Summary: This edition of Aquilegia highlights the many ways conservation, research, and public engagement contribute to protecting Colorado’s native flora. Articles explore the effects of climate change on alpine plant communities through long-term monitoring in the San Juan Mountains, emphasizing the importance of establishing baseline data to understand future ecological shifts. Readers are also treated to a personal reflection on the life and influence of botanist H.D. Harrington and the preservation of ethnobotanical knowledge. Additional features examine the role of the Center for Plant Conservation in safeguarding rare species through seed banking and propagation, the ecological value of native landscaping for biodiversity and sustainability, and the remarkable life of explorer John Charles Fremont. Together, these contributions underscore the importance of scientific study, education, stewardship, and community participation in conserving Colorado’s botanical heritage.

Plant Species: Elymus trachycaulus, Trisetum spicatum, Festuca brachyphylla, Phlox condensata, Selaginella densa, Trifolium nanum, Polemonium viscosum, Lidia obtusiloba, Mertensia lanceolata, Erigeron pinnatisectus, Stellaria irrigua, Townsendia rothrockii, Taraxacum officinale, Stellaria jamesii, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Cymopterus spp., Lomatium spp., datil yucca (Yucca baccata), large-padded prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), buffaloberry (Shepherdia spp.), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), valerian (Valeriana spp.), yellow bee weed (Cleome lutea), Astragalus ceramicus, Penstemon penlandii, Calochortus nuttallii, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Senecio fremontii, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Clematis vitalba, and Penstemon strictus.

Keywords: climate change, alpine monitoring, GLORIA program, San Juan Mountains, alpine ecology, biodiversity, long-term research, plant migration, ethnobotany, H.D. Harrington, traditional plant uses, botanical history, seed banking, ex situ conservation, Center for Plant Conservation, endangered species, native landscaping, wildlife habitat, ecological restoration, sustainable gardening, water conservation, pollinator support, biodiversity conservation, Colorado botany, exploration history, John Charles Fremont, plant stewardship, community engagement, botanical education, and conservation partnerships.

Summary: This edition of Aquilegia serves as a comprehensive guide to the Colorado Native Plant Society’s Annual Meeting, built around the theme “Plants without Borders.” The newsletter highlights a diverse program of presentations examining the connections between botany, history, ecology, ethnobotany, invasive species, and conservation across geographic and disciplinary boundaries. Featured topics include forensic botany and the story of Ötzi the Ice Man, floristic inventories of the Southern Rocky Mountains, invasive plant debates, plant toxicology, Indigenous and Hispanic plant uses, and reflections on Colorado’s botanical legacy by Dr. William Weber. The issue also promotes the Rare Plant Symposium, poster sessions, exhibitor opportunities, and field experiences designed to foster collaboration among scientists, educators, land managers, and native plant enthusiasts. Election materials emphasize the Society’s continuing commitment to research, education, and public engagement in the conservation of Colorado’s native flora.

Plant Species: Linaria vulgaris (butter and eggs), Penstemon debilis (Parachute penstemon), Penstemon degeneri, and Penstemon griffinii.

Keywords: annual meeting, Plants without Borders, native plant conservation, rare plants, Rare Plant Symposium, forensic botany, floristic inventory, Southern Rocky Mountains, invasive species, invasion biology, weed management, plant toxicology, ethnobotany, Indigenous plant uses, Hispanic plant uses, environmental education, urban habitat, plant systematics, Colorado flora, botanical history, William Weber, Dennis Woodland, botanical networking, poster sessions, plant research, public education, board elections, native plant advocacy, botanical collaboration, and conservation outreach.

Summary: This edition of Aquilegia focuses on the many ways conservation is advanced through partnerships, education, public engagement, and creative advocacy. A featured article introduces the Bureau of Land Management’s botany program and its work protecting Colorado’s rare and sensitive plant species through long-term monitoring and habitat stewardship. The issue also highlights educational opportunities through workshops and the Native Plant Master Program, celebrates botanical history through profiles connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and showcases how art can inspire conservation through the Rocky Mountain Society of Botanical Artists’ traveling exhibit of Colorado’s imperiled plants. Collectively, these articles demonstrate that protecting native flora depends upon collaboration among agencies, volunteers, educators, researchers, artists, and citizen scientists dedicated to preserving Colorado’s botanical heritage for future generations.

Plant Species: Penstemon harringtonii, Penstemon debilis, Penstemon grahamii, Erigeron strigosus, Abronia fragrans, Astragalus spp., Castilleja angustifolia, Castilleja chromosa, Mahonia spp., Purshia stansburiana, Purshia tridentata, Pediocactus knowltonii, Sclerocactus mesae-verdae, Physaria bellii, petunia, potato, tomato, pepper, violets, mints, coneflowers, sagebrush, saltbush, pinyon-juniper, spruce-fir, and alpine plant communities.

Keywords: conservation partnerships, Bureau of Land Management, botany program, rare plant conservation, endangered species, sensitive species monitoring, native plant education, workshops, Native Plant Master Program, botanical illustration, botanical art, public outreach, citizen science, invasive species, noxious weeds, plant identification, fossil plants, paleobotany, Lewis and Clark Expedition, botanical history, research grants, annual meeting, volunteerism, habitat stewardship, plant ecology, conservation advocacy, botanical research, community engagement, and native plant preservation.