From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov  Tue Apr  3 14:29:59 2007
From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov)
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2007 15:29:59 -0400
Subject: [PCA] NEWS: Magnolias face 'perilous future'
Message-ID: <OFAFDD07B8.D0D12A00-ON852572B2.006A6043-852572B2.006B1D7C@fws.gov>

Take a look at the recent article from BBC news: 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6511985.stm


Magnolias face 'perilous future'

The spectacular bloom of a magnolia may be a very common sight in gardens 
but in the wild, it is a different story.

A new report has found that over half the world's magnolia species are 
facing extinction in their forest habitats.




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From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov  Thu Apr  5 12:04:17 2007
From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov)
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2007 13:04:17 -0400
Subject: [PCA] FR NOTICE: Public comment opens for Vail Lake ceanothus and
 Mexican flannelbush
Message-ID: <OFD8E7CBA2.AC9164F1-ON852572B4.005D6A99-852572B4.005DC650@fws.gov>

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AU77

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of
Critical Habitat for Ceanothus ophiochilus (Vail Lake ceanothus) and
Fremontodendron mexicanum (Mexican flannelbush)

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of comment period, notice of
availability of draft economic analysis, and amended Required
Determinations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
reopening of the comment period on the proposed designation of critical
habitat for two southern California plants: Ceanothus ophiochilus (Vail
Lake ceanothus) and Fremontodendron mexicanum (Mexican flannelbush). We
also announce the availability of the draft economic analysis for the
proposed critical habitat designations and an amended Required
Determinations section of the proposal. The draft economic analysis
identifies potential costs will be $385,000 to $659,000 in undiscounted
dollars over a 20-year period as a result of the proposed designation
of critical habitat, including those costs coextensive with listing and
recovery. Discounted future costs are estimated to be $325,000 to
$559,000 ($22,000 to $38,000 annualized) at a 3 percent discount rate,
or $272,000 to $471,000 ($26,000 to $44,000 annualized) at a 7 percent
discount rate. The amended Required Determinations section provides our
determination concerning compliance with applicable statutes and
Executive Orders that we have deferred until the information from the
draft economic analysis of this proposal was available. We are
reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties to comment
simultaneously on the proposed rule, the associated draft economic
analysis, and the amended Required Determinations section.

DATES: We will accept public comments until May 7, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and materials may be submitted to us by any
one of the following methods:
(1) E-mail: Please submit electronic comments to
<A HREF="mailto:fw8cfwocomments at fws.gov">fw8cfwocomments at fws.gov</A>.
Include "RIN 1018-AU77" in the subject line.

Please see the Public Comments Solicited section under SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION.
(2) Facsimile: You may fax your comments to 760/431-5901.
(3) U.S. mail or hand-delivery: You may submit written comments and
information to Jim Bartel, Field Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife
Office, 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011.
(4) Federal eRulemaking Portal: <A 
HREF="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</A>.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Bartel, Field Supervisor, Carlsbad
Fish and Wildlife Office, at the address listed in the ADDRESSES
section (telephone: 760/431-9440). Persons who use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay
Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.

To view the entire FR Notice, visit: 
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-SPECIES/2007/April/Day-05/e6186.htm

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From plant at plantconservation.org  Fri Apr  6 08:57:56 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2007 08:57:56 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] NEWS: Magnolias face 'perilous future'
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704060856580.3049@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6511985.stm

Magnolias face 'perilous future'

The spectacular bloom of a magnolia may be a very common sight in gardens 
but in the wild, it is a different story.

A new report has found that over half the world's magnolia species are 
facing extinction in their forest habitats.

See the link above for the full article text.



From plant at plantconservation.org  Fri Apr  6 09:20:55 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2007 09:20:55 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] WEB: Internet Seminar on Understanding and Reconstructing
 Soil Conditions at Remediation Sites
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704060917500.3049@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

Understanding and Reconstructing Soil Conditions at Remediation Sites - 
May 2 at 2-4pm EDT.

Effective in situ rehabilitation of drastically disturbed and/or 
contaminated sites is usually dependent upon understanding and modifying 
on-site soil conditions to support revegetation efforts. While 
site-specific characterization of soil conditions is essential to the 
development of any revegetation strategy, limitations posed by reactive 
sulfides and very low pH, excess soil compaction, and excess salinity are 
dominant and widespread problems on disturbed sites. This seminar will 
focus on essential steps and procedures for (A) characterizing limiting 
soil conditions, (B) ameliorating soil phytotoxicity, and (C) 
reconstructing viable and productive soil profiles for long-term 
rehabilitation. The importance of matching remediated soil conditions to 
the intended vegetative community will be emphasized via discussion of 
case study sites including metal contaminated sites, acid-sulfate spoils, 
and forested wetlands restoration. For more information and to register, 
see http://clu-in.org/studio/seminar.cfm#upcoming.



From plant at plantconservation.org  Fri Apr  6 13:05:12 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2007 13:05:12 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] CALL: Posters for Native Wildflower Seed Production Research
 Symposium (Orlando, FL)
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704061303450.19921@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

REMINDER:

Native Wildflower Seed Production Research Symposium
http://www.wildflowersymposium.com/

Deadline for poster abstracts is April 13.
http://www.wildflowersymposium.com/posters.htm

When:  July 19-20, 2007
Where: Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida

This will primarily be a research symposium dealing with seed production
of regionally adapted species (ecotypes; pre-variety germplasm).   The
symposium is intended for researchers working in this field but growers
are invited to attend as well.  Topics to be addressed are genetics,
production practices, pollination, harvesting, conditioning, storage,
and wild-collected seed.

Jeff Norcini
wldflowr at ufl.edu
850-875-7160



From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov  Tue Apr 10 14:00:50 2007
From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov)
Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:00:50 -0400
Subject: [PCA] E-Proceedings from March ASTA/PCA Meeting
Message-ID: <OFAF82148E.4C83D0E1-ON852572B9.0057B09E-852572B9.0068723D@fws.gov>

E-Proceedings are now available for the recent Conservation Seed Workshop 
in Washington, DC, held in conjunction with the PCA Bimonthly Meeting. 
Sponsored by the American Seed Trade Association, the USDA-NRCS Plant 
Materials Program, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest 
Service, this workshop sought to improve partnerships among government 
agencies, non-profit groups, and the commercial sector for the improvement 
of native plant development for conservation, reclamation, and restoration 
activities. 

In addition to the agenda, powerpoint presentations and a summary of the 
facilitated discussion are available from the website below.
        http://www.nps.gov/plants/meetings/bimonthly/mar2007/

To view other summaries from PCA meetings, visit: 
http://www.nps.gov/plants/meetings/bimonthly/

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From dstrick at newfs.org  Tue Apr 10 14:59:55 2007
From: dstrick at newfs.org (Debra Strick)
Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:59:55 -0400
Subject: [PCA] April 22-FREE New England Wild Flower Society Earth Day
Message-ID: <ED0CE22890F5FD4CAFF3A0A38832BF7A158EEE@exchange.newfs.org>

Dear Olivia,  
 
Perhaps sending you this email today will help make this late snow melt faster... Here at New England Wild Flower Society headquarters at Garden in the witchhazels are in bloom,  and we are looking forward to savoring the full parade of bloom with you during our 75th anniversary season. 
 
 I hope you'll be able to let people know about the upcoming April 14-15 Garden Opening, the April 22nd FREE Earth Day (See full article below)  and the upcoming ART GOES WILD anniversary exhibition GRAND OPENING May 19.  
 
ART GOES WILD exhibit and festival information is at http://www.newfs.org/artgoeswild/agwpress.html
 
With dozens of ART GOES WILD events coming, and hundreds of classes, trips, and workshops planned for Spring and summer, I'd like to make sure you're receiving only what may interest you, so please let me know if these fit your needs, or anything else I could send. 
 
Enjoy the season - Deb
 

Contact:  Debra Strick, Marketing and PR Director

dstrick at newenglandWILD.org <mailto:dstrick at newenglandWILD.org> 

508-877-7630x3501 

Image contact:  Lisa Mattei at x3502 and lmattei at newenglandWILD.org <mailto:lmattei at newenglandWILD.org>  


APRIL 2007 FREE EVENT


 


EARTH DAY LISTING


 

        SPECIAL FREE EVENTS:   New England Wild Flower Society's "Earth Day" is FREE Sunday, April 22 12:00- 4:00 p.m.  Don't miss a minute of spring at Garden in the Woods, with guided tours every half hour of the magnificent garden filled with newly emerging spring wildflowers and ferns. Meet MOTHER NATURE and learn to juggle as she does. Come early to get a seat at ANIMAL AMBASSADORS live animal shows, and Earth Day storytelling programs.  At noon learn the story of a beloved but despised dandelion with "The Teeth of the Lion" told by author Anita Sanchez.  Live animal programs "Jungle Creatures" at 1 pm and "Rain Forest Reptiles" at 2:30 pm feature exciting creatures including alligators, boa constrictors, chinchillas, and more!  Meet SANDY BEECH, the fabulous costumed tree character, sharing secrets about her life and previewing the exciting 75th anniversary of the Garden exhibition, "ART GOES WILD:  Innovation with Native Plants" opening May 19, 2007.  Listen to world music for the whole family by the HALALISA singers throughout the afternoon. Enjoy FREE face painting, and start your own native plant garden,  a wildflower seed planting activity,  with the help of friendly gardeners sharing earth-saving advice throughout the day.   Admission and programs are FREE; seats for shows are on a first-come basis.  RAIN OR SHINE. Garden in the Woods,  New England Wild Flower Society, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. (508) 877-7630, www.newenglandWILD.org. 

 

END.

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From plant at plantconservation.org  Wed Apr 11 13:46:36 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2007 13:46:36 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] CONFERENCE: 2007 Sustaining Military Readiness Conference
 (Orlando, FL)
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704111345410.1670@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

---- Forwarded message ----

The 2007 Sustaining Military Readiness Conference begins Monday, July 30th 
and runs through Friday, August 3rd at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in 
Orlando, Florida.

