Newsletter of the Colorado Native Plant Society . . dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of the Colorado native flora” Volume 23 Number 4 Annual Meeting Edition July— August 1999 1999 ANNUAL CoNPS MEETING Ancient, Historical and Modern Uses of Plants for Health and Medicine September 25-26, 1999 Longmont, Colorado The Boulder Chapter extends its welcome to you to join us for our 1999 Annual CoNPS Meeting, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 25-26, 1999, at the Raintree Plaza Hotel Conferdnee Center in Longmont, Colorado (see Directions on page two). Our topic this year is “Ancient, Historical, and Modern Use^ of Native Plants for Health and Medicine.” Your Annual Meeting committee as lined up a great series of talks by regional expeits in the field. Tammi Hartung, co-owner of Desert Canyon Farm and Learning Center in Canon City, will deliver a talk entitled “The Mission of the United Plant Savers.” This organization is dedicated to the preservation of medicinal plants and herbs that have been overcpL lected to the point of extinction in North America. The group is experimenting with methods of bringing these plants, such as osha (Ligusticum porieri) and goldenseal {Hydrastis canadensis) ^AniQ cultivation. By encouraging the use of cultivated plants, United Plant Savers is trying to counter the popular misconception that “only wildcrafted herbs have the necessary potency for medicinal use.” Ms. Hartung will relate her successes and failures (and tho^ of other growers around the country) at propagating these plants. Dr. Jun Wen of Colorado State University, will give a fascinating, and sometimes humorous, talk on “American Ginseng {Panax quinquefolius). knci^nX and Modern Uses and Misuses.” Dr. Wen is a worldwide expert on the Araliaceae, and is authoring the tax- onomic treatment Of this family for F/bra Aorr/r America. efficacy of many modern herbal preparations. Don't miss this talk! Luncheon will be served shortly before the talk begins. Other speakers include: Dr. John Brett of the University of Colorado at Denver, who will give an informative talk on the ethnographic history of Rocky Mountain National Park; Dr. Jane Bock, recently retired Professor of Biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder; and well-knowrt ethnobotanist Trish Plaster, who is CEO of the consulting firm Botanical Liaisons. As with every Annual Meeting, you will also be able to cast your vote for the Board of Directors, view exhibits, and partake in pur book sale, which will be Saturday only. Remember, CoNPS mem- bers are entitled to a significant discount on book purchases. On Sunday morning, we will have a mini- workshop on medicinal/ herbal plant identification, and then break for a buffet lunch. Sunday afternoon we have scheduled two field trips to: Celestial Seasonings Tea Company in Boulder and Rabbit Shadow Wholesale Herb Farm near Loveland. Tours are necessarily in small groups of about 20 persons each. Advance sign-up is required so we can properly schedule the trips. We will be car- pooling to both locations, so please sign up early. The Raintree Plaza Hotel has set aside rooms at a discounted rate, for which reservations must be made by August 25 (see Lodgilig On page three. We look forward to seeing you in September! We will get a local perspective on the issue of wildcrafting with regard to the permitting process with which wildcrafters and other collectors must comply in Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Open Space Ranger Lynn Riedel and Mountain Parks Ranger Maria Mayer will deliver a talk on the impacts taking place in and around Boulder with regard to wild collecting. 'r. Susan Paulsen of the University of Colorado Health Sciences 'Center, our keynote /speaker at lunch on Saturday,', will present “Herbal Medicine - What Every Consumer Should Know.” Dr Paulsen is a pharmacologist with an extensive knowledge of the Contents About the Society ........... . . ...... .7 Announcements ..... .......... . .3, 4 Annual Meeting .... . .............. .1-3 Articles . .... . .1,4/6 Calendar . .8 Chapter News . . . ^ . ... . .3 Society News . . ........ ... ....... .^6 Page 2 Aquilegia VoL 23 No. 4 8:30- 10:00 AM 10:00 -10:15 AM 10:15 - 10:55 AM 10:55 -11:35 AM 11:35 - 12:00 PM 12:00 - 1:30 PM 1:30- 1 :45 PM 1:45 - 2:15 PM 2:15 - 2:45 PM 2:45- 3:15 PM 3:15 - 3:45 PM 3:45 - 4:30 PM 4:30 PM CoNPS 1999 ANNUAL MEETING Ancient, Historical and Modern Uses of Plants for Health and Medicine Tentative agenda Saturday, September 25, 1999 Raintree Plaza Hotel Conference Center; Longmont, Colorado Registration, book sales, and voting (Board of Directors) Assemble in auditorium; welcoming remarks Title to be annoiinced Trish Plaster, Ethnobotanist and CEG, Botanical Liaisons, Boulder, Colorado The Mission of United Plant Savers Tammi Hartung, Desert Canyon Farm and Learning Center, Canon City, Colorado Break: exhibits, book sales, etc. Luncheon (see enclosed registration form) Keynote Address; Herbal Medicines — What Every Consumer Should Know Dr. Susan Paulsen, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver Announcements: election results, awards, etc. Title to be announced Dr. Jane Bock, Professor Emeritus of Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder Impacts of Wilder afting: Boulder Open Space and Boulder Mountain Parks Lynn Riedel, Boulder Open Space, and Maria Mayer, Boulder Mountain Parks, Colorado American Ginseng {Panax quinquefolius): Ancient and Modem Uses and Misuses Dr. Jun Wen, Assistant Professor of Biology, Colorado State University