Newsletter of the Colorado Native Plant Society . . dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of the Colorado native flora” Volume 23 Number 2 Field Trip Edition March— April19d9 Colorado Native Plant Society Fieid Trips Field Trip Committee — Rick Brune, Chairperson Lovable Little Lichens, Otra Vez Leaders; Sally White and Jan Loechell Date: Saturday, May 23, 1999 Join us for another trek in search of macrolichens - those that are easily disceTnable - in the foothills of Jefferson County. Unlike adjacent Boulder County, the lichens of JeffCo are not well docu- mented. Since last year's wonderful hike to Genesee, we have launched a study of the macrolichens in Jefferson County Open Space. (If you’re interested in volunteering for this project, please call Sally). On this trip, we will inventory unusual lichen forms; visit some of their habitats; and learn more about the why, what, and how of lichens. Because the inventory of Jefferson County is so sparse, we have a good chance of finding unreported lichens. This trip will be to a convenient site in the metropolitan area, pos- sibly Alderfer Park or the Beaver Brook trail. Alderfer has several unusual species not seen at Genesee last year, while Beaver Brook area has north-facing slopes with gardens of lichens, delightful wildflowers, and the rare Weatherby spikemoss (Selaginella weatherbiana). We promise assorted botanical delights to ooh and aah over. Join us for a fun trip that will enhance your appreciation of an often-neglected lifeform, while enhancing our Jeffco data- base. Depending on the location selected, this trip will last from four to seven hours, and may involve long and/or steep hikes. Details will be provided to Tegistrants in early May. Lichen hand- outs, including an improved version of the lichen color guide inflicted on participants last year, will be provided. This trip is limited to 20 people. To register, contact Sally White at 303-697-5439 or si 1 white® ^ol. com. Prairie Restoration at Rocky Mtn. Arsenal Leaders: Carl Mackey, Denise Arthur, and Amy Thornburg Date: Friday, May 28, 1999, 10 am to 2 pm Several years ago we visited the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge to observe the beginning of the process to restore the native vegetation. This tour will visit remnant prairie sites at the Arsenal for comparison to restoration sites ranging in age from one to ten years. Restoration research plots and RCRA equivalent cover demonstration areas will also be seen, as well as cleanup efforts, if interest exists. This is an opportunity to view both suc- cesses and failures, and hear what the Restoration Ecologists at the Arsenal have learned about revegetating the site. The Arsenal sup- ports a large amount of wildlife, which we will also observe. Meet at 10 AM at the West Gate public parking area at Quebec and 72nd Ave. in Commerce City. We will begin by boarding a shuttle at the shelter. Bring a brown bag lunch for a quick picnic at the Visitor Center. This trip is limited to 12 participants. To register, contact Rick Brune at 303-238-5078. Aletes humilis m the Wind Forest Leaders: Rich Scully and Mary Jane Howell Date: Saturday, June 5, 1999 at 9AM This trip will introduce you to an easily accessible population of the narrowly endemic Larimer aletes {Aletes humilis), an attrac- tive cushion plant. This species thrives in limber pine forests and on windswept cliffs with grand views of Mount Meeker and Longs Peak. The population we will visit is one of the largest, with thousands of individuals. At 8700 feet, it is also the highest. We will meet east of Allenspark where a good dirt road meets the Roosevelt National Forest. From there we will hike about 2.5 miles off trail and on jeep roads through rolling montane wopd- “Field Trips” continues on page 2 Contents About the Society . . . .7 Announcements . ..... .5 Calendar .8 Chapter News ............... . 