DoD Personnel and partners from the operational, planning, and cultural 
and natural resources conservation communities will engage in discussions 
and training to promote military readiness through conservation, 
compatible land use planning, and encroachment mitigation.  Workshops and 
sessions will offer valuable insight and skills for mission success. 
Please visit the Agenda and Field Trips pages for more detailed 
information.

The conference is sponsored by the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of 
Defense for Readiness, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for 
Installations and Environment, and the Office of the Deputy Director for 
Operational Test and Evaluation.

Visit the Web site at http://www.sustainingmilitaryreadiness2007.com/

We welcome posters form partner agencies on topics of relevance to the 
conference and to DoD.



From plant at plantconservation.org  Wed Apr 11 15:52:20 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:52:20 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] PCA: Bimonthly Meeting Agenda for May 9, 2007 (Arlington, VA)
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704111551080.7916@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

Anyone that is interested is invited to come to the meeting.  This
message has been cross-posted to all the PCA discussion lists.

Because the talk on bioenergy may be a popular one, we are asking that you 
RSVP to me at plant at plantconservation.org.  This will allow us to make 
sure there are enough chairs for everyone.

Olivia Kwong
SER/PCA
http://www.nps.gov/plants/

The Plant Conservation Alliance (PCA) Bi-Monthly Meeting is an open forum
for anyone interested or working in plant conservation. The meeting is
held every other month in the Washington DC metropolitan area. There is
roundtable for attendees to share relevant events, as well as updates from
each of the PCA working groups and committees. Regular attendees include
representatives from the PCA Federal agencies and from Cooperating
organizations; however anyone is welcome to attend this meeting. Past
meeting summaries and selected presentations are available at
http://www.nps.gov/plants/meetings/bimonthly/index.htm.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

             PLANT CONSERVATION ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Wednesday, May 9, 2007
                                  9:30 - 11:30 AM

              LOCATION: Conference Room at NatureServe
                        1101 Wilson Boulevard, 15th Floor
                        Arlington, VA 22209

(Take the Orange or Blue Line to Rosslyn Station. Go to 1101 Wilson Blvd.
Enter through the main entrance (the Post Office will be to the right
inside) and take the elevators up one level to the" Mall" level. Then exit
the elevator and find another set of elevators (around the corner) that
goes up to the 15th floor NatureServe reception desk.)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

          AGENDA

          9:30 Introductions
          9:35 Announcements/Communications
          9:55 Updates on Activities

               - Alien Plant Working Group
               - Medicinal Plant Working Group
               - Native Plant Materials Development Working Group
               - Public Outreach Working Group
               - Restoration Working Group
               - NFWF
               - MOU
               - NGO Committee

          10:30 The Status of Bioenergy Development & Potential
                Environmental Impacts - Ev Byington (USDA Agricultural
                Research Service)

          11:25 Closing Remarks
          11:30 Adjourn

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
                           [2nd Wednesday of alternate months]

            - Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 9:30-11:30 AM
              TBA
              NatureServe Headquarters, Arlington, VA

            - Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 9:30-11:30 AM
              TBA
              NatureServe Headquarters, Arlington, VA




From plant at plantconservation.org  Thu Apr 12 08:52:54 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2007 08:52:54 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] CONFERENCE: Native Plant Conference (Millersville, PA)
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704120850220.13654@cpanel2.betterbox.net>


---------- Forwarded message ----------

NATIVE PLANTS IN THE LANDSCAPE CONFERENCE
Location: Millersville University, Lancaster County, Millersville, PA
Dates: June 7-9, 2007
Contact: (717) 872-3030, npilc at yahoo.com
Website: www.millersvillenativeplants.org

Please join us for our 17th year of collegial learning in scenic 
Lancaster County. A great way for professionals, educators, and home 
gardeners to network and learn about  native plants and sustainable 
landscapes.

Featured Speakers:
- Rick Darke, Landscape Consultant and author of The American Woodland 
Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest; and The 
Encyclopedia of Grasses for a Livable Landscape.
- Marcus de la Fleur, Landscape Architect specializing in sustainable 
technology.
- Pliny Fisk III, Pioneer in the sustainable architecture and planning 
movement; Founder of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems; 
and Associate Professor at Texas A&M.
- Jim McCormac, Botanist and ornithologist at Ohio Division of Wildlife; 
expert in plant-animal interactions and habitat quality.
- Doug Tallamy, Chair, Dept of Entomology & Wildlife Ecology, Univ of 
Delaware, author of "Bringing Nature Home," to be published this summer.

Other topics include: Butterflies in the Garden; Invasive Plants and 
Insects; Plant and Animal Interactions; American Beauties; Grasses, 
Rushes and Sedges; Great Natives for the Garden; and Sustainable 
Landscapes.

The Conference also offers pre-conference workshops and field trips; 
evening programs and social events. The NATIVE PLANT SALE features 
numerous well-known vendors, many of whom do not usually sell at retail..

Cost: $155 includes meals but no housing. Options with housing and meals 
start at $205.  Registration required.
Please call (717) 872-3030 or email  npilc at yahoo.com.
Millersville University, Department of Professional Training and 
Education

-------------------------
Kirsten Emigholz
Publicity and Promotions Chair
Native Plants in the Landscape Conference
Millersville, PA



From Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov  Thu Apr 12 07:48:26 2007
From: Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov (Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov)
Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2007 08:48:26 -0400
Subject: [PCA] Fw: Livable Landscapes--a cutting-edge concept for
	sustainable gardening
Message-ID: <OFC8A41CE3.B6304B2E-ON852572BB.00462012-852572BB.00465A79@fws.gov>

Forwarding this message for what looks like an interesting book.  Of note: 


"[The author] urges gardeners to know their local habitats ---'behave like 
responsible managers'---and plant only those grasses that will sustain and 
enhance the natural ecology of one's home turf.""

-Patricia
- - - - - 


In a world of global climate change---where we are seeing the effects of 
the human footprint on our fragile environment---increasingly, 
communities, individuals and designers are giving thought to the long-term 
sustainability and livability of the landscapes they create. 
 
>From home gardens to shared public spaces, and streetscapes, grasses have 
at last achieved the recognition they deserve for their beauty, longevity, 
and ease of maintenance. In addition they also offer sustainable solutions 
to ecological and landscaping challenges. 
 
"The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes" (April 2007, Timber 
Press) by Rick Darke (one of the world's foremost authorities on grasses 
and their use in gardens) sets the standard for inspired, sustainable use 
of grasses in the living, breathing landscape. In the book, Darke 
introduces an exciting and cutting-edge concept: livable landscapes.
 
###
 
WHAT ARE LIVABLE LANDSCAPES?
 
LIVABLE LANDSCAPES embrace all branches of ecological science as well as 
human social science and cultural geography, resulting in a complex but 
eminently modern recipe for inclusive habitat. They combine the human need 
for creative endeavor with the finite nature of the world's physical 
resources. 
 
LIVABLE LANDSCAPES encourage and sustain spontaneous, sensual everyday 
life, and conserve local uniqueness while evolving toward a universal 
landscape language.
 
LIVABLE LANDSCAPES are gardens that are personal, intimate spaces that 
simultaneously celebrate community and the joy of the connected landscape. 
They include local approaches that are cognizant of global realities and 
trends. 
 
To read a sample chapter from the book, see photos, and for more in-depth 
information please visit www.livable-landscapes.com
 
###
 
"The Los Angeles Times" stands by the book's concept, explaining how Darke 
"hopes readers will do more than get lost in the book's 1,000 photos. 
[That] he urges gardeners to know their local habitats
---'behave like responsible managers'---and plant only those grasses that 
will sustain and enhance the natural ecology of one's home turf."
 
Verlyn Klinkenborg of "The New York Times" writes: "[Darke] is adept at 
drawing aesthetic lessons and design ideas from the untutored workings of 
nature."
 
The latest issue of renowned "Landscape Architecture" magazine featured a 
6-page color spread highlighting Darke's concept of livable landscapes, 
and the roles that grasses can play in our public landscape.
 
Rick Darke is a celebrated photographer and runs a Pennsylvania-based 
landscape design firm that blends art, ecology and cultural geography in 
the creation and conservation of livable landscapes. He would be a 
fabulous person to chat with. I hope you will consider interviewing Rick 
about livable landscapes and the role of grasses in sustainable gardening. 
Outstanding color photos are available to accompany your story.
 
 
Olivia Koivisto ~ Marketing Associate
Timber Press, Inc.
133 SW 2nd Ave., Ste. 450
Portland, OR 97204-3527
okoivisto at timberpress.com
800.327.5680
503.227.2878 x 105
 
www.timberpress.com
 
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From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov  Fri Apr 13 11:02:40 2007
From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov)
Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:02:40 -0400
Subject: [PCA] FR Notice: Designation fo critical habitat for Suiun thistle
 and soft bird's-beak
Message-ID: <OF53FDDC81.C04DE9E8-ON852572BC.0057C0C9-852572BC.00582109@fws.gov>

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
1018-AU44

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of
Critical Habitat for Cirsium hydrophilum var. hydrophilum (Suisun
thistle) and Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis (soft bird's-beak)

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service), are
designating critical habitat for Cirsium hydrophilum var. hydrophilum
(Suisun thistle) and Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis (soft bird's-beak)
under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total,
approximately 2,052 acres (ac) (830 hectares (ha)) fall within the
boundaries of the critical habitat designation for C. hydrophilum var.
hydrophilum in Solano County, California, and approximately 2,276 ac
(921 ha) for C. mollis ssp. mollis in Contra Costa, Napa, and Solano
Counties, California. Due to overlap of some units, the total area of
critical habitat designation for both subspecies is 2,621 ac (1,061
ha).

DATES: This rule becomes effective on May 14, 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Field Supervisor, Sacramento Fish and
Wildlife Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California 95825;
telephone, 916-414-6600; facsimile, 916-414-6713. People who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.

