Summary: This issue of Aquilegia focuses on the urgent need for stronger conservation measures to protect Colorado’s rare flora and the ecosystems that support them. The feature article examines the precarious status of dwarf milkweed (Asclepias uncialis), presenting evidence that the species may warrant endangered status due to its tiny, isolated populations and declining historical records. Additional articles explore the ecological consequences of public lands grazing, the significance of the first federally listed lichen species as a precedent for plant conservation, and the impacts of staffing cutbacks within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The newsletter also highlights educational initiatives, including winter workshops, chapter programs, native seed exchanges, and opportunities for members to contribute plant lists and advocacy efforts. Throughout the issue, readers are encouraged to combine botanical knowledge with active stewardship to ensure the long-term preservation of Colorado’s native plant diversity.

Plant Species: Plant species and genera mentioned in this issue include Asclepias uncialis, Bouteloua gracilis, Eutrema penlandii, Cladonia perforata, Cladina spp., Spiranthes diluvialis, Echinocereus triglochidiatus, Nasturtium officinale, Acomastylis rossii, Swertia perennis, Senecio fremontii var. blitoides, Mertensia ciliata, Typha latifolia, and Sibbaldia procumbens. References are also made to Florida rosemary, turkey oak communities, yucca grasslands, blue grama prairie, dwarf mistletoes, gentians, members of the Brassicaceae (mustard family), Poaceae (grass family), and showy monocots of the Alliaceae.

Keywords: dwarf milkweed, endangered species, rare plants, plant conservation, endangered species protection, species recovery, botanical surveys, herbarium research, public lands grazing, grazing reform, ecosystem restoration, riparian conservation, biodiversity protection, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, agency cutbacks, lichen conservation, endangered lichens, habitat loss, conservation advocacy, native seed exchange, winter workshops, plant identification, field sketching, forensic botany, dwarf mistletoes, native plant propagation, ecosystem conferences, chapter activities, native landscaping, riparian ecology, public participation, botanical education, volunteer engagement, plant lists, native flora documentation, and conservation policy.

Summary: This issue of Aquilegia highlights the importance of documenting, studying, and protecting Colorado’s botanical heritage through research, education, and citizen involvement. Featured articles explore the history and scientific value of the University of Northern Colorado Herbarium, including its role in preserving more than a century of plant collections, and present the results of a major inventory of the Neota Wilderness flora that documented hundreds of species and discovered a new state record for Colorado. Additional articles address the challenges of protecting sensitive plant species under evolving U.S. Forest Service management policies, announce plans for a revised edition of Rare Plants of Colorado, and introduce emerging efforts in meadow restoration and native landscaping. Throughout the newsletter, readers are encouraged to participate in conservation initiatives, contribute photographs and expertise, and remain active stewards of Colorado’s native plant communities.

Plant Species: Plant species and genera mentioned in this issue include Geum rivale, Subularia aquatica, Isoetes bolanderii, Sparganium angustifolium, Azaleastrum albiflorum (Rhododendron albiflorum), Paronychia pulvinata, Ligularia holmii, Ligularia soldanella, Ligularia taraxacoides, Aquilegia saximontana, Primula angustifolia, Oreoxis alpina subsp. puberulenta, Draba fladnizensis, Draba streptobrachia, Agastache foeniculum, Aletes humilis, Ambrosia linearis, Aquilegia chrysantha var. rydbergii, Astragalus spp., Braya glabella, Braya humilis, Cryptantha aperta, Cypripedium fasciculatum, Drosera rotundifolia, Epipactis gigantea, Eriogonum brandegei, Eutrema penlandii, Frasera coloradensis, Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis, Ipomopsis polyantha, Lilium philadelphicum, Penstemon spp., Phacelia formosula, Physaria bellii, Saussurea weberi, Sclerocactus glaucus, Spiranthes diluvialis, Trillium ovatum, Trollius albiflorus, Penstemon hallii, and numerous additional rare Colorado taxa considered for inclusion in the revised Rare Plants of Colorado.

Keywords: University of Northern Colorado Herbarium, herbarium history, botanical collections, plant inventories, Neota Wilderness, vascular flora, alpine ecosystems, subalpine ecosystems, floristic surveys, new state records, range extensions, biodiversity documentation, conservation biology, rare plants, sensitive species, ecosystem management, U.S. Forest Service policy, endangered species protection, citizen management alternatives, native plant conservation, rare plant photography, meadow restoration, native landscaping, wildflower research, ecological restoration, botanical education, volunteer stewardship, floristic comparisons, alpine flora, subalpine flora, plant identification, botanical illustration, research grants, conservation advocacy, and public engagement.

Summary: This issue of Aquilegia centers on active conservation efforts and public engagement in protecting Colorado’s native flora. The lead article launches the Colorado Native Plant Society’s Mountain Peat Conservation Campaign, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of mountain fens and urging readers to support alternatives to peat products. Additional features encourage members to become involved through Society committees, review environmental impact statements affecting rare plant habitats, and participate in educational programs, workshops, and field activities. A detailed field trip report explores the ecological restoration of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, tracing its transformation from a contaminated military-industrial landscape to a future National Wildlife Refuge through native prairie restoration. Chapter reports document botanical explorations across western Colorado, emphasizing citizen science, habitat stewardship, invasive species awareness, and the importance of collaboration in preserving Colorado’s botanical diversity.

Plant Species: Plant species and genera mentioned in this issue include Primula egaliksensis, Primula parryi, Salix candida, Sisyrinchium pallidum, Aquilegia barnebyi, Astragalus lutosus, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Chamerion spp., Chamaepericlymenum canadense (Cornus canadensis), Andropogon hallii, Bouteloua gracilis, Calamovilfa longifolia, Bouteloua curtipendula, Panicum virgatum, Opuntia polyacantha, Tradescantia occidentalis, Stipa viridula, Stipa comata, Elymus trachycaulus, Pascopyrum smithii, Artemisia filifolia, Buchloe dactyloides, Andropogon gerardii, Muhlenbergia torreyii, Poa secunda, Koeleria macrantha, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Krascheninnikovia lanata, Sphaeralcea coccinea, Bromus tectorum, Elymus canadensis, Mimulus gemmiparus, Linnaea borealis, Fendlera rupicola, Astragalus mollissimus, Astragalus nuttallianus, Astragalus desperatus, Pediomelum megalanthum, Streptanthus cordatus, Polygala subspinosa, Oenothera speciosa, Allium macropetalum, cottonwoods (Populus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), Hymenopappus filifolius, Packera multilobata, Erigeron pumilus, Ipomopsis roseata, Leptodactylon pungens, Astragalus microcymbus, Erigeron coulteri, Aster engelmannii, Agoseris aurantiaca, and thimbleberries (Rubus spp.).

Keywords: mountain peat conservation, peat mining, mountain fens, wetland protection, native plant conservation, habitat restoration, prairie restoration, environmental education, public involvement, conservation advocacy, environmental impact statements, federal land management, rare plants, endemic species, biodiversity, citizen science, committee participation, field studies, invasive species, horticultural weeds, native landscaping, ecological restoration, revegetation, seed collection, weed management, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Superfund cleanup, wildlife refuge, grassland ecology, chapter activities, botanical exploration, field trip reports, plant inventories, outreach, volunteerism, native plant horticulture, conservation partnerships, and ecosystem stewardship.