6 Field Trips .1-3 Society News ...... .4 Page 2 Aquilegia Vol. 23 No. 2 1999 CoNPS FIELD TRIPS 1 “Field Trips” continued from page 1 lands and meadows to overlooks of the North St. Vrain canyon and the granite gorge of Rock Creek. We will see the impact of recreational uses, like camping and four wheeling, on this species. This trip is limited to 20 people. For more information and to reg- ister, contact the trip leaders at 303-823-0766 or by e-mail at maryjanehowell@worldnet.att.net. Newlin Gulch Carex sax/mo/itena Survey Leaders: Jeff Dawson and Rick Bnine Date: Saturday, June 6, 1999 In 1998, we found one Carex saximontana plant while conducting a rare plant survey at Newlin Gulch. Although surveying the rest of the day, no more were found. Tjiis working field trip will involve searching for more plants for taxonomic study. Carex sax- imontana is a G5S1 species — globally common, but extremely rare in Colorado. It is known from only a few sites in Colorado, where it is at the extreme southern limit of its range. There is dis- agreement among taxonomists as to the distinctness C. saximon- tana and C. backii. Hopefully we will find more specimens to bet- ter determine the status of this species in Colorado. Newlin Gulch is an area of rolling prairie broken up by Gambel oak woodlands east of 1-25, n few miles south of Denver. The oak woodlands contain many populations of carrionflower {Smilax lasioneura). Although much of the site is weedy, we should find some excellent wildflower displays on slopes and ridges. Part of the area will probably be inundated by a reservoir in a few years, so this is an opportunity to document the present vegetation. This field trip is limited to 15 people. We may hike up to 5 or 6 miles. To register, contact Jelf Dawson at 303-722-6758. TENTATIVE: Chalk Bluffs Leader: Steve Kettler, Colorado Natural Heritage Program Date: Saturday, June 12, 1999 The chalk bluffs area is immediately north of the Pawnee National Grasslands near the Colorado- Wyoming border, where the pied- mont meets the High Plains. The landscape is characterized by rolling prairie broken by steep, sandstone bluffs. The bluffs sup- port several rare or vulnerable plants including mountain cat's eye (Cryptantha cana), plains milkvetch (Astragalus gilviflorus), Wyoming feverfew (Tetraneuris [Parthenium] alpinum), and dog parsley (Lomatium nuttallii). Mat-forming:and cushion — or pul- vinate — plants are frequent. The dominant plant association is the Stipa comata-Bouteloua [Chondrosum] gracilis prairie with many acres in good condition. Steep slopes and bluffs support Cercocarpus montanus! Stipa shrublands. At the base of many bluffs and on ridges is a plant community dominated by sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendu- la) and little h\uc&tQm {Schizachyrium scoparium). Riparian com- munities are often dominated by peach-leaved willow (Salix amygdaloides). A large sedge-dominated wetland occurs in the floodplain of Geary Creek. Creeks and reservoirs support popula- tions of state vulnerable fish, while bluffs and cliffs provide nest- ing habitat for hawks, falcons, and eagles. This trip is limited to 15 people. To register, contact Rick Brune at 303-238-5078. NOTE: As of printing, permission to access the Chalk Bluffs area has not been received. By the time you receive this issue, we should know more. In any event, a prairie field trip will be scheduled on this date. Pawnee Buttes and Vicinity Leaders r Don Hazlett and Jim Borland Date: Sunday, June 13, 1999 Join ethnobotanist Don Hazlett (for an ethnobotanical view of prairie plants) and plant propagator extraordinaire Jim Borland (for tips regarding cultivation) on this expedition to the prairie. Among the interesting plants we expect to find are the prairie turnip (Psoralea esculenta)\ mountain cat's-eye (Cryptantha cana) - be sure to smell the flowers; bastard toadflax (Comandra umbellata) - with it's sky-blue root for dyeing; and many others. We will meet at the Crow Valley Campground at Briggsdale on Sunday morning. We plan to leave the campground at 8 am so come prepared and bring plenty of water. This trip is limited to 20 people. To register, contact Jim Borland 303-922-4716. Willows of Golden Gate State Park ^ Leaders: Kathy Carsey and Gwen Kittel Date: Saturday, June 19, 1999 Golden Gate State Park is considered by some to be the jewel of the State Park system. Kathy Carsey, botanist with the Colorado Natural Areas Program, and Gwen Kittel, riparian ecologist with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, will introduce us to the many species of willows present in the park. Many of these grow along Ralston Creek with easy access from park roads. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn some of the diagnostic char- acteristics of the willows and to develop a gestalt for them. We may also get an opportunity to try out a new key to the willows that Gwen is developing. Time permitting, we will hike to a wil- low can* in the center of the park to see more willow species. This trip is limited to 15 people. To register, contact Kathy Carsey at 303-443-6736. “Field Trips” continues on page 3 Claytonia megarhiza Artist: Jan Wingate Vol. 23 No. 2 Aquilegia Page 3 1999 CONPS FIELD TRIPS '‘Field Trips’^ continued from page 2 Wildflowers and Natural History at Alderfer-Three Sisters Park Leader; Jan Loechell, Jeffco Open Space Naturalist Date: Sunday, June 20, 1998 On this field trip you will learn the basic plant family features that help to identify common wildflowers. At the same time, you will learn fun facts about the natural history and ethnobotany of plants in Alderfer-Three Sisters Park, an area of montane forests and meadows near downtown Evergreen, elevation 7300 feet. This field trip is for beginning botanists; families are welcome. Open Space Naturalist Jan Loechell has led many field trips for adults and children, and will share her enthusiasm. We will meet at the west side parking lot on the northeast corner of LeMaster and Buffalo Park roads near the yellow house. This will not be a strenuous hike — walking distance will be about one mile. Maps and directions will be provided before the field trip, which will last from 9:00 am to noon. Bring a lunch and hike on your own after the field trip. This trip is limited to 15 people. To register, contact Jan Loechell at 303-797-7765 or janloll@aol.com. Bonny Prairie Natural Area W Work Day and Field Trip Leader: Janet Coles, Colorado Natural Areas Program Date: Saturday and Sunday, June 26-27, 1999 The Bonny Prairie Natural Area contains one of the best remain- ing examples of little bluestem {Schizachyrium scoparium) loess prairie. Most of this type has been destroyed in Colorado, although it once covered thousands of square miles of the central Great Plains. The Bonny Prairie is protected at Bonny State Park, 25 miles north of Burlington in Yuma County. This field trip is sponsored jointly by CoNPS and the Friends of Colorado Natural Areas. We will spend Saturday (and Sunday, if necessary) removing noxious weeds threatening the integrity of the prairie and assessing the viability of a population of prairie moonwort {Botrychium campestre). Nasty weeds to be removed include sweet clover, Canada thistle, horehound, and ONE Russian olive in a poison ivy patch. CoNAP will arrange trans- portation and other logistics for those interested in doing good by doing in weeds. Gloves, tools, garbage bags,^and drinks will be provided. Camping will be available at Bonnie State Park. Excellent opportunities are available for botanizing, birding, and fishing in the area. To register, please call Janet Coles at 303-866-3203 x330. Kettle Lakes of Jackson County Leader: John Sanderson ^ Date; Saturday, July 10, 1999 On the northeast flank of the Park Range, below the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, lies a glacially-formed landscape dotted with wet- lands. The Park Range is phytogeographically interesting as it holds the southernmost extension of some common Northern Rocky Mountain species. Among these are azalea {Azaleastrum albiflorum) and trillium {Trillium ovatum). If we're lucky we will find both of these and possibly a late-blooming lady's slipper {Cypripedium). In the wetlands, in addition to floating peat mats and expansive spreads of pond lilies, we'll find several state-rare sedges {Carex spp.) and maybe one of Colorado's few carnivorous plants, the sundew {Drosera rotundifolia). Meet at 9 AM at the campground fee area on the north side of Big Creek Lakes, on the west end of the campground where the road forks. Rubber boots are recommended if you don't want wet feet. This trip is limited to 15. To register, contact John Sanderson at 970-484-3233 or musa@lamar.colostate.edu. Potentilla rupincola at Prairie Divide Leaders: Rich Scully and Mary Jane Howell Date: Saturday, July 17, 1999 at 9:30 am Potentilla rupincola is a rare cinquefoil known only from the Front Range and Tarryall Mountains of Colorado. It is variously