To view the entire FR Notice, visit: 
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-SPECIES/2007/April/Day-12/e1777.htm
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From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov  Fri Apr 13 13:39:39 2007
From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov)
Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:39:39 -0400
Subject: [PCA] TNC Report on Forest Insects and Disease
Message-ID: <OFBA54F518.3C7D3B27-ON852572BC.0066560B-852572BC.00668019@fws.gov>

Take a look at the document titled, An Ounce of Prevention: How to stop 
Invasive Insects and Diseases from Devastating U.S. Forests, a recent 
paper from The Nature Conservancy Forest Health Program.  

To view the pdf. document, visit: 
http://www.nature.org/initiatives/forests/files/ounceofpreventionsingle1.pdf 



A message from The Nature Conservancy, 

Invasive insects and plant diseases are taking a disastrous toll on U.S. 
forests.  Imported nursery stock -- trees, garden plants, roots, seeds and 
cuttings brought in from other countries for sale to the U.S. consumer-- 
are one of two chief pathways bringing invasive insects and diseases into 
American forests. (The other principal pathway is wood packaging material 
- crates, pallets, etc.)  Of about 25 highly damaging forest pests and 
diseases introduced since the middle of the 19th Century, 19 have probably 
reached the U.S. on imported live plants.  Half of those pests and 
diseases entered the country in the past 35 years.   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) is the primary agency tasked with preventing the entry of 
potentially invasive pests and pathogens.  While APHIS has recently 
adopted overarching regulations requiring treatment of wood packaging, 
regulations governing imports of plants were large written a generation 
ago.  The risk of pest introductions has risen sharply as numbers of plant 
imports and source countries have grown.    

APHIS has begun revising its regulations - but it is moving slowly in the 
face of a looming crisis. The attached report from The Nature Conservancy, 
?Ounce of Prevention,? outlines some of the challenges inherent in this 
rulemaking and suggests one possible approach to minimizing the risk of 
pest introductions associated with plant imports. 

We recognize that our suggestion is not the only possible approach.  We 
would welcome a dialogue with you and others who are on the front lines of 
phytosanitary protection to explore how we might work together to find the 
best way forward.   

The report is also available on paper, should you prefer. 

To view the pdf. document, visit: 
http://www.nature.org/initiatives/forests/files/ounceofpreventionsingle1.pdf

Faith T. Campbell, Ph.D. 
Forest Health Program 
Global Forest Partnership
The Nature Conservancy 
703-841-4881 
fcampbell at tnc.org 




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From lynda at unitedplantsavers.org  Mon Apr 16 15:19:21 2007
From: lynda at unitedplantsavers.org (Lynda LeMole)
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:19:21 -0700
Subject: [PCA] United Plant Savers announces Intern Program
Message-ID: <007301c78064$96f2d4d0$3d4d154c@D9MCF921>

Hard Working?  Motivated to learn about medicinal plants? 
Want to experience United Plant Savers' 360-acre plant sanctuary in
Ohio? 
Join us in our UpS Sanctuary Intern Program!

6 week session scheduled Sept 1 - October 14, 2007
Interns work 30 hours/week doing a variety of medicinal plant
conservation and cultivation projects.  Six to eight interns will be
accepted.

A hands-on practical approach.  Classes and opportunities to work with
staff teachers and Chip Carroll, Program Manager.  Interns learn general
plant propagation techniques working with at-risk and endangered
species, general farm upkeep and maintenance, landscape care, greenhouse
work, medicinal plant identification, sustainable wild harvesting
principles and practices, medicine making.  In this session interns have
the opportunity to help in development of Paul Strauss's "Talking
Forest" trail building project.

Call or write for details and application.  Application also available
on line at: www.unitedplantsavers.org. Scroll down the home page, click
the Internship Program announcement, and all the info will be there.
Betzy 802-476-6467; Lynda 707-824-0731 
plantsaversmail at earthlink.net; lynda at unitedplantsavers.org 

 
 
 <mailto:plantsaversmail at earthlink.net> 
 

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From plant at plantconservation.org  Mon Apr 16 17:48:37 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:48:37 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] CONFERENCE: United Plant Savers' Planting the Future
	(Williams, OR)
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704161746110.25639@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Lynda LeMole" <lynda at unitedplantsavers.org>

United Plant Savers
presents
Planting the Future - a conference on the cultivation, preservation and 
uses of native medicinal plants.

Saturday, July 14, 2007  8:30 - 5:30  at Herb Pharm Farm in Williams, 
Oregon

Presenters include renowned herbalists who donate their teaching to 
benefit the work of United Plant Savers.

Cascade Anderson-Geller ~ Ed Smith ~ Robin dePasquale ND ~ Kathi Keville ~ 
Steven Foster ~ Deborah Frances ND ~ Mindy Green ~ David Theodoropoulis ~ 
Bevin Clare ~ Tori Hudson ND ~ Richo Cech ~ Mark Wheeler ~ Trunity Ava 
Rizzi ~ James Jungwirth ~ Jonathan Treasure

Sponsored by: Herb Pharm ~ Pacific Botanicals ~ Horizon Herbs

Activities & Classes Include:

- Cultivation of Medicinal Herbs
- Women's Health:  What's New in Botanical Research
- Guided Plant Walks in Herb Pharm's amazing herb gardens
- Unusual Historical Medicinals
- Herbs for Sexual Health
- Sustainable Herb Harvests in Far-Flung Places
- Community Herbalism
- NW Natives:  Who Are They and What is their Medicine?
- Regulatory Actions Affecting Herbs
- Aromatherapy and the Art of Bathing
- Native Ecosystems

Amazing Herb Treasure Raffle!

Lunch and community under the Herb Pharm canopy!

Plants, books, herb products for sale!

Herb Walks!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: www.unitedplantsavers.org
Phone: 802-476-6467
email: plants at unitedplantsavers.org

Cost is $70 ($60 for UpS members)

Conference Extras:

RARE!! Phyto-Photo!! Focus on Herbs with Steven Foster - Getting great 
plant photos with the equipment you have.
This is a limited participation Sunday morning workshop.  See 
www.unitedplantsavers.org for details

FARM TOURS:  Sunday July 15, 10 am - 4 pm - Tour local herb farms, 
companies, nurseries.  Sourthern Oregon is herb heaven in the summer!!

Don't miss this amazing day conference and weekend of herb education, 
plant beauty and over 400 wonderful herb friends! Ups conferences are 
always a blessing and a blast!

See http://www.unitedplantsavers.org for details or call us for more info: 
802-476-6467

See attached flyer  ~  PLEASE PRINT AND POST !!  Please circulate widely!


Lynda E. LeMole
Executive Director
United Plant Savers
www.unitedplantsavers.org
phone: 707-824-0731
fax: 707-824-0279
email: lynda at unitedplantsavers.org
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From plant at plantconservation.org  Mon Apr 16 21:10:13 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2007 21:10:13 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] WORKSHOP: Focus on Herbs - Plant Photography Workshop with
 Steven Foster
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704162108380.32658@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

Space is limited to 20 participants.

--------Forwarded message----------
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:26:11 -0700
From: Lynda LeMole <lynda at unitedplantsavers.org>
Subject: Focus on Herbs - Plant Photography Workshop with Steven Foster

United Plant Savers presents:  Focus on Herbs - Getting great plant
photos with the equipment  you have.  A workshop with renowned
photographer Steven Foster.


Sunday, July 15, 2007  9:00 am - 1:00 p.m.  at Herb Pharm Farm,
Williams, Oregon

Plant Photography offers an excellent medium to explore the secret
beauty of flowers and to gain a deeper understanding of how to relate to
plants.

This is a rare opportunity to study with one of America's premier plant
photographer/herbalists and to photograph incredible medicinal plants in
the Herb Pharm gardens.

This Sunday morning fundraiser workshop follows UpS's Saturday, July
14th "Planting the Future" conference also held at Herb Pharm.  Over 20
notable American herbalists will present to 400 herb enthusiasts at a
memorable full day event.  For more information please visit:
www.unitedplantsavers.org  or call 802-476-6467

"The workshop will focus on techniques for improving your plant
photography.  Rather than dry optical theory or studio techniques, we
will spend most of our time on techniques for field work.  You do not
need sophisticated, expensive equipment to take great photographs.  It's
more about understanding simple concepts - lighting, being in the right
place at the right time, and patience.  We will work with ambient
natural light and making the most of the equipment you have.  Please
bring a camera (digital or film) and if possible a tripod.  Our subjects
will be the fabulous herb gardens at Herb Pharm.

The key to successfully capturing images is to know and understand your
equipment and learning to keep photography simple.  During the workshop
we will focus on shooting plants, then review our work both individually
and collectively.  I hope to see you in the garden."    Steven Foster

Cost:  $180 donation to United Plant Savers ($160 for Conference
participants and UpS members).  Workshop is limited to 20 participants.

About Steven Foster:  Combining a career as a writer, photographer and
medicinal plant specialist, his articles and photographs have appeared
in numerous periodicals and dozens of books, most recently the National
Geographic book A Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine by Steven Foster
and Rebecca Johnson (2006).  For over thirty-three years, Steven has
photographed plants from the Amazon rainforest to Vietnam's highlands.
More info can be found at:  www.stevenfoster.com/herbalblog



Lynda E. LeMole
Executive Director
United Plant Savers
www.unitedplantsavers.org
phone:  707-824-0731
fax:        707-824-0279
email:     lynda at unitedplantsavers.org








From plant at plantconservation.org  Tue Apr 17 14:02:27 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:02:27 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] NEWS: Climate Change Policy from New England Wild Flower
	Societ
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704171401500.19537@cpanel2.betterbox.net>


---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:39:03 -0400
From: Debra Strick <dstrick at newfs.org>
To: WEbmaster <plant at plantconservation.org>
Subject: News Story - Climate Change Policy Earth Day Story New England Wild
     Flower Society

Dear ,

Happy Earth Day!  I hope you'll be able to share this  information with your audience, and consider making a link available.  Please let me know if you have questions, or if you need images.

