Native Plant Society: Time to adopt a rare plant

Big Flowered Wooly Meadowfoam. OregonFlora photo
November 20, 2023

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act by adopting a rare plant species

The Siskiyou Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon

Gentners fritillary. OregonFlora photo

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act by adopting a rare plant species.  Through our Southern Oregon community (citizen) science project we will teach volunteers how to monitor populations of rare plant species. The goal is for volunteers to be able to visit known populations of their adopted species and report on the health of those populations. After completing the training, volunteers will work independently or with a team of family and friends as they check on their adopted plants over time.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was enacted on Dec. 28, 1973, to prevent the loss or harm of endangered and threatened species and to preserve the places they live. Now in its 50th year, the ESA stands as a testament to the power of partnerships and the conservation successes we can achieve through working together. Today, hundreds of species are stable or improving, thanks to conservation actions undertaken by federal agencies, state and local governments, conservation organizations and private citizens.

While we have made considerable progress in safeguarding our imperiled species and their habitats since the passage of the ESA, the challenges we face are ongoing. Loss of habitat and introduction of invasive species are the most serious threats to vulnerable species and their habitats. Additionally, climate change promises to expand the scope and complexity of these problems.

Mount Mazama Collomia. OregonFlora photo

As we look to the next 50 years and beyond, a renewed commitment to species conservation and the ESA is vital.  It is up to all of us to continue the success of the ESA so future generations may experience the natural heritage we all cherish. Sadly, the resources available for rare plant monitoring have never been enough to do the science necessary to adequately monitor known populations. Consequently, over the past 20 years many States and Provinces in North America have successfully involved their communities in rare plant species adoption programs.

The Siskiyou Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon and The Understory Initiative are starting a local community (citizen) science Adopt a Rare Plant Program. Join us and help conserve our rare Southern Oregon flora.

For more information, go to understoryinitiative.org/rareplant.

Ashland.news welcomes profiles of area nonprofits. Submissions of 500-700 words may be emailed to [email protected]. Please attach a photo or two, and include your name and contact information.

Picture of Bert Etling

Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

Related Posts...

Our Sponsors

Rogue Theater Company Ripcord Grizzly Peak Winery Ashland Oregon
ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum Teen Programs Day Camp Ashland Oregon

Latest posts

Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley will seek re-election in 2026

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, 68, announced Thursday he’d run again for the Senate seat he’s held for more than 16 years. He’s represented Oregon in the U.S. Senate since 2009, alongside Oregon’s senior U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, also a Democrat. Merkley was last elected to his seat by Oregon voters in 2020.

Read More >

Our Sponsors

Conscious Design Build Ashland Oregon
City of Ashland Public Notice Ashland Oregon
Ashland Climate Collaborative Sreets for Everyone Ashland Oregon
Pronto Printing Ashland Medford Southern Oregon

Explore More...

The Oregon Department of Human Services is offering free emergency kits and power stations for older adults and qualified people with physical disabilities. The emergency kits include flashlights, blankets, first aid items, food and other supplies. The power stations are portable and have rechargeable batteries.
The Ashland New Plays Festival (ANPF) has announced the winning playwrights for this year’s annual Fall Festival.
A project proposal by St. Louis-based firm McCormack Baron Salazar aimed at outlining a proposed housing development for senior independent living near the southeast corner of the Southern Oregon University campus could cost upwards of $64 million, pending selection by an evaluation committee and a finalized project plan.
Two Oregon lawmakers have launched a bipartisan caucus to promote trade, business development and international economic policy. Legislative caucuses are groups of lawmakers who share similar policy interests.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has declared the first drought emergencies of the year for two counties on opposite sides of the state. The governor signed the orders on Thursday in Baker County along the northeast Oregon-Idaho border, and Lincoln County, on the Oregon Coast.
ashland.news logo

Subscribe to the newsletter and get local news sent directly to your inbox.

(It’s free)

Don't Miss Our Top Stories

Get our newsletter delivered to your inbox three times a week.
It’s FREE and you can cancel anytime.