classified as a distinct species or a subspecies of P. ejfusa. This trip will see a population of P. rupincola that is a true type, as well as its close relative, P. ejfusa. This makes it a good place to debate the classification of this rare cinquefoil. This area was grazed by cows until recently, so it also offers an opportunity to see whether P. rupincola is sensitive to grazing. We will go to Bull Garden near Prairie Divide in Larimer County. This is a 1 to 1.5 hour drive on good dirt roads northwest of Fort Collins. We will park just off the main dirt road and walk about one mile on level to rolling terrain. An additional attraction will be a visit to a population of Larimer bIqIgs {Aletes humilis) at the edge of the plateau. With a more strenuous hike, we will look for grass fern {Asplenium septentrionale) on the cliffs, and investigate granite overhangs and riparian vegetation of the Bull Creek drainage. On the return drive, we can make road-side stops to see other P. rupincola populations. This trip is limited to 15 people. For more information and to reg- ister, contact the trip leaders at 303-823-0766 or maryjanehow- ell@WGrldnet.att.net. Lake Gibraltar/Indian Peaks Wilderness Weed Survey and Backpack Leader: Pat Butler, Colorado Mountain Club Date: Saturday and Sunday, August 28-29, 1999 This is a joint field trip with the Boulder Chapter of the Colorado Mountain Club to assist the Forest Service in rnapping noxious weeds invading the Gibraltar Lake area. We will backpack from Camp Dick to Gibraltar Lake beneath the St. Vrain glaciers. The round trip distance for the hike will be about 15 miles with an ele- vation gain of 2500 feet. Our campsite will probably be in the sub- alpine, near 11000 feet elevation. The trip size is limited. To reserve a space, call Pat Butler at 303- 440-0586. Page 4 Aquilegia Vol. 23 No. 2 From the CoNPS Board of Directors ' ^ : : ^ :: ^ ^ CoNPS May Board Meeting All CoNPS members are invited to attend the May Board meeting to be held in Grand Junction May 22-23. A field trip is scheduled from 9 AM to 4 pm on Saturday, May 22. We will visit local canyon country in search of desert flora. Possible destinations include: Bang's Canyon, under study for wilderness designation; Colorado National Monument; No Thoroughfare Canyon; and Echo Canyon. Plants we could see include Grand Junction milkvetch (Astragalus linifolius)^\ong-f\ov/crQd cat's eye (Cryptantha longi- flora), Canyonlands lomatium latilobum), giant helle- borine ovchxd (Epipactis gigantea) canyon bog orchid (Platanthera sparsiflora). Who knows what else we will discov- er! Dress appropriately for temperatures that cpuld be ^0-90°, and bring lunch, water, etc. JThe board meeting will take place on Sunday from 9 am to 12 pm at the BLM office, with a Sunday afternoon field trip possible, if there is interest. To register for Saturday’s fiefd trip, contact Kathy See at 970-240- 9498 by May 1. Indicate whether you would like to go on one long day hike, two half day hikes, br a trip with little walking. Also let Kathy know your site preferences. We will meet Saturday at 9 am in the Grand Junction BLM office parking lot and car pool. The BLM office is at 2815 H Road. Take the airport exit off 1-70, turn north onto Horizon Drive, and west onto H-Roadjust before the airport. The BLM office is 1/2 block on the left. For questions about accommodations, contact the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce at 970-242-32 14nor iiifo@gjchamber.org. Staying at hotels closest to the airport would be most convenient, although camping may be available at Colorado National Monument. For further information call Bob Clarke at 970-242- 6067 or Gay Austin at 970-641-6264. In 1998, the Colbrado Native Plant Society witnessed the devel- opment of our WWWeb site. Communications Committee mem- bers Sara Hill and Sandy Smith are to be credited for developing this web page, which went online in November at: http://carbon.Gudenver.edu/~shill/conps.html. Thanks, complements, and suggestions should be submitted to webmanager Sara. Minutes of the CoNPS Board Meeting January 30, 1999. The 1998 Profit & Loss Statement was distrib- uted. Income was $34,209.80, expenses $29,233.80, and total assets $51,054 as of December 31. The Board reviewed budgets proposed by committees