Volume 10, Issue 03
October 2007
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| 5. Adopt-a-Plant, René J. Belland, Devonian Botanic Garden
Adopt-a-Plant Alberta is a new initiative whose goal is to involve plant enthusiasts in the collection of information for use in reporting the status of endangered species within the province. The program was born from the recognition that many plants may be at risk of extirpation within the province, but where the quality and quantity of information available about the species may not be sufficient to build a case that would result in a report of the species’ provincial status. Such reports are a prerequisite before a species can be considered for a status assessment. Adopt-a-Plant Alberta offers an exceptional opportunity for amateur botanists to learn about rare plants in Alberta, and at the same time contribute to the understanding of their ecology and distribution in the province. Participants adopt a provincially rare plant and experts train them how to identify it, how to find it and, once found, how to gather data about its location and local environment that will be useful in its conservation. All the data submitted is housed in the conservation database of the Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre, and is being used to help understand where the species lives in efforts to protect the plant in the province. The program is in its second year, with 35 volunteers having so far stepped forward to become involved. Granting agencies are taking notice and the program has received funding from several sources, including the federal Habitat Stewardship fund. The monies received have been used to hire a program coordinator to supervise the 2007 field season’s activities and to be a contact for volunteers in their search for the elusive rare plant. The funds were also used to purchase materials and equipment to assist the volunteers. This program is a good example of the results of a cooperative effort between various institutions and non-government agencies. Adopt-a-Plant is a reality thanks to the co-operation of Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre, Devonian Botanic Garden, Alberta Native Plant Council and the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Species at Risk Program. More info :
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