Summary: This issue of Aquilegia highlights the ecological significance and conservation concerns of Colorado’s Arkansas Valley flora through an in-depth examination of Oxybaphus rotundifolius (umbrella-wort), an endemic species associated with calcareous shale barrens. Researchers document the plant’s reproductive biology, habitat preferences, soil chemistry, pollinator relationships, and expanding known distribution, emphasizing both optimism about newly discovered populations and concern over accelerating habitat loss. The newsletter also presents an ongoing scientific debate regarding the status of Penstemon versicolor, featuring commentary on taxonomic interpretation and chemical evidence. Additional articles focus on restoration and reclamation as emerging conservation priorities, memorialize botanist Anne Green Maley’s contributions to Colorado botany, announce educational workshops and field trips, and reinforce ethical guidelines for field activities. Together, these pieces reflect the Society’s commitment to research, education, stewardship, and the preservation of Colorado’s native plant diversity.

Plant Species: Plant species and genera mentioned in this issue include Oxybaphus rotundifolius, Penstemon versicolor, Penstemon secundiflorus, Penstemon nitidus, Oxybaphus hirsutus, Viola pedatifida, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Campanula rotundifolia, Sullivantia hapemanii, Asclepias uncialis, Populus tremuloides, Penstemon grahamii, Bolophyta ligulata, Chamaechaenactis scaposa, Boechera fernaldiana (Draba juniperina), Fritillaria pudica, Arabis vivariensis, Castilleja integra, Linum lewisii, Penstemon virens, Lupinus argenteus, Physaria vitulifera, Townsendia spp., Stipa comata, Calypso bulbosa, Cypripedium fasciculatum, Subularia aquatica, Eriophorum spp., gentians (Gentiana spp.), primroses (Primula spp.), and Botrychium lunaria.

Keywords: Arkansas Valley ecology, umbrella-wort, endemic species, calciphiles, shale barrens, habitat requirements, reproductive ecology, pollination biology, seed predation, geochemistry, calcareous soils, gypsum hypothesis, distribution mapping, new populations, conservation priorities, taxonomic debate, iridoid glycosides, chemical taxonomy, restoration ecology, reclamation, native plant propagation, invasive species awareness, botanical workshops, field trip ethics, native plant education, memorial tribute, floristic surveys, citizen science, herbarium research, biodiversity protection, outreach, stewardship, ecological interactions, Colorado native flora, and conservation advocacy.

Summary: This issue of Aquilegia highlights the remarkable botanical diversity of southeastern Colorado through an in-depth exploration of the Mesa de Maya region, documenting its unique blend of Great Plains, Rocky Mountain, and Chihuahuan Desert flora. Additional articles examine the taxonomy and distribution of Corispermum species in Colorado, recount historical discoveries involving Colorado botanists and the state’s white fir populations, and report on conservation leadership transitions at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Forest Service. The newsletter also emphasizes education through an extensive winter workshop series covering plant identification, taxonomy, orchids, moonworts, milkweeds, and regional floristics. Collectively, the edition celebrates scientific discovery, historical perspective, public engagement, and the ongoing importance of conserving Colorado’s native plant heritage.

Plant Species: Plant species and genera mentioned in this issue include Bothriochloa springfieldii, Diplachne dubia, Helenium microcephalum, Heterosperma pinnatum, Astrolepis integerrima, Aethionema saxatile, Asclepias oenotheroides, Asclepias macrotis, Chenopodium cycloides, Jamesia americana, Pterospora andromedea, Dalea multiflora, Schoenocrambe linearifolia, Allionia incarnata, Prosopis glandulosa, Nolina texana, Dalea formosa, Cheilanthes feei, Cheilanthes eatonii, Cheilanthes wootonii, Notholaena standleyi, Corispermum americanum, Corispermum villosum, Corispermum navicula, Festuca saximontana, Cryptantha virgata, Eriogonum umbellatum, Chaenactis douglasii, Achnatherum hymenoides, Heterotheca villosa, Conyza canadensis, Artemisia frigida, Oligosporus pacificus, Senecio spartioides, Abies concolor, Abies grandis, Haplopappus, Oonopsis, Stenotus, Tonestus, Isocoma, Pyrrocoma, Packera, Senecio, Botrychium, Spiranthes, Cypripedium, Platanthera, Anagallis, Androsace, Dodecatheon, Glaux, Lysimachia, Naumburgia, Primula, Douglasia, Asclepias uncialis, Asclepiodella, and Sarcostemma.

Keywords: Mesa de Maya, southeastern Colorado flora, Chihuahuan flora, floristic surveys, biodiversity, plant geography, vascular plants, conservation, native plant education, taxonomy, herbarium collections, range extensions, peripheral species, botanical history, white fir discovery, Corispermum, sand dune ecology, workshop series, winter botany, orchid identification, moonwort research, milkweed studies, sunflower family, plant identification, ecological stewardship, invasive weeds, conservation leadership, public outreach, botanical exploration, native plant appreciation, and citizen engagement.