and chapters for 1999. The Board encour- ages chapters to be creative, develop projects, and carry them out. Chapter presidents will be advised of their 1999 budgets, based on membership. The Board decided that revenues generated by indi- vidual chapters can remain with the chapters, although activities that generate revenue must be consistent with CpNPS goals and mission. Budgets will be revised for approval at the next meeting. The Board reviewed the proposed guidelines for distribution of interest from the Marr Fund for research proposals, made some revisions, and will approve the final version at the next meeting. A committee was authorized to manage the research proposal process, which includes reviewing proposals and making recom- mendations for funding to the Board at the March meeting. The chair will be responsible for setting up the committee, organizing the review process, and tracking proposals and activities of approved projects. Mrs. Marr will be contacted and invited to par- ticipate on the committee. For 1999, the Board authorized spend- ing $800 from the Fund for proposals and an additional $700 from general operating funds, if warranted. For 1999, the Board agree ' to pay the approved funds up front, and see if there are any lems with work being completed on time. The Board also autho- rized profits from the 1998 book sales be added to the Marr Fund, honoring a request from Velma Richards and Rick Bnine. Committee Report Highlights. Communications recommended not soliciting advertising fox Aquilegia, as it wouldn’t generate significant revenue. Dr. Roger Rosentreter has submitted a paper on microbiotic crust; Leo Bruederle will pursue printing as a spe- cial publication. The Conservation Committee submitted draft revegetation guidelines for Board review. The Bbard authorized posting conservation alerts on the website. The definition of “native” was brought up and will be discussed in depth at a future meeting. The Horticniture/Restoration Committee will be sending a survey to all members. They are also working on a pam- phlet for a native plant list for gardens. In other business, the Colorado Natural Heritage Program apolo- gized for not acknowledging CoNPS for contributing photos and illustrations to the Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide. In addition, CHNP requested and was granted permission to use photos from the first Rare Plant Guide on the CNHP web page. The USFS, BLM, and Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG) are spon- soring a wildflower coloring contest for children and asked CoNPS to provide three judges for the contest. The Board agreed and Jeff Dawson will assemble judges. Drawings are due by April 30 and will be judged by May 8. ^ The CoNPS Board will meet on the following dates: April 10 Meadows Branch Library, Boulder May 22 Grand Junction Call Jeff Dawson at (303) 722-6758 for further information. Vol. 23 No. 2 Aquilegia Page 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS Annual Cactus and Succulent Show The Colorado Cactus and Succulent Society invites you to their annual show and sale March 27-28, 1999. This event will be held in Mitchell Hall at the Denver Botanical Gardens, from 9 am to 5 PM on both days. We wish to encourage non-meml>ers to participate and exhibit their cacti and succulents in our show. Plants are judged most importantly on condition, cleanliness (disease and critter free), container, and presentation. All plants will compete against others in their own category. Therefore, common varieties do as well as exotics. One requirement — participants must have owned their entries for six months or more^ All plant entries must be brought to Mitchell Hall on March 26, before 7 am for registration, and must remain on display until the end of the show. This event also includes unusual sale plants from a variety of regional vendors, informative mini-seminars, hourly prize drawings, and comple- mentary repotting of plants purchase at the sale. NOTE: For per- sons interested in growing native pTants, this sale usually has at least several species of winter hardy cactus native to Colorado or adjacent states. For further informatioh, contact Margo Verkutis at 303-979-4654. . Colorado Floras Although Colorado Flora: Eastern Slope and Colorado Flora: Western Slope, both by Wm.A. Weber, are indeed out of print, the author recently provided us with the following heartening news. The third edition of Colorado Flora: Eastern Slope will go to press this month and should be available in time for the summer field season. Flora: Western Slope will be readied short- ly thereafter, although probably not in time for summer. 