Afternoon Break: coffee and refreshments; book sales The Ethnographic History of Rocky Mountain National Park Dr. John Brett, Assistant Professor Adjunct, Anthropology, University of Colorado at Denver Concluding remarks and adjournment Sunday, September 26, 1999 Raintree Plaza Hotel Conference Center; Longmont, Colorado 9:00- 11:30 am Mini-workshop: Medicinal and herbal native plant identification 11:30 - 12:30 PM Buffet luncheon (see enclosed registration form) 12:30 - 4:00 PM Field Trips: Celestial Seasonings Tea Company, Boulder; Rabbit Shadows Wholesale Herb Farm, Loveland (see enclosed registration form) DIRECTIONS to the Raintree Plaza Hotel Conference Center; Longmont, Colorado Raintree Plaza Hotel is located at 1900 Ken Pratt Blvd. (north side of street), near the southwest corner of the city of Longmont. It is a large, well-marked hotel. The Conference Center is in a free-standing building behind the main hotel building; follow the signs. Note: In addition to Ken Pratt Blvd. (the street you want), there is a Ken Pratt Parkway in Longmont; this is a north-south street, which intersects Ken Pratt Blvd., an east- west street. In the older part of Longmont, there is also a Pratt Street. Don't be confused! Coming from Boulder: Use Colorado Highway 119 (Diagonal Highway). Diagonal Highway changes to Ken Pratt Blvd. in south- western Longmont, at Hover Street (Twin Peaks Mall). The Raintree Plaza Hotel is a short distance farther on the north (left) side of Ken Pratt Blvd. If you find yourself at US 287 (Main Street,) you've passed the hotel; turn around and go west (young man). Coming from Fort Collins or Denver: Exit 1-25 at Colorado 119 (exit 240), and head west toward Longmont. Colorado 119 enters Longmont on 3rd Street. Turn left (south) at Main Street (US 287). Continue south on Main for six blocks and turn right on Ken Pratt Blvd. (the continuation of Colorado 119). The hotel is a short distance farther on the north (right) side of the street If you find your-"^ self passing Twin Peaks Mall and heading out into the country toward Boulder, you've gone too far; turn around and head back east.^y^ Coming from Loveland/Berthoud or Louisville/Lafayette: Use US 287, which becomes Main Street in Longmont. Near the south edge of Longmont, turn west onto Colorado 119. The hotel is a short distance farther on the north (right) side of the street. Aquilegia Vol. 23 No. 4 1999 ANNUAL MEETING Lodging A HOTEL ACC0MM01)ATI6NS A block of rooms is being held by Raintree Plaza for the Annual Meeting at the special rate of $89. To make reserva- tions, please call Raintree's toll-free num- ber: 1-800-843-8*240. Be sure to mention that you will be there for the Colorado Native Plant Society Annual Meeting in order to get the discount rate. Raintree has requested that reservations be made by August 25. Please make your own room reservations directly. \ CAMPING Camping is afvailable at two locations near Longmont: Boulder Co. Fairgrounds Campground, 9595 Nelson Road (Nelson and Hover), Longmont, a few blocks from the hotel. Fee for tent camping is $10. Fees are higher for electrical and water hookups. Call (303) 678-1525 to reserve a space. Barbour Ponds State Recreation Area, north of Colorado 119, just west of 1-25 Mue east of Longmont near 1-25 exit ^i:^:^40). This is a state-owned recreation area, featuring fishing. Farther afield, camping is available at the KOA Kampground one mile east of Estes Park on US 34; for information call (970) 586-2888; for reservations call 1-800- K6A-1887. Camping is also available in Roeky Mountain National Park; and in the Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest west of Lyons, near Ward. (Peaceful Valley/Camp Dick, off Colorado 72, is about five miles north of Ward; while Brainard Lake is about four miles west of Ward). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Annual Meeting organizing committee members who may be called for more information are: Carolyn Crawford and Bill Jennings at (303) 665-6903; Jill Handwerk at (970) 721-3460; and Alice Guthrie: (303) 651-3127 Page 3 CHAPTER NEWS Boulder Chapter Monthly meetings are held October through May on the second Thursday of each month. For information, contact incoming Chapter President Caryl Shields at (303) 665-6312. Fort Collins Chapter Indoor monthly meetings are held October through May. For additional information call Chapter President Don Hazlett at (970) 834-1493. Metro-Cenver Chapter Indoor monthly meetings are held October through April. Please contact Chapter President Denise Larson at (303) 733-4338 for Chapter news and activities. Plateau Chapter For more information, contact Co- Presidents Lori Brummer at (970) 641- 3561 or Evelyn Horn at (970) 835-8391. August 7, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Fen Field Trip Dr. David Cooper (CSU Wetland Ecologist) will lead this trip to three or four different types of fen peatlands in the Gunnison Basin near Cumberland Pass and Tincup. Be prepared to walk in water all day looking for mosses, lichens, sedges, rushes, and other wetland plants. This trip is limited to 20 people. To register, and for more information, contact Gay Austin at 970-641-0471 (w), 970-641-6264 (h), or gaustin/r2_gmug @fs.fed.us August 21 Proposed Wilderness Area Survey Opportunity Join Peggy Lyon in the field to help with vegetation surveys on Sewemup Mesa. Contact Peggy at (970) 626-3195 for more information. September 27, 1:00 pm to September 28, 12:00 PM Short Course: Genetic Issues in Using Native Plants for Revegetation The purpose of this introductory