Summary: This issue of Aquilegia focuses on the Colorado Native Plant Society’s accomplishments and activities during the previous year, highlighting its expanding role in conservation, education, and public outreach. The newsletter reviews advocacy efforts to protect rare native plants threatened by development, celebrates volunteer achievements and donor support, and documents chapter programs and field activities across the state. Featured articles examine changing perspectives in grass taxonomy, particularly the relationship between buffalo grass and blue grama, and introduce Colorado’s newly formed State Noxious Weed Advisory Committee and its efforts to classify and control invasive species. Additional content promotes research grant opportunities, educational workshops, native orchid programming, and chapter events emphasizing restoration, prairie ecology, paleobotany, and native landscaping. Collectively, the issue reflects the Society’s dedication to advancing botanical knowledge, preserving Colorado’s native flora, and fostering an informed and engaged conservation community.

Plant Species: Plant species and plant groups mentioned in this issue include Penstemon grahamii, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Bell’s twinpod (Physaria bellii), buffalo grass (Buchloë dactyloides / Bouteloua dactyloides), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias), Dyer’s woad (Isatis tinctoria), meadow knapweed (Centaurea pratensis), Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopsis), myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites), yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), absinth wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), African rue (Peganum harmala), camelthorn (Alhagi pseudalhagi), common crupina (Crupina vulgaris), giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), hydrilla (Hydrilla hydrilla), medusahead rye (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea), tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), squarrose knapweed (Centaurea virgata), Sclerocactus glaucus, blazing star (Nuttallia pterosperma), columbines (Aquilegia elegantula × Aquilegia coerulea), native mock-orange (Philadelphus microphyllus), fitweed (Corydalis caseana), Gunnison sego lily (Calochortus gunnisonii), alpine poppy (Papaver kluanense), planeleaf willow (Salix planifolia), Oxybaphus rotundifolia, Frankenia jamesii, Mirabilis multiflora, Oonopsis puebloensis, yellow lady’s slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), Mertensia alpina, Oreoxis humilis, handsome beardtongue (Penstemon lentus var. albiflorus), featherleaf springparsley (Cymopterus beckii), dwarf milkweed (Asclepias macrosperma), cutleaf blazing star (Nuttallia lanciniata), wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum), common blue violet (Viola sororia), hooded ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana), western rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia), northern green orchid (Limnorchis hyperborea), orchids, lichens, sedges, ferns, prairie grasses, and native landscaping plants.

Keywords: native plant conservation, rare plant protection, conservation advocacy, volunteer leadership, annual meeting, Front Range ecology, restoration ecology, prairie ecology, native landscaping, botanical education, grass taxonomy, buffalo grass, blue grama, evolutionary classification, noxious weeds, invasive species management, weed eradication, research grants, donor support, public outreach, chapter activities, native orchids, paleobotany, prairie restoration, field studies, ecological restoration, plant identification, environmental stewardship, botanical workshops, and community engagement.

Summary: This issue of Aquilegia focuses on the Colorado Native Plant Society’s Annual Meeting and explores the theme of natural disturbance and its influence on ecosystems. Readers are introduced to presentations examining forest blowdowns, wildfire ecology, mountain pine beetle outbreaks, drought, and grasshopper populations, alongside field experiences in affected landscapes near Steamboat Springs. The newsletter also highlights opportunities for member involvement through board service, volunteer activities, chapter events, and educational programs offered throughout the state. Extensive publication and merchandise listings emphasize the Society’s commitment to botanical education and resource sharing. Together, the articles and announcements underscore the importance of understanding ecological change, promoting stewardship, and fostering a vibrant community dedicated to the appreciation, study, and conservation of Colorado’s native flora.

Plant Species: Plant species and plant groups mentioned in this issue include tree cholla (Opuntia imbricata), chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.), trumpets (trumpet mushrooms), columbines (Aquilegia spp.), penstemons (Penstemon spp.), lichens, grasses (Poaceae), legumes (Fabaceae), orchids, mushrooms, shrubs, trees, wetland and riparian plants, prairie plants, alpine plants, sagebrush-associated wildflowers, xeriscape plants, native garden plants, and wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, canyon country, and Southern Rocky Mountains.

Keywords: annual meeting, natural disturbance, ecosystem dynamics, fire ecology, mountain pine beetles, drought impacts, forest blowdown, grasshopper ecology, wildlife response, field trips, ecological education, conservation outreach, volunteer engagement, board elections, chapter activities, botanical publications, native plant resources, plant identification, restoration ecology, prairie conservation, alpine ecology, wetland ecology, riparian habitats, native landscaping, research support, botanical community, environmental stewardship, educational workshops, flora documentation, and native plant conservation.