1999 Dues Reminder Please check your mailing label. If it does not say “Paid Thru 1999” (or later), yoUr dues are now due. Renriember, CoNPS dues cover a calendar year. If you are not paid through 1999, please send your renewal to: Colorado Native Plant Society, P.O. Box 200, Fort Collins, GO 80522. This could be your last newsletter, renew today! Prices dropped on Flora ID Northwest keys Thanks to the positive response over the last four years, wehiave been able to recover our expenses and have lowered prices for our computer plant keys by up to 60%. The cost for a regional key, including software, is now $59.95. For pricing or to order, visit http://www.ucinet.com/~floranw, or contact Bruce Barnes at 135 SE 1st, Pendleton, OR 97801; 541-278-2222 (W), 541-276- 5547(H), 541-276-8405 (Fax), or fiora@ucinet.com. Thank you. . Incidentally, we have started work on adding color images of all '^ the species, a project that will probably take one to two years. Once completed,^ updates with the images will be free to those who have already purchased the keys. AQUILEGIA Deadline Approaches Please submit contributions for Vol. 23 No. 3 of Aquilegia on or before April 15, 1999. Include author's name and address, although anonymity may be requested. Note that previously pub- lished articles submitted for reprinting in Aquilegia require per- mission from the editor of original publication. Articles submitted via e-mail or on disks (MAC preferably, or IBM) are much appre- ciated. Please indicate word processing software and version. Guidelines for Revegetation Practices The Conservation Committee has submitted a proposal to the CoNPS Board to provide guidelines concerning revegetation practices in disturbed areas. When adopted, the guidelines will be circulated to chapters. The Conservation Corhmittee is also in the process of establishing a "Conservation Alert" section with the help of webmanager Sara Hill, Visit the CoNPS website when you get the chance. The Colorado Wilderness Network has asked CoNPS to support wilderness efforts and legislation. At this time support involves including CoNPS name among several hundred other Colorado organizations that are actively seeking to establish wilderness areas in about 12% of Colorado BLM lands. Major land acquisition The Conservation Fund, a private organization, confirmed January 15, 1999, that the city of Boulder Open Space/Real Estate Department will purchase 1,100 acres of open space land, west of Rocky Flats, known as Jewel Mountain for $5.75 million. The Fund, which acts as a go-between in transactions that preserve land with significant environmental values, facilitated the pur- chase at the request of the citizens of Coal Creek Canyon. In a separate transaction, the city of Boulder Open Space/Real Estate Department also announced it is purchasing an adjacent 400 acres of land, the Van Vleet property, for $8.75 million. This property is within 440 yards of existing Boulder Open Sp^e property. The properties, totaling 1,500 acres, are located northwest of the intersection of Highways 93 and 72, west of Rocky Flats and south of Boulder’s existing Open Space system. The properties adjoin the 708 acre Ranson-Edwards Homestead Ranch owned by Jefferson County Open Space to the west, and include expanses of unique prairie habitat, as well as the Coal Creek riparian corridon The combined land will contribute significantly to preservation of Colorado’s Front Range mountain backdrop, and further the goal of the Front Range Mountain Backdrop project, the goal of which is to preserve the mountain backdrop from south of Colorado Springs north to the Wyoming border. According to Sydney Macy, director of The Conservation Fund, "This open space acquisition is particularly important because it strategically links together two of the most successful open space programs in Colorado — those of Jefferson County and the city of Boulder." Initially, the lands won’t be open