course is to present the genetic considerations for using native plants for revegetation in a comprehendible way for the resource pro- fessional, researcher, student, or anyone interested in native plants. Speakers will include Dr. Yan Linhart, Research Geneticist at CU; Dr. Mary Mahalovich, Forest Service Regional Selective Breeding Specialist; Dr. Steve Monsen, Botanist at the Forest Service Shrub Science Lab in Utah; Andy Kratz, Forest Service Regional Botqnist; Dr. Valerie Hipkins, National Forest Genetics Lab Director; and Dr. Susan Meyer, Ecologist, Forest Service Shrub Science Lab in Utah. There is e a $20 registration fee for this course, which is to be held at the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Office in Lakewood. For more inforniation, contact Gay Austin at 970-641-0471 (w), 970-641-6264 (h), or gaustin/r2^gmug@fs.fed.us Southwest Chapter For more information, please contact Chapter President Sandy Friedley at (970) 884-9245. July 31, 10:00 am Flora ori the Slopes of Pagosa Peak Charlie King^ and Dick Moseley Will lead this field trip to open meadows and wetlands on the flanks of Pagosa Peak. Meet at the Fjna station (Comer store) at the Junction of Piedra Road (three miles northwest of Pagosa Springs) and HWY 160 at 10:00 am. Contact Dick at (970) 731-5918 for details. August 14, 10:00 am to August 15 The Grape Ferns of Molas Pass Saturday, Sue Komarek and Leslie Stewart will lead this trip to Molas Pass to look for grape ferns. Sunday, will be spent looking at high country wildflowers. This is a joint field trip involving the Plateau and Southwest Chapters. Participants are wel- come one or both days. Meet at new San Juan Skyway pullout on the north side of Molas Pass at 10:00 am. Camping is avail- able at Little Molas Lake, just one-half mile north of the top of the pass. Contact Sandy Friedley; at (970) 884-9245 or Andrea Robinsong at (970) 872-3952 for details. Yamparika Chapter Please contact Chapter President Reed Kelley at (970) 878-4666 for Chapter news and activities Page 4 Aquilegia Vol. 23 No. 4 A Peatland by any other Name Gay Austin, Plateau Chapter What does the word “fen” bring to mind? Images of mist rising from deep, dark woods; unicorns; and Merlin the sorcerer? Are “bogs” — which are often thought of as common in Colorado — wet, swampy, and generally to be avoided? On February 19-20, Dr. David Cooper, Wetland Ecologist from CSU, captivated audi- ences at Western State College in Gunnison and the Plateau Chapter of CoNPS in Delta with information on fens, bogs, and peatlands, in general. He began by stating that fens and bogs are types of peatlands, the wettest category of w;etland. In general, peatlands have organic soils greater than 40 cm thick, stay satu- rated for long periods of time, and contain large carbon deposits. Only around 5% of the peatlands in the world are found in the United States, with Canada and Russia having the majority. Bogs are rarely found in the United States. They are: limited to humid regions with cool temperatures; nutrient-poor; ombroge- nous (formed by rainfall); and ombrotropic (fed by rainfall). They are sphagnum moss-dominated peatlands with a pH less than 4.0. Fens, on the other hand, are relatively common in Colorado and parts of the rest of the United States. They occur on sites with ground water discharge, which may affect the chemical composi- tion of the water, depending on whether it is a local or regional flow system. Fens (minerotrophic) are very sensitive to changes in water supply and require water traveling across them. They are also dominated by clonal plants. Fens can very in pH from less than 4.0 to more than 8.0 and are often found in kettle basins, the toes of slopes, and in regional discharge areas. Five to ten percent of all wetlands are fens. In Colorado, fens accumulate peat at the slow rate of about 8-11" of peat every 1,000 years! Some of these fens have peat over 11,000 years old! Peat mining is the major threat to fens and peatlands, in general. Peat is often sold as an amendment to soil for gardening and nurs- ery use. The peat taken from Colorado fens is actually nutrient- poor and can be detrimental to gardens. Furthermore, according to Dr. Cooper, no one has found a way to restore fens or bogs to their original condition after having been mined for peat; for this rea- son, he will not use peat in his garden. Because fens cannot really be considered a “renewable resource,” in the spring of 1998 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service deter- mined that fens with histosol soils (generally waterlogged soils that hold at least 16 inches of organic matter in the top 32 inches of soil) will be considered “Resource Category 1 of the Service's 'Mitigation Policy' (Federal F^Cgister, Vol. 46., No. 15, February 4, 1981).” In other words, because the Fish and Wildlife Service considers fens to be “irreplaceable,” it is necessary to take every possible measure to avoid impacting this wetland habitat. Hopefully, the Fish and Wildlife Service's definition of fens will be expanded in the future to include fens on other soil types. Dr. Cooper has been classifying fens based on pH and magne- sium, calcium, potassium, and sodium concentrations. Colorado fens generally fall into five categories; !) extreme rich fens, which are high in calcium and contain plants with an “appetite” for cal- cium (calciphiles); 2) rich fens; 3) transitional rich fens common- ly found on granitic soils; 4) ombrotrophic hummocks; and 5) iron or acid fens dominated by sphagnums. Those fens with more nutrient-rich water and higher pH have the highest plant diversity. The Nature Conservancy's High Creek Fen in South Park is clas- sified as “extreme rich” and contains 13 state-rare plant species. At the other end of the scale are iron fens. According to Dr. Cooper, “the iron fens in Colorado are fed by shallow ground water systems percolating through pyrite. The water oxidizes the pyrite, forming sulfuric acid, which leaches iron out of the water.’’ The Mt. Emmons Iron Bog (fen), a Forest Service “Special Interest Area” recently named a Colorado Natural Area, is a good example of an iron fen. If you would like additional hands-on experience with fens, join Dr. Cooper on a field trip to the Gunnison Basin on August 7, 1999. No “Dark Age” stuff, nor Merlin, but many interesting plants, lichens, and mosses. We will visit different types: of fens in the Fossil Ridge and Tin Cup areas. Call Gay Austin at (970) 641-6264 (h) or (970) 641-0471 (w) for more information and registration. More Notes from the Light Table Robert Epley I should have... For most of us, the pictures we take are done on weekends, vacations, or as part of some other special trip. As such, it is difficult for us to go back and get the picture we wish we had taken. Here are some ideas to make it easy to remember where we were when we made an exciting new find. Make the first picture on a roll of film a record or location shot. This is a good time to use a wide angle lens, if you have one. The purpose of this picture is to identify as much as possible about your location. If you are unable to see the flower that caught yoiir attention in this picture, that isn’t important. Take a record picture each time you move to a new location. Next, take a habitat picture that reveals the plant in its immediate surroundings. This picture should have a tree, bush, or rock that connects it with the record picture. The habitat picture will help you describe the habitat in terms of other plants and terrain. A close-up of the \yhole pjant will give information about its growth habit and many other major features of the plant. Be sure to fill the whole viewfinder with the plant. Morning or afternoon light coming over your shoulder onto the plant is the best for this. You are now ready to take close up pictures of key plant features flowers, fruits, etc. These pictures will make it easy to remember^^ where the plant was located, its environment, and its growth habit. NOMINEES FOR A 1999-2001 TERM ON THE CoNPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Vote for five candidates and return your ballot to the Colorado Native Plant Society at P.O. Box 200, Fort Collins, CO 80522 by September 15, 1999 or bring it to the Annual Meeting. G Jun Wen: Jun is Curator of the Herbarium and Assistant Professor in Biology at CSU. She received her bachelor's v^egree in forestry from Central China Agricultural Uhiversity, her Ph.D. in Plant Biology from Ohio State University, and postdoctoral training from Harvard and the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian. Her research interests are the systematics, ethnobotany and biogeography of flowering plants, especially the ginseng family (Araliaceae). She is now beginning to examine the evolution of Rocky Mountain plants. Jun has published papers in numerous journals including the American Journal of Botany, Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, and Novon. The National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society have supported her research. She initiated the Friends of the CSU Herbarium in 1997 to bridge the Herbarium with people interested in Colorado plants. She has enjoyed learning the fascinating flora of Colorado and has been a member of CoNPS since 1995. G Eric Lane: For the past few years, Eric's professional endeavors as state weed coordinator have focused on the impacts and management of non-native invasive species in Colorado. His MS from the University of Michigan is in Natural Resource Policy, while bis BA from Swarthmore College is in Biology. As a member of the Society's Board of Directors, he has contributed to the recent development of the Society's strategic plan, as well as its implementation through the Marr Fund and Conservation Committee. If re-elected, he intends to continue working with the Conservation Committee to improve opportunities for the CoNPS to make a difference in native plant conservation. G Andrew Kratz: Andy is Regional Botanist for the US Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Region (CO, WY, SD, NE, KS) headquartered in Lakewood. He has an ]S/(S in plant ecology, and has worked as an ecologist for The Nature Conservancy's natural heritage programs in both Montana and Washington. Over the past 20 years, he has been involved with native plant societies in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota and Kansas. He is interested in maintaining biological diversity, and in raising public awareness of native plants and the threats to them. He has served on the CoNPS Board since November 1993. G Bill Jennings: Bill has been a fixture in the CoNPS for over 15 years and has been on the Board for three prior terms. He has been workshop coordinator most years since 1985, organizing nearly 200 workshops, as well as leading many sessions. He authored the species descriptions for the CoNPS's book Rare Plants of Colorado and co-authored the Colorado Rare Plant .