Summary: This edition of Aquilegia emphasizes the many dimensions of native plant conservation, from statewide rare plant protection and legal advocacy to education, citizen science, and public engagement. The lead articles detail the work of the Rare Plant Conservation Initiative and CoNPS’s efforts to secure protections for Colorado’s most imperiled species through collaborative partnerships and policy action. The issue also provides extensive opportunities for members to connect with Colorado’s flora through field trips, workshops, and chapter programs focused on invasive species, paleobotany, climate change, and ecological monitoring. Together, these features highlight the essential roles of research, stewardship, volunteerism, and community involvement in safeguarding Colorado’s botanical heritage and fostering appreciation of native plants across the state.

Plant Species: Astragalus debequaeus (DeBeque milkvetch), Eriogonum pelinophilum (clay-loving wild buckwheat), Oenothera acutissima (narrowleaf evening primrose), Penstemon debilis (Parachute penstemon), Penstemon grahamii (Graham’s penstemon), Phacelia submutica (DeBeque phacelia), Ptilagrostis porteri (porter feathergrass), Calypso bulbosa (Calypso orchid), Dodecatheon pulchellum (shooting stars), Equisetum spp., Kalmia microphylla, Cryptantha spp., Astragalus spp. (locoweeds), Phlox spp., Calochortus spp. (Sego lilies), Allium spp. (onions), Erigeron spp. (daisy fleabanes), Amsonia spp., Triteleia grandiflora var. grandiflora (Grand Onion), Trautvetteria carolinensis (tasselrue), Delphinium barbeyi, Heracleum sphondylium (cow parsnip), Nyctaginaceae spp. (Four-o’clocks), and numerous alpine, subalpine, prairie, wetland, and grassland native plant communities.

Keywords: rare plant conservation, Rare Plant Conservation Initiative, Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Strategy, endangered species advocacy, legal protection, conservation partnerships, stewardship, habitat management, conservation easements, public policy, citizen science, ecological monitoring, native plant education, field trips, workshops, invasive species, noxious weeds, climate change, Project BudBurst, paleobotany, fossil plants, botanical research, grassland ecology, wetlands, prairie ecosystems, botanical illustration, chapter programs, volunteer engagement, outreach, and native plant preservation.

Summary: This special edition of Aquilegia serves as a guide to the Colorado Native Plant Society’s Annual Meeting, emphasizing the importance of identifying, studying, and protecting Colorado’s ecologically significant landscapes. Through symposium sessions, scientific presentations, field excursions, and volunteer opportunities, the issue showcases the diversity of Colorado’s native plant communities and the researchers dedicated to understanding them. Topics include rare plant conservation, climate change vulnerability, alpine and dune ecosystems, wetland restoration, biodiversity inventories, and long-term ecological processes shaping plant communities. The newsletter also highlights the Society’s commitment to public engagement through citizen science, educational programming, conservation leadership, and hands-on exploration of Colorado’s special places. Together, these efforts encourage members to deepen their botanical knowledge while actively participating in the stewardship of the state’s native flora and habitats.

Plant Species: Colorado columbines (Aquilegia spp.), American currant (Ribes americanum), birdfoot violet (Viola pedata), carrion flower (Smilax herbacea), spotted coralroot orchid (Corallorhiza maculata), albino spotted coralroot orchid, big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), alpine tundra plant communities, dune-adapted vegetation, wetland and riparian plant species, phreatophytes, and globally imperiled (G1) plant species of Colorado.

Keywords: annual meeting, Colorado Collage, special places, native plant conservation, rare plant symposium, G1 species, conservation status review, biodiversity, ecological communities, alpine tundra, climate change vulnerability, wetland ecosystems, riparian ecosystems, dune plant adaptations, Great Sand Dunes National Park, plant community succession, ancient soils, Rocky Flats, biodiversity inventories, bioblitz, rare plant conservation initiative, ecological restoration, citizen science, field studies, stewardship, volunteer engagement, habitat protection, botanical education, scientific research, public outreach, and conservation leadership.

Summary: This issue of Aquilegia highlights the Colorado Native Plant Society’s ongoing efforts to conserve rare flora, educate members, and foster citizen involvement in botanical stewardship. A featured article celebrates the rediscovery of prairie moonwort (Botrychium campestre) after more than a decade without above-ground observations, underscoring the importance of persistence and monitoring in rare plant conservation. Additional articles encourage participation in the revived Adopt-a-Rare-Plant Program, explore intriguing botanical connections between Colorado and Antarctica, recognize leaders in plant conservation, and provide extensive opportunities for learning through workshops and chapter programs. The newsletter reflects a strong commitment to blending scientific inquiry, volunteer engagement, and public education to ensure the appreciation and protection of Colorado’s native plant heritage.

Plant Species: Prairie moonwort (Botrychium campestre), Rocky Mountain blue columbine (Aquilegia saximontana), Naturita milkvetch (Astragalus naturitensis), Hoosier Pass ipomopsis (Ipomopsis globularis), Rothrock’s townsend daisy (Townsendia rothrockii), Grimmia moss (Grimmia incrassicapsulis), Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia spp.), Colobanthus quitensis, Iceland purslane (Koenigia islandica), cutleaf anemone (Anemone multifida), Chilean sweet-cicely (Osmorhiza chilensis), seaside sedge (Carex maritima), small bur sedge (Carex microglochin), capitate sedge (Carex capitata), limber pine (Pinus flexilis), Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata), penstemons (Penstemon spp.), Arkansas Valley evening primrose (Oenothera harringtonii), golden blazing star (Mentzelia chrysantha), Pueblo goldenweed (Oonopsis puebloensis), round-leaf four-o’clock (Mirabilis rotundifolia), dwarf milkweed (Asclepias uncialis), alpine feverfew (Parthenium tetraneuris), Brandegee buckwheat (Eriogonum brandegeei), Parachute penstemon (Penstemon debilis), DeBeque phacelia (Phacelia submutica), Pagosa skyrocket (Ipomopsis polyantha), and Haptanthus hazlettii.

Keywords: rare plant conservation, prairie moonwort, citizen science, Adopt-a-Rare-Plant Program, Colorado Rare Plant Conservation Initiative, plant monitoring, botanical exploration, Antarctica, biogeography, mosses, lichens, workshops, edible plants, poisonous plants, cacti, orchids, ferns, rushes, taxonomy, molecular systematics, native plant education, chapter programs, Native Plant Master Program, disturbance ecology, invasive species, white pine blister rust, climate change, pollination, flowering plant evolution, fungal symbiosis, restoration ecology, prescribed fire, penstemon propagation, native gardening, grasshopper ecology, ethnobotany, biodiversity protection, volunteer stewardship, rare plant awards, research grants, and habitat conservation.