NEWS RELEASE:

  New England WIld Flower Society, America's oldest plant conservation institution,  announces a new CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY in a fuller description below, with a link to a PDF of the policy.

Let me know if you'd like me to arrange an interview our Director of Conservation, Bill Brumback, or our Executive Director, Gwen Stauffer on this important issue.

Stauffer answers CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY questions at the Society's free EARTH DAY celebration at Framingham headquarters at Garden in the Woods, 12-4.

  To view the document in full, please visit www.newenglandWILD.org/conserve <http://www.newenglandWILD.org/conserve> .




Contact:  Debra Strick

dstrick at newenglandWILD.org <mailto:dstrick at newenglandWILD.org>

Marketing and PR Director

508-877-7630 x 3501 to arrange interviews

Plant images available at x 3502 or lmattei at newenglandWILD.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News, Science, Nature, Earth Day, Conservation, Climate Change, Plants, Business

EARTH DAY MESSAGE: Conservation Leaders Ask --Will Maple Syrup, Christmas Trees, Fall Foliage Season, and Other New England Icons Fall Victim to Climate Change?



   Framingham, Massachusetts - Maple/beech/birch and spruce-fir forest types are very likely to be completely displaced by more southern forest types by the end of the 21st century in New England. The disappearance of these regional icons, and the tourism, products, and ecological communities that depend on them, are considered in New England Wild Flower Society's new POLICY ON CLIMATE CHANGE, the group announced today. The Society, America's oldest plant conservation institution, and the leader in New England plant conservation s, prepared the comprehensive initial review, incorporating research of multiple groups, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).  To download a free copy of the policy, visit www.newenglandWILD <http://www.newenglandwild/> /conserve.

  "Climate change is a complex and serious plant conservation issue with a profound impact on plants and ecosystems," said Gwen Stauffer, New England Wild Flower Society's Executive Director. "This initial policy sets a course of action for our own organization and a large network of collaborators, as it begins to frame our response."

   "The native flora concept will change as native plants from the south move northward into new regions," said Bill Brumback, Conservation Director of New England Wild Flower Society. "This initial policy represents a "sea change" in how we will look at plant conservation in the future. Up until now, plant conservation strategy began by first protecting land and then managing it. Climate change requires us to review our concepts of what actually constitutes a natural community in our region, and adapt conservation efforts to the best scientific rationales, as these comprehensive changes take place."

The Policy includes plans for collaboration with multiple scientific groups to develop strategies to respond to the complex challenges of climate changes and effects on plant health and natural ecosystems in New England. Important ecological shifts include the possible elimination of most regional bog ecosystems, the likely extirpation of multiple northern forest types, and the increase of invasive plant activity.  New invaders to our area, formerly not species of concern because of their lack of hardiness in our climate, such as kudzu, are likely to take greater hold because of their competitive advantage. The Society is committed to an "early detection-early response" action through its conservation programs and collaborative actions, such as the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE) and the Plant Conservation Volunteer Program (PCV). The PCV program has garnered international recognition and next week represents New England at the Global Botanic Gardens Congress in Wuhan, China. The Society's delegate, Ailene Kane, will be sharing the PCV model and plant conservation training with conservation leaders from other countries around the world.

             The Society began stepping up related initiatives over the past few years.  In 2006 it joined the Seeds of Success program as the Northeast leader in a U.S.- led effort that is part of the Millennium Seed Bank project initiated by Royal Botanic Garden in Kew, U. K. The project's goal is to collect and bank seed for 10 percent of the flora in the northeastern U.S., thereby creating an insurance policy against ecological loss or damage to the bioregions of the Northeast.  New England Wild Flower Society recently completed a design for a Native Plant Center at its Nasami Farm Native Plant Nursery location in Whately, Massachusetts. In addition to its role in supplying native plants for gardens and restoration, the proposed Center will be used for seed bank work, as an educational resource, and, eventually, to supply native plant material for "green corridors," as a response to the fragmentation of our green spaces. The Center is designed to meet the LEED Gold standard for sustainable design and construction.  Says Director Stauffer, "For all of us, lightening our footprint on the land is an important part of our response to climate change." The building is expected to be one of the first 200 in the United States to receive this designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Society's new publication, Invaders...We're Fighting Back, a resource for updates and plant identification, is available by calling 508-877-7630, ext. 3601, or online at www.newenglandWILD.org <http://www.newenglandwild.org/> . Discuss the Climate Change Policy at New England Wild Flower Society's April 22 FREE Earth Day Celebration, 12-4 p.m., at Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA.        ######END











From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov  Thu Apr 19 08:00:40 2007
From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov)
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:00:40 -0400
Subject: [PCA] NEWS: Neon green gecko key to preventing Mauritian plant
	extinction
Message-ID: <OF331669E8.D9F075DB-ON852572C2.00473622-852572C2.0047793A@fws.gov>

A vibrantly colored gecko plays a key role in a highly threatened 
ecological community in Mauritius, reports new research published in 
American Naturalist.

Studying plant-animal interactions in Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island 
famous for its extinct dodo bird, researchers found that a rare plant, 
Trochetia blackburniana, benefits from its proximity to Pandanus plants 
because they house high densities of geckos responsible for pollination. 
The findings, which unusually identify a lizard as a key pollinator, are 
significant because they provide "valuable management insights for ongoing 
conservation efforts to save the highly endangered flora of Mauritius."

To view the entire article, visit: 
http://news.mongabay.com/2007/0417-gecko.html



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From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov  Thu Apr 19 08:03:14 2007
From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov)
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:03:14 -0400
Subject: [PCA] FR Notice: Initiation of 5 year reveiw for the water howellia
 and desert milk-vetch
Message-ID: <OFB1A7EA2F.06ACAE9E-ON852572C2.00478798-852572C2.0047B570@fws.gov>

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-
Year Reviews of Seven Wildlife Species and Two Plant Species in the
Mountain-Prairie Region

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of review; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), initiate 5-
year reviews of seven wildlife species--Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis),
grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) (as listed in the lower 48-
States excluding the Greater Yellowstone Area population; see table 1),
bonytail chub (=bonytail) (Gila elegans), humpback chub (Gila cypha),
Colorado pikeminnow (=squawfish) (Ptychocheilus lucius), razorback
sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), and Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly
(Boloria acrocnema); and two plant species--Howellia aquatilis (water
howellia) and Astragalus desereticus (Deseret milk-vetch)--in the
Mountain-Prairie Region under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act). We conduct 5-year reviews to ensure that our
classification of each species as threatened or endangered on the List
of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants is accurate. A 5-year
review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data
available at the time of the review.

DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct our review, we must receive
your information no later than June 18, 2007. However, we will continue
to accept new information about any listed species at any time.

ADDRESSES: For instructions on how to submit information and review the

[[Page 19550]]

information that we receive on these species, see ``Public Solicitation
of New Information.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For species-specific information, contact
the appropriate person under ``Public Solicitation of New Information.''

To view the entire FR Notice, visit: 
http://www.epa.gov/EPA-SPECIES/2007/April/Day-18/
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From plant at plantconservation.org  Thu Apr 19 11:00:14 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2007 11:00:14 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] WORKSHOP: Training Opportunity on National Policy: Week In
 Washington (DC) with NNFP
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704191057270.737@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

For the links mentioned below, go to 
http://www.nnfp.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_69_A_PageName_Week%20In%20Washington

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2007 11:43:32 -0400
From: Colin Donohue <colin at nnfp.org>
Subject: Please Forward...Training Opportunity on National Policy- Week  In
     Washington, Deadline May 11!

Hello!

Here's an opportunity I'm hoping you can help get the word out about.

Please forward this to groups, list-servs, and individuals who you think
might be interested.  There is a focus on Farm Bill so folks working with
private lands would be especially encouraged.

Deadline is May 11th! So, if you are interested, or know someone who
would be, the time is now :-)

Thanks!
Colin


       nnfp logo

                                   10th Annual



                                Community Forestry



                                Week in Washington
                                 June 11-14, 2007

                                Apply by May 11th!




       Learn ? Network ? Educate



                The Farm Bill and Rural Community Based Forestry:
                       A Training to Maximize Opportunities



       The National Community-Based Forestry Week in Washington is a
       workshop designed to build capacity among forest
       practitioners to effectively participate in the national
       policy dialogue. Participants will receive training on how
       national policy is developed and will learn how to translate
       their concerns and issues into effective policy messages.
       They will present these messages at meetings and briefings
       with key representatives from federal agencies and
       Congressional committees and begin to establish relationships
       for long term success in national policy. This year?s
       workshop will focus specifically on private lands issues and
       will look at a major legislative opportunity, the Farm Bill,
       to explore and develop ideas for how community-based forestry
       practitioners across the country can engage and network in
       discussions about this issue.

       []
       2006 Week in Washington
       DRAFT AGENDA

       Sunday, June 10th

       Arrivals, Optional group dinner


       Monday, June 11th

       Training: Community-based Forestry and the National Policy
       Arena


       Tuesday, June 12th

       Training: Federal Legislative & Appropriations Processes
       Federal Agency Structure and Operations

       Wednesday, June 13th

       Agency and Congressional Briefings and Meetings



       Thursday, June 14th

       Agency and Congressional Briefings and Meetings/Closing
       Dinner
       and Celebration


       Friday, June 15th

       Depart or tour Washington, D.C. on your own

       Attendance is limited and a commitment to do preparation work
       before the event is required, however there will be help if
       you need it. If you are interested in finding out more
       information about the Community-Based Forestry National Week
       in Washington, please contact Wendy Gerlitz at (503)449-0009
       or wgerlitz at nnfp.org More information, application materials
       and a scholarship application can also be found on our web
       site www.nnfp.org

       Application deadline: May 11, 2007
       Limited financial assistance is available

                                  Sponsored By:
American Forests
The Communities Committee
National Network of Forest Practitioners
The Pinchot Institute for Conservation

________________________________________________________________________________
       []  "This training was invaluable to me and my community. I
       learned
       how important federal policy is to our forestry efforts and
       started makinglife-long connections to the people that can
       get things done in D.C."
       Mary Cox, Former Participant Week in Washington

       For More Information!