^fechnical Committee's Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide. He was involved in the listing of Ute ladies'-tresses orchid as a federally threatened species. Bill is an independent consultant, providing services to the mineral industry, government, and as special consultant to major consulting firms. He is married to Carolyn Crawford, noted botanical artist, Boulder Chapter chairperson, and chair for the 1999 Annual Meeting. G David G. Anderson: Growing up in Colorado, David developed an early interest in biology and environmental issues while “helping” his father prepare his high school biology labs. He then studied biology at the University of Colorado, where he became interested in alpine and arctic plants. After two summers in Alaska conducting vegetation surveys for the USFWS, he received an MS in Botany from the University of Washington. While in Washington he served as Conservation Chair of the Washington Native Plant Society. He has spent the last two years in the Solomon Islands as a Peace Corps volunteer. David is newly employed at the Colorado Natural Heritage Program as Assistant Botanist. G Jill Handwerk: Jill has been a CoNPS member since 1995. She was appointed Vice President of CoNPS in thb fall of 1 998, serves on the Horticulture and Restoration committee, and is assisting Carolyn Crawford with field trip arrangements for the 1999Annual Meeting. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program currently employs her as the Botany Information Manager, where she maintains the database for over 500 species of rare and imperiled plants. Jill brings with her a diverse background and long involvement in the plant community. She has a BS degree in Horticulture and a Master’s degree in Agriculture Business Management. Jill worked ih the nursery industry for over ten years, and spent another ten years as an assistant plant breeder for an agricultural research and development firm. Upon election to the Board, one of Jill’s goals is to strengthen ties to the nursery industry to increase awareness of the uses of native plants in the landscape and to discourage the use of invasive exotics. G Tina Jones: Tina is a former CoNPS vice president. Her volunteer activities for CoNPS include serving as assistant chairperson of the Horticulture and Restoration committee, organizing an annual meeting, contributing to the society’s “Aspen Ecology” slide show, and creating a list of low water native Colorado plants that are used by birds. Her specialty is bird/plant associations. She does consulting and speaks on the subject of creating native plant habitats for songbirds. \^rina was a contributor to the book Hummingbird Gardens by Newfield and Nielsen. Her yard is featured ip the book Colorado Great Gardens by Georgia Garnsey, as an example of a bird wildlife habitat. Tina wants to encourage the use of Colorado natives in the mainstream landscaping of suburbia. Colorado Kative Plant Society RO. Box 200 Fort Collins, Colorado 80522 Colorado Native Plant Society P.O. Box 200 Fort Collins, CO 80522 ATTN: Ballot enclosed Place Stamp Here Aquilegia Vol. 23 No. 4 1999 ANNUAL CoNPS MEETING September 25-26, 1999 Raintree Plaza Hotel Conference Center Longmont, Colorado REGISTRATION FORM - RETURN BY AUGUST 25, 1999 DATE ____________ PHONE ____________ ^ , ZIP^ __________ You MUST return this form and your check by August 25, 1999, if you wish to sign up for the luncheons on Saturday and/or Sunday, and to reserve space for either or both field trips on Sunday. Meals are optional, but the more meals the hotel serves, the less the rental fee for using the conference space. Field trips are optional, and no fee is contemplated since we will be carpooling. If yoii plan to stay overnight at the hotel, you must make your own reservations directly with the hotel. MEETING SIGN-UP I (We) plan to attend the Saturday, September 25, meeting/book sale; yes no I (We) plan to attend the Sunday, September 26, meeting/field trips: yes no LUNCHEON SIGN-UP. Luncheons will be catered by the Raintree Plaza Hotel, and will be held in the ballroom immediately adja- cent to the auditorium in the Conference Center. Saturday Luncheon, September 25, 19991 Choice of two entrees, which are served with caesar salad, chef s choice potato or rice, fresh veg- etables, rolls and butter, coffee service, and dessert. Napa Valley Pasta: fresh garden vegetables sauteed with olive oil, basil, and white wine; tossed with tri-color tortellini Number of plates Broiled Herb Chicken: grilled, marinated chicken breast, topped with fresh rosemary and roasted pine nuts. Number of plates Sunday Luncheon, September 26, 1999 Deli buffet includes soup du jour; tossed green salad with choice of dressing; deli salad; potato chips; croissant and deli rolls; sliced roast beef, smoked turkey, ham, pastrami, salami; domestic cheese; lettuce; tomatoes; red onions; bread and butter; pickles; black olives; mustard; mayonT npse; horseradish; homemade jumbo cookies Number of plates $$12 per plate : @ $12 per plate. @ $12 per plate . Insert NAME (S) STREET CITY, STATE TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: FIELD TRIP SIGN-UP only Celestial Seasonings Tea Company: number of persons only Rabbit Shadows Herb Farm: number ^f persons both Rabbit Shadows and Celestial Seasonings: number of persons will not attend the field trips; number of persons I could possibly be a carpool driver for the field trips: yes no Make checks payable to Colorado Native Plant Society or CoNPS, and return form by August 25 to: ^ Colorado Native Plant Society Attention : Annual Meeting Committee P.O.Box 200 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Vol. 23 No. 4 Aqiiilegia Page 5 SOCIETY NEWS Minutes of the CoNPS