Plant Conservation Alliance

From the local chapter of the Native Plant Society:

Hello PCA Cooperators,

  
We are trying something new - a monthly newsletter to keep you informed about what's going on at the PCA. Let us know what you think!

 The National Native Seed Conference was a great success! It was held in Washington DC from February 13-16th, and had nearly 350 participants from 41 states and 11 countries. Attendees included seed producers, land managers,researchers, and agency employees. Highlights included the introduction of the "Botany Bill" (see more below) on Valentine's Day, excellent presentations (including on plant blindness – now posted on our website), formation of tasks forces to implement the Native Seed Strategy, and an evening reception at the US Botanic Garden. We look forward to future conferences!
   
On March 8th we heard an excellent presentation from Dr. Jennifer M. Cruse-Sanders, Director of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia as part of the bi-monthly PCA meeting. She included success stories of collaborations to conserve plants, including reintroducing Rhus michauxii in Virginia. The next meeting will be May 10, 2017 from 2-4pm EST.

  
 Support for the "Botany Bill" (H.R. 1054) is building! We are looking for co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. You can now use at the AIBS Legislative Action Center to contact your representative about the billhere. We are also gathering endorsers! The over 60 endorsing organizations currently include Georgia Native Plant Society, the New England Wild Flower Society, and BFI Native Seeds. If your organization would like to endorse the bill, please email us. And thanks to the many of you who have already endorsed the bill! Get more information on the bill, and regular updates, on the NFCC website.

  Finally, we are making a list of conferences and local events where the PCA could increase the visibility of the National Seed Strategy. If your organization sponsors conferences, or usually attends local conferences, please email us to let us know what they are!

 Thanks for all the work you do for native plant conservation,

   - Evelyn Williams, Andrea Kramer, and Kay Havens at the Chicago Botanic Garden, which chairs the PCA Non-Federal Cooperators Committee

Chicago Botanic Garden | 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022