       Please Contact Wendy at (503) 449-0009 or wgerlitz at nnfp.org

       To Register:
        o  Contact Cynthia at (740) 593-TREE (8733) or
           cynthia at nnfp.org
        o  Participant application
        o  Scholarship application

       SIGN UP FOR NNFP UPDATES


________________________________________________________________________________
       National Network of Forest Practitioners8 North Court Street,
       Suite 411Athens, OH 45701

                                       NNFP
                         8 North Court Street, Suite 411
                                 Athens, OH 45701

                               740-593-TREE (8733)

                                  colin at nnfp.org

                                   www.nnfp.org



From plant at plantconservation.org  Tue Apr 24 08:21:07 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:21:07 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] NEWS: Defending Group Organic Certification (letter deadline
	today)
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704240818010.18539@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

See http://www.equalexchange.com/defending-group-organic-certification for 
further information and the National Organic Coalition's sign-on letter.

----- Forwarded Message -----

Defending Group Organic Certification
Equal Exchange Stands with Small Farmers and their Co-ops

Many of our friends have heard the news about the USDA's National Organic 
Program ruling that appears to indicate an end to group organic 
certification of small farmer co-operatives. This is of course a concern 
for Equal Exchange because the core of our mission is partnering with 
small family farmers and supporting their organizations. Group organic 
certification has been key to our success - and the success of our farmer 
partners - over the years. In particular, it has made organic 
certification accessible to poor farmers in the developing world who would 
otherwise be unable to afford it.

But group certification is also crucial to the organic movement as a 
whole:

     * Group certification makes access to the organic market possible for 
poor farmers and their families, improving their incomes and protecting 
their communities, farm workers and the environment from harmful 
agricultural chemicals. Ending group certification would devastate these 
communities, making certification for individual farmers prohibitively 
expensive and resulting in increased rural poverty and migration, and a 
return to less sustainable, chemical-dependent farming. Farmers' co-ops 
that have spend years developing organic programs to help them access the 
US marketplace would see all of this work go to waste;

     * Group certification is central to the growing organic food industry 
in our own country. As demand for organic products such as organic coffee, 
tea, cocoa and sugar continues to grow dramatically, the process enables 
buyers to access quality organic food grown by family farmers around the 
world. Ending group certification would cut off supply chains for hundreds 
of businesses that depend on co-operatives for their organic products, and 
increase prices for others. Particularly affected would be organizations - 
such as Equal Exchange - that are committed to Fair Trade as a model for 
empowering small farmers and their co-ops;

     * And of course, group certification also provides US consumers with 
delicious, nutritious organic foods grown with care by family farmers. 
Without group certification, consumers will be left with fewer choices as 
the supply of these products declines dramatically, raising retail prices 
and leaving only large farms and plantations in the organic system.

We at Equal Exchange believe in the original goals of the organic 
movement: creating a credible system that helps protect the environment, 
support family farmers and farm workers, and provides consumers with 
healthy, safe and nutritious food. A certification system that supports 
this effort must also have integrity. We believe that group organic 
certification has been very effective to date, and should be formalized 
and improved upon, rather than discarded.

We are therefore joining with other organizations - farmers, consumers, 
NGOs and the business community - in calling on the USDA to delay this 
ruling and instead focus on making group certification work better.



From plant at plantconservation.org  Tue Apr 24 11:44:41 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:44:41 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] QUESTION: Wildflower Seed Postcards
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704241143550.23232@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

I thought I'd just bring this up as an interesting topic for discussion.

The Alien Plant Working Group Chair, Jil Swearingen, recently got an 
e-mail from a bookstore manager for two National Park Service National 
Monuments about wildflower seed postcards.  Although the product in 
question instructs the buyer not to open it within National Parks, it also 
said that the packets can be sent & planted in most parts of the world. 
The species used for the product being discussed were Wild Iris, Indian 
Blanketflower, Primrose, Indian Paintbrush, and Blue Columbine.  However, 
quick Google search shows that all sorts of companies sell similar 
postcards with a variety of species and I know I've seen cards made from 
plantable paper with seeds embedded in the fibers.  I know that people 
already trade seeds for things via postal mail, but postcard products like 
these have the potential to become popular with the general public and 
increase planting of seeds outside their natural areas.  There's also the 
invasiveness question as well.

Anyone have any thoughts about the matter or know of any regulations that 
come into play here?  It seems like it would be nearly impossible to 
enforce rules for mailed postcards because they might not be easily 
detected.

Olivia
CPC/PCA
http://www.nps.gov/plants/



From wean at whidbey.net  Tue Apr 24 18:16:16 2007
From: wean at whidbey.net (Steve Erickson)
Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:16:16 -0700
Subject: [PCA] QUESTION: Wildflower Seed Postcards
In-Reply-To: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704241143550.23232@cpanel2.betterbox.net>
Message-ID: <r02010500-1049-CE09C846F2B911DB8196000A95D98BD8@[192.168.1.100]>

I don't know of any regulation, but how about common sense.
The NPS should know better than to sell these things.
-Steve Erickson
Frosty Hollow Ecological Restoration
==================================================
> I thought I'd just bring this up as an interesting topic for
discussion.
> 
> The Alien Plant Working Group Chair, Jil Swearingen,
recently got an 
> e-mail from a bookstore manager for two National Park
Service National 
> Monuments about wildflower seed postcards.  Although the
product in 
> question instructs the buyer not to open it within National
Parks, it 
> also 
> said that the packets can be sent & planted in most parts of
the world. 
> The species used for the product being discussed were Wild
Iris, Indian 
> Blanketflower, Primrose, Indian Paintbrush, and Blue
Columbine.  
> However, 
> quick Google search shows that all sorts of companies sell
similar 
> postcards with a variety of species and I know I've seen
cards made from 
> plantable paper with seeds embedded in the fibers.  I know
that people 
> already trade seeds for things via postal mail, but postcard
products 
> like 
> these have the potential to become popular with the general
public and 
> increase planting of seeds outside their natural areas.
There's also 
> the 
> invasiveness question as well.
> 
> Anyone have any thoughts about the matter or know of any
regulations 
> that 
> come into play here?  It seems like it would be nearly
impossible to 
> enforce rules for mailed postcards because they might not
be easily 
> detected.
> 
> Olivia
> CPC/PCA
> http://www.nps.gov/plants/
> 
>
______________________________________________
_
> native-plants mailing list
> native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org
>
http://lists.plantconservation.org/mailman/listinfo/native-
plants_lists.
> plantconservation.org
> 
> Disclaimer
> Posts on this list reflect only the opinion of the individual
who is 
> posting the message; they are not official opinions or
positions of the 
> Plant Conservation Alliance.
> 
> To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to 
> native-plants-request at lists.plantconservation.org with the
word 
> "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
---------------------------------------------
Frosty Hollow Ecological Restoration
Helping Nature Heal
Box 53
Langley, WA  98260
=======================================



From jdenoyer at verizon.net  Tue Apr 24 23:36:38 2007
From: jdenoyer at verizon.net (John De Noyer & Ann Csonka)
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:36:38 -0400
Subject: [PCA] QUESTION: Wildflower Seed Postcards
References: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704241143550.23232@cpanel2.betterbox.net>
Message-ID: <001c01c786f3$51404590$0201a8c0@DHLQY711>

Jil should know if any regulations would apply. If not, there should be some 
rules for folks who don't think. People who work on NPS land and have no 
concept of land conservation, natural systems etc?
The bookstore manager probably means well, but they could boost their gift 
shop sales in other ways. do they already have postcards with anything like 
a site-specific cool question (or series of questions) on the card(s), with 
direction to go to a website - - - on the website: the answer and some 
"reward" for looking it up.
Ann Csonka, Nature's Web

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Olivia Kwong" <plant at plantconservation.org>
To: <native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org>; 
<apwg at lists.plantconservation.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 12:44 PM
Subject: [PCA] QUESTION: Wildflower Seed Postcards


>I thought I'd just bring this up as an interesting topic for discussion.
>
> The Alien Plant Working Group Chair, Jil Swearingen, recently got an
> e-mail from a bookstore manager for two National Park Service National
> Monuments about wildflower seed postcards.  Although the product in
> question instructs the buyer not to open it within National Parks,  - - - 





From beckyerick at socket.net  Wed Apr 25 00:13:11 2007
From: beckyerick at socket.net (Becky Erickson)
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:13:11 -0500
Subject: [PCA] QUESTION: Wildflower Seed Postcards
References: <r02010500-1049-CE09C846F2B911DB8196000A95D98BD8@[192.168.1.100]>
Message-ID: <000701c786f8$6cfa68b0$76336ad8@desmodium>

I agree -
The general public does not know wild seed should be planted in December to 
germinate. Fewer know what the seedlings look like and fewer yet know the 
specific habitat of most wild species. How many people know that Iris 
virginicus takes about 4 months to stratify (cold/wet), then needs to be 
planted in a moist/wet, sunny spot such as a rain garden? If this habitat is 
good, it will bloom the second year. It is a mystery to most that Indian 
paintbrush is an annual that needs other native plants to parasitize. Blue 
columbine is indigenous to montaine wetlands (high altitude moist soils). 
Gaillardia and Oenethera usually prefer dry sandy soil in full sun; if sent 
to be planted in damp clay soils of the Midwest, they certainly won't 
persist.  And on and on . . .    I think it is absurd to use these valuable 
seeds to be "thrown to the wind" (sent to people ignorant of their value or 
habitat needs). Usually these seeds will be sent to people and places where 
they won't persist so they can't really be considered alien invasives, but 
what a waste!!!!!!!!