Board Meetings March 13, 1999. Meadows Branch Library, Boulder, Colorado Committee Reports. The Conservation Committee reported on several items including the Iron Bog mining proposal and the Wilderness Area Billi A preliminary discussion of the term “native plant” resulted in a decision to include those vascular plant species native to Colorado, following Weber and Whitman when referring to aliens and adventives. The Board will revisit the def- initions in October. The Horticulture/Restoration. Conservation and Education Committees will work on related issues, consider- ing the following: local genetic integrity; species concepts; pre- settlement conditions; other issues pertaining to or identified by the committees; naturalized plants; and relative scale, i.e. natiye to west. The Restoration/Horticulture Committee will be surveying members for information on growing native plants. Bill Jennings announced that he was stepping down as Workshop Committee Chair, but would continue to work on the committee to identify and arrange for speakers. Bill will also help find a new chair. Since January, 1985, a total of 185 sessions have been held. individual workshops. Action items resulting from the discussion were: Bill Jennings will write a notice for the newsletter about the search for a new Committee chair; the Board will identify an over- all leader and individual workshop coordinators; registration will be split into Fall (Nov-Jan) and Spring (Feb- April) sessions; Alice Guthrie will investigate options for voice messaging; and Bill will arrange locations and speakers for the 1999-2000 series. Chapter Reports. While agreeing to continue as program chair, Carolyn Crawford will resign as Boulder Chapter President, to be replaced by Caryl Shields. Rob Reins void reported that he and several others are thinking of starting a Greeley chapter . 1999 Annual Meeting. Carolyn Crawford reported that room arrangements haye been made for the Meeting, as well as lodging (ten hotel rooms will be held until August 25). Five speakers are confirmed, with slots for two more. Jill Handwerk is working on field trips. The Board approved the following Meeting title: “Ancient, Historical and Modern Uses of Plants for Health and Medicine.” Sunday morning may be a mini-workshop - a plant ID workshop for herbs and medicinal plants. Marr Fund Committee research proposals. Revised Marr Fund Guidelines were approved. The Board also reviewed recommen- dations by the Committee for funding and approved the following awards: Shannon Kuchel ($300), Gwen Kittel ($300), Melanie , f(^mett ($200), Lynn Moore ($100), and Brian Elliott ($200). The 1999 Budget was approved with some revisions. The Board discussed membership dues, deciding not to revise them at this time; an increase will be revisited when, and if, expenses warrant an increase. The membership brochure was reviewed and revised. Peggy Lyon requested funding for a rare plant brochure for Ouray County. The Board approved $600 for the brochure to be paid from the Education Committee budget. April 10, 1999. Meadows Branch Library, Boulder, Colorado Committee Reports. Communications reported that bulk mailing was going well, with first class mailing budgeted for time-sensitive issues only. Six issues are targeted for 1999. Annual Meeting infor- mation will be in the July issue, as will the ballot. The workshop issue will be mailed in September. The Board discussed printing more plant articles. Leo Bruederle reviewed the potential for this and will try lighter weight paper to allow more pages at the same mailing cost. The Board will also consider adding additional issues or special publications. The Board approved placing issues at strategic locations for outreach. The Colorado Foundation for Public Health and Environment requested use of the CoNPS logo for their letterhead, which the Board denied. A copyright symbol will be added to the illustration. The Conservation Committee con- tinued to analyze the Wilderness Bill. The Board authorized the Committee to send a letter of general support if deemed appropri- ate. Joyce Gelhorn is stepping down as co-chair of the Education . Chris Leahy replacing her. The Board decided that a larger Workshop Committee was need- ed, with one person providing oversight and others in charge of May 23, 1999. BLM Office, Grand Junction, Colorado Treasurer’s Report. Denise Culver reported that the Society’s taxes were filed, thanking Carol Riley for her help. As directed by the Board, Denise transferred $3000 from the general fund into the Marr Fund principle CD. This amount represents donations to the Fund, as well as 1998 book profits, and honors a request from Velma Richards and Rick Brune (Publications). Approximately $2200 was sent to recipients of research awards. The Board autho- rized Denise Culver and Alice Guthrie to identify a financial con- sultant and return to the Board with recommendations in the fall. Committee Reports. The Conservation Committee met May 20 to review conservation activities proposed for the Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins Chapters. Suggestions for the Western Slope chapters were also identified, recognizing that input from chapter presidents and local representative is needed. Chair Bob Clarke asked for guidance from the Board on grazing issues. The Board expressed support for the Committee to review grazing issues on a site by site basis, considering grazing by native ungu- lates, and looking for opportunities to work with other environ- mental organizations. Bob was asked, and is willing to be CoNPS