to the public until Boulder and Jefferson County develop a management plan. Page 6 Aquilegia Vol. 23 No. 2 CHAPTER NEWS ~ ' 1 . ■ ' 3 ^ Boulder Chapter Monthly meetings are held through May on the second Thursday of each month at the Foothills Nature Center located in Boulder on North Broadway opposite its intersection with Sumac. For more infor- mation, contact Carolyn Crawford or Bill Jennings at (303) 665-6903 or (303) 666-8348. April 8, 7:30 PM Weed Management Eric Lane (State Weed Coor4inator for the Colorado Department of Agriculture, will give a slide show and talk on the strategies, techniques, and politics of weed manage- ment. The talk will focus on attempts to control Mediterranean Sage {Salvia aethiopsis), a biennial weed that has infest- ed an area just north of Boulder. May 13, 5:30 PM Picnic and Hike Meet at Foothills Nature Center. Bring your own main dish; snacks and beverages will be provided. After dinner, we will go on a hike at a site yet to be determined. If interest is sufficient, we may go to see the Mediterranean Sage infestation discussed by Eric Lane on April 8. Fort Collins Chapter Monthly meetings convene in the confer- ence room at the USDA National Seed Storage Laboratory. For additional infor- mation call Don Hazlett at (970) 834-1493. April 6, 7:00 pm Pouder River Nature Center and Trail Jerry Saunders Metro-Denver Chapter Monthly meetings are held in the Morrison Center at the Denver Botanic Garden. For additional information, con- tact Denise Larson at (303) 733-4338. March 23, 7:30 PM Colorado Natural Areas Program Kathy Carsey, a research scientist with the Colorado Natural Areas Program for Colorado State Parks, will discuss this Program, in general, and describe some of the Natural areas around Colorado. Plateau Chapter For more information, contact Co- Presidents Lori Brummer at (970) 641- 3561 or Evelyn Horn at (970) 835-8391. April 24-25, 9:30 am Burro Point Field Trip Andrea Robinsong will lead this primi- tive (no facilities) overnight camping trip to an area northwest of Cortez that over- looks Yellow Jacket Canyon. Depending on the weather and moisture, the desert wildflowers could be great or nonexistent, the gnats could be horrible, but the war- blers will be terrific! Meet at the down- town City Market parking lot in Cortez at 11:00 AM on Saturday. For more informa- tion, contact Andrea at 970-872-3952. May 2, 9:30 am Rabbit Valley Field Trip Robert Clarke will lead this field trip to Rabbit Valley, which will commence at McDonald’s in Fruita (1-70 Exit 19). For information, contact Bob Clarke at (970) 242-6067 or Betty Hall at (970) 241-5677. May 8-9 Liehen/Microbiotic Soil Crusts of the Glenwood Springs Area Dr. Larry St. Clair will explain basic iden- tification steps for lichens and soil crusts. On Saturday, we will travel to the Canyon Creek Wildfire Area to help identify lichens and soil crusts on study sites there. Sunday’s field trip will include a trip to BLM land in the Gypsum area. A donation of $20 is requested to help defray Dr. St. Clair’s expenses. The workshop is limited to 25 people. For information and registration, contact Carla Scheck at 970-947-2815. May 15, 10:00 am Fairview Natural Area Field Ttip Explore the unique adobe plant communi- ties with Amanda Clements in search of some of the rare plant species for which this RNA was established to protect. Meet at the downtown Montrose City Market parking lot. Bring lunch, walking shoes, and a windbreaker. For more information and to register, contact Amanda Clements at 970-249-3564. May 22-23 CoNPS Board Meeting and Field Trip The May meeting of the Board will take place in Grand Junction. A field trip to canyon country in search of desert flora is being organized for Saturday at 9 am. All CoNPS members are invited to attend the field trip, as well as the subsequent meet- ing on Sunday at 9 am. For more informa- tion, contact Gay Austin at 970-641-0471 (W) or 970-641-6264 (H). June 6, 10:00 am Warner Fire Field Trip ^ Learn about the role of fire in our native plant communities, as well as fire rehabili- tation practices and community restoration on this trip led by Amanda Clements. The Warner Fire burned 800 acres in 1996 near The Black Canyon National Monument. See the effects of seeding, weeds, fire intensity, and vegetation types on vegeta- tion recovery. Meet at the downtown Montrose City Market parking lot. For more information and to register, contact Amanda Clements at 970-249-3564. Southwest Chapter Please contact Sandy Friedley at (970'' 884-9245 for Chapter news and activities^^^ Yamparika Chapter Please contact Reed Kelley at (970) 878- 4666 for Chapter news and activities. Aqiiilegia Vol. 23 No. 2 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 . v . .