A postcard with a good photo of the plant, their cultural/habitat needs and 
encouragement to visit the plants in their ecoregion printed would be of far 
greater benefit toward the education of the uninitiated than to send them 
seeds that need to be used in the region they came from.
Becky Erickson
Retired Missouri Ecotype Program Coordinator
Ashland MO 65010-0496

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Erickson" <wean at whidbey.net>
To: "Olivia Kwong" <plant at plantconservation.org>
Cc: <native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org>; 
<apwg at lists.plantconservation.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:16 PM
Subject: Re: [PCA] QUESTION: Wildflower Seed Postcards


|I don't know of any regulation, but how about common sense.
| The NPS should know better than to sell these things.
| -Steve Erickson
| Frosty Hollow Ecological Restoration
| ==================================================
| > I thought I'd just bring this up as an interesting topic for
| discussion.
| >
| > The Alien Plant Working Group Chair, Jil Swearingen,
| recently got an
| > e-mail from a bookstore manager for two National Park
| Service National
| > Monuments about wildflower seed postcards.  Although the
| product in
| > question instructs the buyer not to open it within National
| Parks, it
| > also
| > said that the packets can be sent & planted in most parts of
| the world.
| > The species used for the product being discussed were Wild
| Iris, Indian
| > Blanketflower, Primrose, Indian Paintbrush, and Blue
| Columbine.
| > However,
| > quick Google search shows that all sorts of companies sell
| similar
| > postcards with a variety of species and I know I've seen
| cards made from
| > plantable paper with seeds embedded in the fibers.  I know
| that people
| > already trade seeds for things via postal mail, but postcard
| products
| > like
| > these have the potential to become popular with the general
| public and
| > increase planting of seeds outside their natural areas.
| There's also
| > the
| > invasiveness question as well.
| >
| > Anyone have any thoughts about the matter or know of any
| regulations
| > that
| > come into play here?  It seems like it would be nearly
| impossible to
| > enforce rules for mailed postcards because they might not
| be easily
| > detected.
| >
| > Olivia
| > CPC/PCA
| > http://www.nps.gov/plants/
| >
| >
| ______________________________________________
| _
| > native-plants mailing list
| > native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org
| >
| http://lists.plantconservation.org/mailman/listinfo/native-
| plants_lists.
| > plantconservation.org
| >
| > Disclaimer
| > Posts on this list reflect only the opinion of the individual
| who is
| > posting the message; they are not official opinions or
| positions of the
| > Plant Conservation Alliance.
| >
| > To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to
| > native-plants-request at lists.plantconservation.org with the
| word
| > "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
| ---------------------------------------------
| Frosty Hollow Ecological Restoration
| Helping Nature Heal
| Box 53
| Langley, WA  98260
| =======================================
|
| _______________________________________________
| native-plants mailing list
| native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org
| 
http://lists.plantconservation.org/mailman/listinfo/native-plants_lists.plantconservation.org
|
| Disclaimer
| Posts on this list reflect only the opinion of the individual who is 
posting the message; they are not official opinions or positions of the 
Plant Conservation Alliance.
|
| To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to 
native-plants-request at lists.plantconservation.org with the word 
"unsubscribe" in the subject line.
|
|
|
|
| 





From wischlegel at hotmail.com  Wed Apr 25 10:17:43 2007
From: wischlegel at hotmail.com (William Schlegel)
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:17:43 +0000
Subject: [PCA] QUESTION: Wildflower Seed Postcards
In-Reply-To: <000701c786f8$6cfa68b0$76336ad8@desmodium>
Message-ID: <BAY132-F4F81306D168E3A89736ACCE490@phx.gbl>

I profoundly disagree.  We all started somewhere- don't forget that.

                                                                             
  William Schlegel




>From: "Becky Erickson" <beckyerick at socket.net>
>To: "Steve Erickson" <wean at whidbey.net>,"Olivia Kwong" 
><plant at plantconservation.org>
>CC: native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org, 
>apwg at lists.plantconservation.org
>Subject: Re: [PCA] QUESTION: Wildflower Seed Postcards
>Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:13:11 -0500
>
>I agree -
>The general public does not know wild seed should be planted in December to
>germinate. Fewer know what the seedlings look like and fewer yet know the
>specific habitat of most wild species. How many people know that Iris
>virginicus takes about 4 months to stratify (cold/wet), then needs to be
>planted in a moist/wet, sunny spot such as a rain garden? If this habitat 
>is
>good, it will bloom the second year. It is a mystery to most that Indian
>paintbrush is an annual that needs other native plants to parasitize. Blue
>columbine is indigenous to montaine wetlands (high altitude moist soils).
>Gaillardia and Oenethera usually prefer dry sandy soil in full sun; if sent
>to be planted in damp clay soils of the Midwest, they certainly won't
>persist.  And on and on . . .    I think it is absurd to use these valuable
>seeds to be "thrown to the wind" (sent to people ignorant of their value or
>habitat needs). Usually these seeds will be sent to people and places where
>they won't persist so they can't really be considered alien invasives, but
>what a waste!!!!!!!!
>
>A postcard with a good photo of the plant, their cultural/habitat needs and
>encouragement to visit the plants in their ecoregion printed would be of 
>far
>greater benefit toward the education of the uninitiated than to send them
>seeds that need to be used in the region they came from.
>Becky Erickson
>Retired Missouri Ecotype Program Coordinator
>Ashland MO 65010-0496
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Steve Erickson" <wean at whidbey.net>
>To: "Olivia Kwong" <plant at plantconservation.org>
>Cc: <native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org>;
><apwg at lists.plantconservation.org>
>Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:16 PM
>Subject: Re: [PCA] QUESTION: Wildflower Seed Postcards
>
>
>|I don't know of any regulation, but how about common sense.
>| The NPS should know better than to sell these things.
>| -Steve Erickson
>| Frosty Hollow Ecological Restoration
>| ==================================================
>| > I thought I'd just bring this up as an interesting topic for
>| discussion.
>| >
>| > The Alien Plant Working Group Chair, Jil Swearingen,
>| recently got an
>| > e-mail from a bookstore manager for two National Park
>| Service National
>| > Monuments about wildflower seed postcards.  Although the
>| product in
>| > question instructs the buyer not to open it within National
>| Parks, it
>| > also
>| > said that the packets can be sent & planted in most parts of
>| the world.
>| > The species used for the product being discussed were Wild
>| Iris, Indian
>| > Blanketflower, Primrose, Indian Paintbrush, and Blue
>| Columbine.
>| > However,
>| > quick Google search shows that all sorts of companies sell
>| similar
>| > postcards with a variety of species and I know I've seen
>| cards made from
>| > plantable paper with seeds embedded in the fibers.  I know
>| that people
>| > already trade seeds for things via postal mail, but postcard
>| products
>| > like
>| > these have the potential to become popular with the general
>| public and
>| > increase planting of seeds outside their natural areas.
>| There's also
>| > the
>| > invasiveness question as well.
>| >
>| > Anyone have any thoughts about the matter or know of any
>| regulations
>| > that
>| > come into play here?  It seems like it would be nearly
>| impossible to
>| > enforce rules for mailed postcards because they might not
>| be easily
>| > detected.
>| >
>| > Olivia
>| > CPC/PCA
>| > http://www.nps.gov/plants/
>| >
>| >
>| ______________________________________________
>| _
>| > native-plants mailing list
>| > native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org
>| >
>| http://lists.plantconservation.org/mailman/listinfo/native-
>| plants_lists.
>| > plantconservation.org
>| >
>| > Disclaimer
>| > Posts on this list reflect only the opinion of the individual
>| who is
>| > posting the message; they are not official opinions or
>| positions of the
>| > Plant Conservation Alliance.
>| >
>| > To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to
>| > native-plants-request at lists.plantconservation.org with the
>| word
>| > "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
>| ---------------------------------------------
>| Frosty Hollow Ecological Restoration
>| Helping Nature Heal
>| Box 53
>| Langley, WA  98260
>| =======================================
>|
>| _______________________________________________
>| native-plants mailing list
>| native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org
>|
>http://lists.plantconservation.org/mailman/listinfo/native-plants_lists.plantconservation.org
>|
>| Disclaimer
>| Posts on this list reflect only the opinion of the individual who is
>posting the message; they are not official opinions or positions of the
>Plant Conservation Alliance.
>|
>| To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to
>native-plants-request at lists.plantconservation.org with the word
>"unsubscribe" in the subject line.
>|
>|
>|
>|
>|
>
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>native-plants mailing list
>native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org
>http://lists.plantconservation.org/mailman/listinfo/native-plants_lists.plantconservation.org
>
>Disclaimer
>Posts on this list reflect only the opinion of the individual who is 
>posting the message; they are not official opinions or positions of the 
>Plant Conservation Alliance.
>
>To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to 
>native-plants-request at lists.plantconservation.org with the word 
>"unsubscribe" in the subject line.

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From craig at astreet.com  Wed Apr 25 11:31:05 2007
From: craig at astreet.com (Craig Dremann)
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 09:31:05 -0700
Subject: [PCA] Wildflower Seed Postcards aren't as bad as the "wildflower
	mix"
References: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704241143550.23232@cpanel2.betterbox.net>
	<001c01c786f3$51404590$0201a8c0@DHLQY711>
Message-ID: <462F8244.4EFC@astreet.com>

Dear All,

Worse than the wildflower cards, which usually only contain a few grams
of the offending seeds, are the bulk (1/4-1 lb) "wildflower" mixes.

I have owned a seed company for 35 years, and there's no nation-wide
legal definition of "wildflower" in the United States, so other than
Federally listed noxious weed seeds, just about anything can be put in a
seed packet---especially bad are the packets labeled a "mix" and called
"wildflowers".  I've seen a whole range of invasive exotic seeds being
sold as "wildflowers".

Companies will even put together a wildflower mix for a particular
geographic location, like "Coastal California wildflowers" and
intentionally include exotics that are easy to grow but are already
causing problems as invasives weeds in the area, because the seed is
very cheap, like Blue flax.

Perhaps someone with a knowledge of exotic species could conduct a
Google survey on the contents of the various "Wildlfower" mixes  sold by
the internet sellers located in the USA?

Sincerely,  Craig Dremann, Redwood City Seed CO., 
Redwood City, CA (650) 325-7333



From rob at nativeseednetwork.org  Wed Apr 25 15:08:54 2007
From: rob at nativeseednetwork.org (Rob Fiegener)
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:08:54 -0700
Subject: [PCA] Wildflower Seed Postcards aren't as bad as the
	"wildflowermix"
In-Reply-To: <462F8244.4EFC@astreet.com>
Message-ID: <004701c78775$95fedde0$8501a8c0@festuca>

The University of Washington did a study of "wildflower" packets a few years
ago.  Here's an excerpt and link to the full story:

"When growing 19 such packets of wildflower mixes, however, University of
Washington researchers found that each contained from three to 13 invasive
species and eight had seeds for plants considered noxious weeds in at least
one U.S. state or Canadian province.

And what makes it nearly impossible for gardeners who want to be
conscientious is that a third of the packets listed no contents and a little
more than another third had inaccurate lists. Only five of the 19 correctly
itemized everything." 

http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleid=7637


  -Rob

 
~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~ 
Rob Fiegener 
Native Seed Network 
Institute for Applied Ecology
541.753.3099
rob at nativeseednetwork.org 
www.nativeseednetwork.org
 




From dstrick at newfs.org  Wed Apr 25 15:06:43 2007
From: dstrick at newfs.org (Debra Strick)
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:06:43 -0400
Subject: [PCA] May 19-Explore art, conservation,
	gardens with ART GOES WILD grand opening New England Wild Flower
	Society
Message-ID: <ED0CE22890F5FD4CAFF3A0A38832BF7A180C06@exchange.newfs.org>

Dear Olivia,  
 
New England Wild Flower Society's ART GOES WILD:  Innovation With Native Plants opens at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA on Saturday May 19 and I hope you can help us share the announcement below and the  story, May 19-October 31.  
 
This environmental art exhibiton, part of the celebration of Garden in the Woods' 75th anniversary are important milestones,  not only in taking a role as a unique convergence of art and plants, but also because these events touch on a  GREEN story in a playful, optimistic, and vivid way.   Conservation is a serious issue but we can make fun choices in our own gardens for beauty, a connection with nature, and sustainability, without sacrificing a smidgeon of aethetic sophistication. 
 
As we face CLIMATE CHANGE and its impact on our native plants, the show is not just inspiring and beautiful but it unearths critical issues where our own actions have a direct impact.    Read more about the Society's new CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY 
at www.newenglandWILD.org/conserve. 
 
To review  the stories and listings of the ART GOES WILD epress kit (ongoing updates) visit:  
http://www.newfs.org/artgoeswild/agwpress.html
 
 
Do you have a deadline for June-October stories or listings right now? Do you need hi-res images?  If you let me know soon at dstrick at newenglandWILD.org, <mailto:dstrick at newenglandWILD.org,>   I can forward you what you need right away. 
 
 
SEE BELOW FOR GRAND OPENING FESTIVITIES LISTING on May 19.  Scroll down further for more events, and a full press release. 
 
ART GOES WILD:  Innovation with Native Plants
An exuberant site-specific  installation by W. Gary Smith
Performances, events, music, tours, and celebration
May 19-October 31, 2007
 
New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods
Framingham, Massachusetts
Environmental artist and landscape architect- W. Gary Smith
 
SAVE THE DATES--GO WILD!
 
Art Goes Wild 75th anniversary Symposium:  "The Art of Livable Landscapes" with Rick Darke, W. Gary Smith, and Gwen Stauffer, 9-4:30 Friday, May 18, 2007 and includes lectures and a live preview of the exhibit. 
 
GRAND OPENING LISTING: 
 
Contact:  Debra Strick, Marketing and PR Director

dstrick at newenglandWILD.org <mailto:dstrick at newfs.org> 

508-877-7630x3501

Images at lmattei at newenglandWILD.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

NATURE LISTINGS/  MUSEUM LISTINGS/  ART LISTINGS/ATTRACTIONS/MUSIC LISTINGS/FESTIVALS LECTURES

 

NEW ENGLAND WILD FLOWER SOCIETY'S GARDEN IN THE WOODS, botanical garden and native plant sanctuary, 45 acres with 1,500 native varieties, including 200 rare and endangered species. Nursery features 600 wildflower species.    180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. (508) 877-7630, www.newenglandWILD.org <http://www.newenglandwild.org/> . 75th Anniversary Celebration and Environmental Art Exhibit, "ART GOES WILD: Innovation with Native Plants by W. Gary Smith, May 19-October 31, 2007.  SPRING HOURS: Open daily, April 15-August 31; 9 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Sept. 1-October 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $7, Seniors: $5, Children and Young Adults (6-18 yrs): $3, Members and Children under 6: Free. Tours daily at 10 Weekends at 2, no reservations required. Museum store, bookstore, native plant nursery and special events.  Memberships and all purchases support plant conservation. 

 

SPECIAL EVENTS:

GRAND OPENING of ART GOES WILD Saturday, May 19, 2007, 10-5. It's a WILD 75th anniversary party!  Site-specific environmental art installation features 11 Destination Gardens by W. Gary Smith celebrating 75 years of New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods. MEET THE ARTIST at the MINI-GARDEN PARK and make a dish garden. Guided walks at 11 and 1, and the DEDICATION CEREMONY at 1 pm.  Meet "WILL CURTIS" (re-enactment of Garden founder), and "SANDY BEECH" (costumed tree character) LIVE MUSIC performances by the acclaimed folk and bluegrass group, THE RESOPHONICS, 12:30-2 pm at the Woodland Stage.   Live DEMONSTRATIONS, "75 Great Native Plants at 10 am, and CONTAINER GARDENING at 3 pm at the IDEA GARDEN. See details at www.newenglandWILD.org <http://www.newenglandwild.org/> .   EXHIBIT and opening events included FREE with admission. WILD gift purchases, native plant purchases, and memberships support the Society's plant conservation programs.  508-877-7630.     

 

Other Select Anniversary Celebration Dates
 
May 19-Oct 31 Garden DEMOS free with admission on weekends at the Cottage Garden
June 8 ART GOES WILD Plant Sale Preview Party
June 9  PLANT SALE celebration event
June 17-ART GOES WILD family performing art series begins with "Singing RInging Tree"
June 25 Animal Ambassadors Series begins
July 14 ART GOES WILD  Twilight Performance and Picnic Series begins with Patino Vasquez and Los Sugar Kings
July 29   family performing art series continues with "Les Julian and Color Outside the Lines
Aug 26 ART GOES WILD  MEADOW MADNESS festival
Aug 11  ART GOES WILD Twilight Series with D'Rafael with Gitano
Sept 15  GARDENERS DAY festival 10-3
Oct 14    FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL
 
STORY OF ART GOES WILD
 

Contact:  Debra Strick, Marketing and Public Relations 

 (508) 877-7630, x 3501 dstrick at newenglandWILD.org

Images <http://www.newfs.org/>  at lmattei at newenglandWILD.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ART GOES WILD Exhibit Celebrates Museum's 75 Year Anniversary


 

             Framingham, Massachusetts-- New England Wild Flower Society celebrates the 75th  year of its living museum, Garden in the Woods  With the Garden and its premier collection of 1,500 North American wildflower species as the medium and the artist's eye of famed landscape architect and environmental artist W. Gary Smith, the Society marks the anniversary of this beloved living museum with a spectacular site-specific art installation.  From May 19 through October 31, 2007, take a walk on the WILD side with ART GOES WILD: Innovation with Native Plants, on exhibit at the convergence of environmental art and native plant horticulture.  The show features eleven "destination gardens" within the 45 acres of Garden in the Woods itself and promises to be the most important show of the decade for revealing the future of nature-based fine art, and livable landscapes for all. With CLIMATE CHANGE facing all of us, combining art with the ethics of lightening our footprint in our own landscapes is gives a special resonance to the idea of environmental art in 2007.  

 

 The Society is proud to host the first major public installation in New England of the work of W. Gary Smith, perhaps the most significant garden designer in the country today, specializing in native plantings. Smith's award-winning works include sites at Peirce's Woods at Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Gardens in Delaware and Calloway Gardens in Georgia, and public and private gardens nationwide.  The Garden is not compromised by Smith's sometimes dramatic, sometimes subtle "visual riffs," but rather is elevated in the 75th anniversary tribute to "a magical place," as the artist describes the naturalistic garden started by Will Curtis in 1932. The fresh exhibition honors the greatness of the past, while offering an entr?e into an entirely different time scale as the exhibit itself changes with the light and plant palette through the seasons. "This is a much more challenging art form than many, dealing with light and texture, serendipity and the changing aspects of nature." Smith continues, "Ecosystems are much more complex than anyone can recreate-they are going to surprise you.  The plants themselves will be beautiful, unlike what happens with much nature-based fine art, where the artists may not understand what plants need to thrive. With New England Wild Flower Society the native plants selected will be grown beautifully, and very well suited to the various sculptural expressions.  The plants are as much part of the excitement and exuberance of the exhibition as the artistic elements." 

"ART GOES WILD" challenges us to review our pre-conceptions about native plant design. Says Smith, "No one does highly designed work with native plants today. The majority of people using these plant materials have been focusing on restoration or naturalistic design."        

Inspired by the formal abstract elements each plant presents, "ART GOES WILD" invites us to change our thinking about using native plants in highly ORNAMENTAL ways - a concept as innovative now as Garden in the Woods creator Will Curtis' naturalistic landscaping was in the 1930's.  "ART GOES WILD" invites us all to consider design where the primary purpose is to be interesting as a work of art, while still honoring ecological considerations.   In sharp contrast with naturalistic garden design of the twentieth century, "ART GOES WILD" emphasizes the mark of the human intervention and the sensibility of the artist. 

 

"An artist's way of engaging is very different from a garden designer or an ecologist," says Smith, who doesn't initiate his projects as most landscape architects do, with budgets, programs, and directives.  He first draws what is right in front of him, without pre-thinking.  Soon a sense of order or structure emerges-and that is where the eleven "destination gardens" of the exhibit derive their inspiration. Rather than trying to fit the environment to suit his designs, Smith is known for reading the land and ecosystems and fitting his designs to the environment, highlighting the particular beauty inherent in the location, and then tuning into the unique qualities of that location.  He creates playful, fun, and special environments.  

 

The exhibit features installations in the context of a large-scale public garden space, yet the aim of the exhibit is to showcase ideas that are specifically designed for easy adaptation to the scale of the home garden and smaller art installations. Demonstrations for gardeners, families, artists, and the general public are included in programming from May 18 through October 31.  "ART GOES WILD" event highlights include THE ART OF LIVABLE LANDSCAPES symposium with Rick Darke and W. Gary Smith, Gardeners Day, Meadow Madness-at the peak of the meadow bloom period, Fall Family Festival, and a Twilight Performing Arts Series. 

            

 "ART GOES WILD:  Innovation with Native Plants" is an exciting preview of the NEXT glorious 75 years.  New England Wild Flower Society, Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. 508-877-7630. Visit www.newenglandWILD.org <http://www.newenglandwild.org/>    Cart tours for mobility assistance, and group tours may be scheduled with Bonnie Drexler at bdrexler at newenglandWILD.org  or x 3501. Garden Trails and Museum Store Hours: April 14-August 31: Open daily 9-7; September 1-October 31, Open daily 9-5.  Informal tours weekdays at 10 a.m. and weekends at 2:00 p.m. included with admission, no reservations required.  Adults $7; Seniors& Students $5; Youths 6-18 $3; Members and children 5 and under FREE.  New England Wild Flower Society offers the nation's largest public native plant school.  Memberships and purchases support the award-winning conservation programs of the Society.       

            

 


 

 
 
 
 

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From gregory.houseal at uni.edu  Wed Apr 25 15:38:49 2007
From: gregory.houseal at uni.edu (Greg Houseal)
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:38:49 -0500
Subject: [PCA] Wildflower Seed Postcards aren't as bad as
	the	"wildflowermix"
In-Reply-To: <004701c78775$95fedde0$8501a8c0@festuca>
References: <004701c78775$95fedde0$8501a8c0@festuca>
Message-ID: <462FBC59.102@uni.edu>

Rob,

Thanks for the link to the article.  I think it outlines the issues very 
well for 'wildflower' seed packets.  We become concerned here when 
well-meaning landscape contractors use these mixes to plant 'prairie' 
(including our city parks dept., unfortunately!).  I like the concept of 
a state 'education list' of species that might not be officially listed 
as 'noxious' or 'invasive' but yet pose a risk if they escape into 
natural areas.

Greg Houseal
Tallgrass Prairie Center
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0294

Rob Fiegener wrote:
> The University of Washington did a study of "wildflower" packets a few years
> ago.  Here's an excerpt and link to the full story:
>
> "When growing 19 such packets of wildflower mixes, however, University of
> Washington researchers found that each contained from three to 13 invasive
> species and eight had seeds for plants considered noxious weeds in at least
> one U.S. state or Canadian province.
>
> And what makes it nearly impossible for gardeners who want to be
> conscientious is that a third of the packets listed no contents and a little
> more than another third had inaccurate lists. Only five of the 19 correctly
> itemized everything." 
>
> http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleid=7637
>
>
>   -Rob
>
>  
> ~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~ 
> Rob Fiegener 
> Native Seed Network 
> Institute for Applied Ecology
> 541.753.3099
> rob at nativeseednetwork.org 
> www.nativeseednetwork.org
>  
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> native-plants mailing list
> native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org
> http://lists.plantconservation.org/mailman/listinfo/native-plants_lists.plantconservation.org
>
> Disclaimer
> Posts on this list reflect only the opinion of the individual who is posting the message; they are not official opinions or positions of the Plant Conservation Alliance.
>
> To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to native-plants-request at lists.plantconservation.org with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
>   



From plant at plantconservation.org  Thu Apr 26 15:06:36 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:06:36 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] NEWS: USDA announces up to 1 billion in funding for wildlife
 over 15 years
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704261505270.12724@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Patricia_Ford at fws.gov
Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:18:01 -0400
Subject: USDA announces up to 1 billion in funding for wildlife over 15 
years

Please see the attached file for information on a new source of funding 
for wildlife enhancement projects.  USDA is inviting proposals from state 
and local governments and non-profits to address habitat restoration and
enhancement needs for high priority wildlife through their Conservation
Reserve Program.  Up to $ 1 billion is available for funding over the next
15 years.  Please share with this opportunity with your partners!
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From plant at plantconservation.org  Mon Apr 30 09:41:32 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:41:32 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] NEWS: Native Plant appreciation week! (Idaho)
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704300939130.10608@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Roger Rosentreter/IDSO/ID/BLM/DOI
Date: 04/24/2007 04:37 PM
Subject: Native Plant appreciation week!

The State of Idaho celebrates native plants!

(See attached file: Idaho Preferred Celebrates Native Plant
Appreciation.pdf)


Roger Rosentreter
Botanist
Bureau of Land Management
1387 S. Vinnell Way
Boise, ID 83709
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From plant at plantconservation.org  Mon Apr 30 10:17:20 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:17:20 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] WEB: EPA Promotes Ecological Revitalization at Superfund Sites
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704301016370.12671@cpanel2.betterbox.net>

Take a look at the current highlighted story at http://www.epa.gov/superfund/



From plant at plantconservation.org  Mon Apr 30 11:01:26 2007
From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong)
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:01:26 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: [PCA] CONFERENCE: Wildflower Symposium Reminder (Orlando, FL)
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0704301100580.16551@cpanel2.betterbox.net>


---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:43:27 -0400
From: "Norcini, Jeffrey G" <wldflowr at ufl.edu>
Subject: RE: Wildflower Symposium Reminder

------------------------
REMINDER:

Native Wildflower Seed Production Research Symposium
July 19-20 Orlando
http://www.wildflowersymposium.com/

Deadline for early bird registration is May 1; save $25.
http://www.wildflowersymposium.com/registration.htm


Jeff Norcini
wldflowr at ufl.edu
850-875-7160







From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov  Mon Apr 30 12:14:47 2007
From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov)
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:14:47 -0400
Subject: [PCA] NEWS: Britain's "Noah's Ark" for plants has just collected
 its billionth seed.
Message-ID: <OFF1125999.BB2106F7-ON852572CD.005E7944-852572CD.005EBD11@fws.gov>

Britain's "Noah's Ark" for plants has just collected its billionth seed

BBC News: The Millennium Seed Bank will present the seed, from an African 
bamboo, to Chancellor Gordon Brown, as it seeks funds to continue 
operating after 2010. 

To view the entire article, visit: 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6593333.stm




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From Mary_Byrne at blm.gov  Mon Apr 30 14:53:38 2007
From: Mary_Byrne at blm.gov (Mary_Byrne at blm.gov)
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:53:38 -0400
Subject: [PCA] U.S. 's Seeds of Success Playing a Major Role: Britain's
 "Noah's Ark" for plants has just collected its billionth seed.
In-Reply-To: <OFF1125999.BB2106F7-ON852572CD.005E7944-852572CD.005EBD11@fws.gov>
Message-ID: <OFCADA97F1.9CEF5E47-ON852572CD.0066887B-852572CD.006D47ED@blm.gov>

Seeds of Success, the United States's native seed collection program for
restoration, has played a significant role in helping Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew reach it's 1 billionth seed stored in the Millennium Seed Bank
(MSB).  The Seeds of Success program, managed by the Bureau of Land
Management, contributed almost 70 million native U.S. seeds to the MSB over
a 7 year cooperative effort.

In addition to the 70 million seeds sent to MSB, Seeds of Success, has
collected an additional 740 million native U.S. seeds for domestic
conservation and restoration efforts.  Seeds of Success has 35 collecting
teams working throughout the country, making over 3,000 native U.S. seed
collections. BLM is  developing native plant materials with the U.S. Forest
Service, Agricultural Research Service, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, and U.S. National Plant Germplasm System.

In total, Seeds of Success has collected over 810,000,000 seeds, and with
continued support from the Plant Conservation Alliance, 1 billion is right
around the corner here in the United States.

The MSB's goal of 30,000 species is well within reach, as the U.S. has
contributed 2,000 species alone.

The goal of the U.S. seed collection program is to provide native plant
materials for efforts such as; restoration of wildlife habitat,
rehabilitation after fire, and reclamation for energy development sites.

For more information regarding Seeds of Success's efforts please visit the
website at: www.nps.gov/plant/sos or contact me at 202-452-7767.


Regards,

Mary K. Byrne
Seeds of Success
National Collections Data Manager
202-452-7767
www.nps.gov/plants/sos/


                                                                           
             Megan_Haidet at fws                                              
             .gov                                                          
             Sent by:                                                   To 
             native-plants-bo         native-plants at lists.plantconservatio 
             unces at lists.plan         n.org,                               
             tconservation.or         sos at lists.plantconservation.org      
             g                                                          cc 
                                                                           
                                                                   Subject 
             04/30/2007 01:14         [PCA] NEWS: Britain's "Noah's Ark"   
             PM                       for plants has just collected its    
                                      billionth seed.                      
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           





Britain's "Noah's Ark" for plants has just collected its billionth seed

BBC News: The Millennium Seed Bank will present the seed, from an African
bamboo, to Chancellor Gordon Brown, as it seeks funds to continue operating
after 2010.

To view the entire article, visit:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6593333.stm



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Disclaimer
Posts on this list reflect only the opinion of the individual who is
posting the message; they are not official opinions or positions of the
Plant Conservation Alliance.

To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to
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"unsubscribe" in the subject line.