representative to the Citizen’s Wilderness Network. Bob suggest- ed designating an alternate, as some meetings are on the Front Range and elsewhere in the state. Jill Handwerk and Alice Guthrie were named. The Horticulture/Restoration Committee reported that the Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) will be doing an addendum to their revegetation guide. CNAP would like to include information collected by this Committee, as well as receive some financial support. The Board approved a motion stating that CoNPS would provide information Collected for the horticulture brochure to CNAP to be used in the revision of the Guide; the dollar value will be determined by the Committee Chair, which will be leveraged by CNAP in their grant applica- tion. The Board approved a motion thanking Bill Jennings for his Page 6 Aquilegia SOCIETY NEWS work on the Workshop Committee and for guidance in the transi- tion; thanks to Carolyn Crawford and Bob were added. Bill reported that Elaine Hill and Kim Fayette have volunteered to serve as individual workshop coordinators for 1999-2000. Following a presentation by Alice Guthrie, the poard approved a voice messaging system for workshop registration, authorizing Alice to proceed. The Bokrd also agreed to try registration via e- mail in 1999-2000. Chapter Reports* The Board thanked the Plateau Chapter for organizing the May 22 field trip to Rough Canyon. Michael Craig inquired about organizing a new chapter in the Roaring Fork Valley (Glenwood Springs/Eagle/Aspen area). He will investigate interest from members and potential members in that area. 1999 Annual Meeting speakers and field trips have been final- ized. Carolyn , Crawford will write a summary for the July newsletter. The Board discussed the 2000 Annual Meeting, which will be hosted by the Plateau Chapter; the theme “Natural History of the Colorado Plateau” was approved. The Board discussed a letter sent on behalf of the Society regard- ing proposed mining, in which it appeared that a lawyer had been retained on behalf of CoNPS. The Board had not been consulted for approval before actions were taken and had concerns regard- ing CoNPS involvement. The Board asked Jeff Dawson, President, to verify facts regarding the proposed mining opera- tion; and determine if rare plant issues exist and whether or not a lawyer has been retained on CoNP’s behalf; Jeff will also request upward reporting to the Board. At the October meeting, the Board will also review the by-laws regarding expenditure of Society funds and circumstances under which Board approval is required. Gift Memberships Do you know a budding young botanist? Consider a gift of mem- bership in the Colorado Native Plant Society. A student member- ship is only eight dollars and includes all of the benefits of other levels of membership including discounts on numerous books, free registration at the Annual Meeting, eligibility to register for a plethora of incredible workshops and field trips, and, of course, a subscription to Aquilegia, Gift memberships will surely be appre- ciated year round. Think about it! Vol. 23 No. 4 Who Cares about the prairies? We do! Dan Johnson, Denver Botanic Gardens A steady rebirth is transforming the Plains Garden at Denver.^) Botanic Gardens! Following a prescribed bum in March, 1998, reconstruction began in earnest. Pathways were redirected to better accommodate wheelchairs. The West Pond was relined and new marginal transition areas were created. Over 5000 native grasses, sedges, and wildflowers were planted. This is the first spring since reconstruction and it is exciting to see these plantings spring to life! This may be a “man-made” prairie, but for many thousands of children and newcomers this can be an important first exposure to the world of native plants. They are often surprised to learn that \ some of our most dependable garden favorites are prairie natives. There is an intrinsic value in preserving our remaining wildlands and in using native plants in our landscapes. For many visitors, this garden can provide their first awakening to these issues. The better the garden looks, the more likely it is to leave a favor- able impression of native plants on our visitors. Volunteers are needed! As with any garden, there is a regimen of ongoing main- tenance, including planting, labeling, seed collecting, and weed- ing. These are all vital to creating a positive experience. These are also great ways to be in touch with our native plants and to sharp- en your plant identification skills (without leaving town!). Nearly 200 species live in the Plains Garden! If you love native plants and landscapes, and want to help spark this same interest in others, you are invited to lend your support to our efforts. Please contact DBG Horticulturist Dan Johnson fo’ more information at (303) 370-8054. Another growing season is''^ upon us, so thanks for responding soon! Volunteers Needed! So what else is new! Leo P. Bruederle, CU-Denver Herbarium The Herbarium in the Department of Biology at the University of Colorado at Denver is seeking volunteers to collect, mount, and process accessions, maintain the collection, and develop a data base. The UCD Herbarium is located in the Science Building on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver. While small, the alpine flora is very well-represented due to (he efforts of Emily Hartman and Mary Lou Rottman, both former faculty members. Recent efforts of CoNPS members Sara E. Hill, Kevin Fehlberg, and myself have resulted in numerous accessions representing the predomiiiantly submontane flora of the Rampart Range. The dynamic flora of Denver is also well-represented. If you are interested in volunteer- ing, please contact Leo at (303) 556-3419. And thanks! AQUILEGIA Deadline Approaches Please submit contributions for Vol. 23 No. 5 of Aquilegia on or before August 15, 1999 for a September 15, 1999 mailing. Include author's name and address. Previously published articles submitted for reprinting require permission from the editor of original publi- cation. Articles submitted via e-mail or on disks — MAC prefer ably, or IBM — are much appreciated. Please indicate word pro- cessing software and version. Vol. 23 No. 4 Aquilegia Page 7 Colorado Native Plant Society Board of Directors The Colorado Native Plant Society is a non- profit organization dedicated to the apprecia- tion and conservation of the Colorado native flora. Membership is open to all with an inter- est 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, work- shops, and other activities through local chap- ters and statewide. Contact the Society, a chap- ter representative, or committee chair for more information. Schedule of Membership Fees Life $250 Supporting . . . : . .... .$50 Organization $30 •Family or Dual . . ' . . .$15 ..Individual .$12 Student or Senior ........ V $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 is published four to six times per ye^ by the Colorado Native Plant Society. This newsletter is available to members of the Society and to others with an interest in native plants. Contact the Society for subscription information. Articles for Aquilegia may be used by other native plant societies or non- profit groups if fully cited to author and attrib- uted to Aquilegia. Please direct all contributions to the newsletter to: Leo P. Bruederle Biology, Campus Box 171 University of Colorado at Denver P.O. Box 173364 Denver, CO 80217-3364 E-Mail: lbrueder@carbon.cudehver.edu Short items such as unusual information about a plant, a little known botanical term, etc., are especially welcome. Previously published arti- cles submitted for reprinting require permis- sion. Carnera-ready line art or other illustra- tions are also solicited. Please include author's name and address, although anonymity may be requested. Articles submitted via e-mail or on disks (MAC prefer- ably, or IBM) are appreciated. Please indicate Word processing software and version. Officers President ....... Jeff Dawson. . . . 303-722-6758 Vice-President . . . Jill Handwerk . . 970-221-3460 Secretary . Alice Guthrie. . . 303-651-3127 Treasurer . . , .... Denise Culver . . 970-225-1930 Bill Jennings (99) . . . . Louisville . . 303-666-8348 Andy Kratz (99) . . . . . Lakewood. . 303-914-8291 Eric Lane (99) . Lakewood. . 303-239-4182 Paula Lehr (99) . Gunnison . . 970-641-0671 Don Parker (99) .... . Golden . . . . 303-279-4549 Gay Austin (00) . Gunnison . . 970-641-6264 Leo Bruederle (00) . . . Denver . . . . 303-556-3419 Jeff Dawson (00). . . . . Denver . . . . 303-722-6758 Christine Leahy (00) . . Golden . . . . 303-425-1227 Peggy Lyon (00) . Ridgway . . . 970-626-3195 Susan Spackman (00) . Loveland . . 970-667-2865 Chapter Presidents Carolyn Crawford 303-666-8348 Denise Larson . . . 303-733-4338 Don Hazlett . .... 970-834-1493 Reed Kelley 970-878-4666 Lori Bfummer . . . 970-641-3561 and Evelyn Horn. .... 970-533-7233 Southwest Sandy Friedley ; . . 970-884-9245 Boulder Metro-Denver Fort Collins . . Yamparika . . . Plateau Committees Communications . . Leo P. Bruederle303^ and . . Jeff Dawson . . . 303 Conservation ..... Bob Clarke. ... 970 Education Rob Reins void . 970 and . . Chris Leahy . . . 303 Field Trips Rick Brune. . . . 303 Field Studies Loraine Yeatts . 303 Hort/Restofation . . Lisa Tasker. . . . 303- Legislative Affairs . VACANT Membership Myma Steinkamp and . . Sue Martin .... 970 Publications Rick Brune. . . . 303 and . . Velma Richards 303 Publicity . VACANT Rare Plant Eleanor Monograph ...... Von Bargen . . . 303 Workshops Bill Jennings . . 303 ,556-3419 ■722-6758 ■242-6067 ■351-2716 526-0323 238.5078 ■279-3427 ■447-9431 226-3371 238-5078 794-5432 756-1400 666-8348 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Name(s) Address (Address) City Phone Chapter: _ State Zip 1 L MEMBERSHIP CLASS (Select one) Individual, $12.00 Family/dual, $15.00 Senior/retired, $8.00 Student, $8.00 Corporate, $30.00 Supporting, $50.00 E-mail Boulder Fort Collins Metro Denver Plateau Southwest . Yamparika In addition to my membership, I have included $, as a contribution to the John Marr Fund (endowment in support of small grants-in-aid of research), or $ as a general contribution to the Society. '“'^Enclose an additional $2.00 to receive hewsletters by First Class Mail. CONPS IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION —DUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CHAPTER MEETINGS AND EVENTS Plateau Chapter August 7 Fen Field Trip August 14, 15 The Grape Ferns of Molas Pass August 21 Wilderpess Area Survey Opportunity Sept 27-28 Short Course: Genetic Issued in Using Native Plants for Revegetation Southwest Chapter July 31 Flora on the Slopes of Pagosa Peak August 14, 15 The Grape Ferns of Molas Pass SOCIETY EVENTS Aug 28-29 Wilderness Weed Survey and Backpack Sept 25-26 CoNPS Annual Meeting NOTE: Mailed on or about 15 July 1999 Colorado Native Plant Society P.O. Box 200 Fort Collins, Colorado 80522 http ://carbon . cuden ver. edu/~ sh ill/conp s . html Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1475 Denver, Colorado ATTN: Ballot enclosed TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL