southern gemmiparus) Rockies Mar 7 Fire Ecology of Central Rockies Mar 14 Boulder Tallgrass Prairie Forest Types April Habitat Fragmentation In Mixed- Apr 4 Old Growth Forests of the Medi- Grass Prairie cine Bow National Forest May 9 Spring Hike May 2 For “Peat's” Sake— Grow Your Petunias With Something Else! Metro-Denver Chapter Jan 25 Rocky Mountain Horticultural (Weed) Show and Microscope Workshop Feb 22 Parry, Hall and Harbour—Early Colorado Collectors Mar 22 To Be Announced Apr 26 Plant-Insect Interactions Colorado Native Plant Society P.O. Box 200 Fort Collins, Colorado 80522 Non-profit Organization U.S, Postage PAID Pennit#1475 Denver, Colorado