$12 Student or Senior .$8 Membership Renewal/Informatien Please direct all membership applications, renewals, and address changes to the Membership Chairperson, Colorado Native Plant 'Society, P.O. Box 200, Fort Collins, GO 80522. Please^ direct all other inquiries regarding the Society to the Secretary at the same address. Aquilegia is published four to six times per year 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; Ibrueder @ carbon.cudenver.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. Camera-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) . Andy Kratz (99) . Eric Lane (99) . . . Paula Lehr (99) . . Don Parker (99) . Gay Austin (00). . Leo Bruederle (00) Jeff Dawson (00). . . . Louisville . . 303-666-8348 . . Lakewood. . 303-914-8291 . . Lakewood. . 303-239-4182 . . Gunnison . . 970-641-067 1 . . Golden .... 303-279-4549 . . Gunnison . . 970-641-6264 . . Denver .... 303-556-3419 . . Denver ... . 303-722-6758 Christine Leahy (00) . . Golden . . . . 303-425-1227 Peggy Lyon (00) ..... Ridgway . . . 970-626-3195 Susan Spackman (Od) . Loveland . . 970-667-2865 Chapter Presidents Boulder . Carolyn Crawford 303-666-8348 Metro-Denver . . Denise Larson . . . 303-733-4338 Fort Collins .... Don Hazlett 970-834-1493 Yamparika Reed Kelley ..... 970-878-4666 Plateau Lori Brummer . . . 970-641-3561 and Evelyn Horn. . . . . 970-533-7233 Southwest Sandy Friedley . . . 970-884-9245 Committees Communications . . Leo P. Bruederle303-556-3419 and . . Jeff Dawson . . . 303-722-6758 Conservation Bob Clarke. . . . 970-242-6067 Education ....... Rob Reinsvold . 970-351-2716 and . . Joyce Gellhorn. 303-442-8123 Field Trips Rick Brune. . . . 303-238-5078 Field Studies Loraine Yeatts . 303-279-3427 Hort/Restoration . . Lisa Tasker. . . . 303-447-9431 Legislative Affairs . VACANT Membership Myrn^Steinkamp and . . Sue Martin .... 970-226-337 1 Publications. ..... Riek Brune. . . . 303-238-5078 and . . Velma Richards 303-794-5432 Publicity .VACANT Rare Plant Eleanor Monograph Von Bargen . . . 303-756-1400 Workshops Bill Jennings . . 303-666-8348 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Name(s) Address (Address) City Phone State Zip. MEMBERSHIP CLASS (Select one) Individual, $12.00 Family/dual, $15.00 Senior/retired, $8.00 Student, $8.00 Corporate, $30.00 _ Supporting, $50.00 L . .Ji E-mail Chapter: Boulder Fort Collins Metro Denver Plateau ^ Southwest Yamparika In addition to my membership, I include $_ 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 newsletters by First Class Mail. CHAPTER MEETINGS AND EVENTS April 8 May 13 April 6 March 23 Boulder Chapter Weed Management Picnic and Hike Fort Collins Chapter Colorado Wetlands: The good, the bad, and the ugly Metro-Denver Chapter Colorado Natural Areas Program Plateau Chapter April 24-25 Burro Point Field Trip May 2 Rabbit Valley Field Trip May 8-9 Lichen/Microbiotic Soil rusts of the Glenwood Springs Area May 15 Fairview Natural Area Field Trip June 6 Warner Fire Field Trip NOTE: Mailed on or about 22 March 1999 SOCIETY EVENTS April 10 CoNPS Board Meeting May 22, 23 CoNPS Board Meeting and Field Trip May 23 Lovable Little Lichens May 28 Prairie Restoration at Rocky Mountain Arsenal June 5 Aletes humilis in the Wind Forest June 6 Newlin Gulch Carex saximontana Survey June 12 TENTATIVE: Chalk Bluffs June 13 Pa^vnee Buttes and Vicinity June 19 Willows of Golden Gate State Park June 20 Wildflowers and Natural History at Alderfer-Three Sisters Park June 26-27 Bonny Prairie Natural Area Work Day and Field Trip July 10 Kettle Lakes of Jackson County July 17 Potentilla rupincola at Prairie Divide Aug 28-29 Wilderness Weed Survey and Backpack Colorado Native Plant Society P.O. Box 200 Fort Collins, Colorado 80522 Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1475 Denver, Colorado TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL