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Producing native, ecotypic seeds for ecological restoration, and fostering biodiversity.

Conservation Practioner: Nat Warning, Temporary Resource Technician, City of Longmont Open Space Program, Longmont, CO.

Project Location: (Unconfirmed) CSU Environmental Learning Center, Fort Collins, CO.

Project Summary and Outcomes: There is ongoing demand among restoration ecologists for the farmed seed of native shrubs, grasses, and forbs to contribute to the rehabilitation and restoration of Western rivers and rangelands (Van Epps and McKell 1978, Sanderson et al. 2004, Barner 2007). Reestablishing native communities on degraded lands is critical for erosion control, suppression of invasive species, and providing food sources for wildlife, particularly for bee pollinator species critical for ecosystem function, whose populations are steadily declining (Moncada 2003, Cameron et al. 2011, Tilley et al. 2013). Ecotypic source seeds are preferred by restoration ecologists because they produce which are regionally endemic, and therefore most likely to be suited and resilient to localized environmental conditions (Gustafson et al. 2005, Johnson et al. 2010). By expanding ecotypic seed sources for three plant species important for native pollinator habitat functionality, wildlife forage, and reclamation of degraded lands, we intend to contribute not only the capacity to produce harvested seeds for shared restoration efforts, but also to disseminate knowledge gained from initiating an ecotypic seed production garden, to document baseline pollinator diversity and abundance, and to foster volunteer and public awareness regarding the benefits of establishing and protecting native, ecotypic, and pollinator-friendly plant communities through land conservation and stewardship. The proposed project goals include (1) to produce viable ecotypic seeds of three native plant species in order to supplement commercially available seed mixes for use in local ecological restoration projects, (2) to evaluate plant fitness from three seed source locations in a common garden experiment to determine which varieties are most appropriate for restoration in the Poudre River watershed, (3) to grow source plants which benefit pollinator biodiversity by providing nectar sources and increasing available pollinator habitat, and (4) to assess pollinator diversity and abundance using motion-activated cameras.

Collaborators and partners: (Still contacting and confirming collaborators) (1) Tallon Nightwalker, CSU undergraduate student in the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship department of WCNR, (2) Kristen Dean, staff member of the CSU Environmental Learning Center, (3) Borris Kondratieff, C. P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity at CSU, (4) John Giordinango, Southern Rockies Seed Network, (5) Crystal Strouse, City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program, (6) Steve Popovich, USDA Forest Service, (7) Casey Cisneros, Larimer County Natural Resources Department, (8) Amy Gage, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers.

Overall Fellowship Description: Ecological restoration using native and ecotypic plant varieties is in the early stages of research and development, with recent work focusing on provisional seed transfer zones at the ecoregional level (USDA 2012, Bower et al. 2014). We wish to draw upon current research examining seed transfer, and to apply and focus the techniques on restoration efforts in our local watershed. We can provide a model for a small-scale ecotypic seed garden, as well as a future seed source for participating agencies working on native restoration, reclamation, and revegetation efforts. The proposed project will directly benefit the lands managed by participating agencies by increasing the availability of viable, ecologically appropriate seed for use in flood recovery, post-fire restoration, and pollinator habitat expansion projects within the Poudre River watershed. Our research approach uses the common garden design in which source seeds from varying locations are grown under identical conditions to assess seed viability, plant vigor, and levels of seed production (Miller et al. 2011). Under this design, in Fall of 2016 we will collect seed from three native species (Figure 1) in three source locations in Larimer and Weld counties in Colorado: (1) Pawnee National Grassland, managed by the USDA Forest Service, (2) City of Fort Collins Natural Areas, and (3) Larimer County Parks and Open Space lands. We will plant seeds in raised growing beds containing a standard growing mix according to species and source location (Figure 3), hand-irrigate seedlings as necessary throughout the growing season, and assess mature plant fitness and vigor from each of the three source populations using germination success, growth, and seed production criteria (Eddleman and Meinhardt 1978, Cane 2008). Assessing fitness of each of the source seed populations will help us to determine which varieties may be suitable for current and future restoration efforts throughout the Poudre River watershed. First generation (G1) seeds harvested from the garden plants are expected to represent a combination of genetic traits from the three sources, and will be stored and planted in 2017 at the same garden site to evaluate their fitness, and potential for widespread use in restoration efforts (Figure 4). P a g e | 2

During growing, we also have an opportunity to document the that visit the common garden. Identifying organisms using digital photography and image analysis is gaining acceptance as an accurate, non-lethal sampling technique used to catalog invertebrate diversity (Basset et al. 2000, Pech et al. 2004, Warning and Leatherman, in press). We will use motion-activated digital cameras (Reconyx, Holmen, WI) adjusted to a ½ meter focal length to document pollinator diversity and abundance for the two proposed flowering species: Rocky Mountain beeplant ( serrulata) and Upright prairie coneflower ( columnifera). Some of the key pollinators known to visit the focal plants (Table 1) are bee species which require patches of loose soil or sand for burrowing (Messinger 2006, Kearns 2009). We therefore propose to establish simulated “sand washes” (2’ x 8’) between raised garden beds to accommodate and provide refuge for these burrowing species. By combining ecotypic seed sourcing and pollinator research with promotion of pollinator biodiversity, we hope to engage land managers, participating agencies, and community members to foster development of active pollinator habitat expansion projects, while communicating our findings through scientific publications, newspaper articles, and interpretative signs at the ELC garden site.

Figure 1. Three native plant species proposed for ecotypic seed production and restoration. A) Fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), B) Upright prairie coneflower (), and C) Rocky Mountain beeplant (). Photos A-B by Nat Warning, photo C courtesy of USDA.

Plant Species Profiles: FOURWING SALTBUSH (Atriplex canescens) is a widely distributed and drought tolerant perennial shrub found on rangelands throughout Western North America (Figure 1A). Fourwing saltbush is critically important as a browse species for livestock and wildlife, a structural species providing cover and protection for birds and mammals, and a deep-rooted species providing erosion control for reclamation and restoration of disturbed lands (Tilley et al. 2012; Table 1). Fourwing shrubs typically show high seedling vigor and seed viability, and seeds do not require chilling or stratification (Van Epps and McKell 1978, McArthur et al. 1983). A significant challenge in selecting fourwing source seeds or seedlings for reclamation projects in the Western U.S. is variation across the range in chromosome number, growth form, and resistance to cold (Van Epps 1975, Sanderson et al. 2004). Multiple researchers have therefore recommended collection of regionally local, ecotypic seed sources in order to ensure compatibility between plants and environmental conditions (McArthur et al. 1983, Soliman et al. 2000, Tilley and St. John 2012). UPRIGHT PRAIRIE CONEFLOWER (Ratibida columnifera) is a late blooming perennial grassland forb important for native bees and other insect pollinators, as well as a food source for mammals and songbirds (Joern 1983, Pearce et al. 2012; Figure 1B). Prairie coneflower has been shown to suppress invasive annual weeds through high germination rates, long lifespan, and vigorous seed production (Eddleman and Meinhardt 1978, Lauenroth and Alder 2008, Perry et al. 2009; Table 1). ROCKY MOUNTAIN BEEPLANT (Cleome serrulata) is an annual forb native to sandy soils in the Intermountain West and Great Plains, recommended for soil stabilization, and provides special value to native bees (Farris 1988, Messinger 2006, Cane 2008; Figure 1C). Rocky Mountain beeplant may also particularly benefit the threatened Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), and other small mammals as an important food source (Flake 1973, Shalaway and Slobodchikoff 1988; Table 1). Rocky Mountain beeplant requires a high seeding rate due to low germination success rates (Wasowski and Wasowski 2003), but established plants have high potential for seed production up to 170 g/plant (Cane 2008).

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Figure 2. Map showing growing site and seed source locations for the proposed Poudre River ecotypic seed garden project.

Figure 3. Common garden research design for three native plant species grown from three regional source locations in Larimer and Weld counties in Colorado.

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Figure 4. Timeline for a proposed ecotypic common garden and pollinator habitat improvement project in the Poudre River watershed, CO from 2016-2019).

Impacts in the geographical project location: 1) Conservation and Livelihood: Widespread pollinator declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation, parasite outbreaks, and improper pesticide use threaten the functionality of native terrestrial ecosystems (Cameron et al. 2011, Tilley et al. 2013). Humans are dependent on pollinator facilitated crop production of farmed and wild species for at least ¼ of our diet, and therefore the recovery of pollinator populations of bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, beetles, bats, and hummingbirds is critical for meeting the current and future demands of food resource production (Klein et al. 2007). In northern Colorado, our natural landscapes and market crops are dependent on pollinators, yet regional baseline research examining pollinator diversity and population trends have been rare (Kearns and Oliveras 2009), and further studies are needed to document pollinator abundance. We see a need to study the feasibility of a small scale, ecotypic seed production garden, and to promote public awareness of the importance of pollinators to landowners, land managers, students, and stakeholders. We can provide a potential model for an ecotypic seed garden, as well as a future seed source for participating agencies working on native restoration, reclamation, and revegetation efforts. 2) Engaging Stakeholders: We plan to engage stakeholders by collaborating on (1) documenting source seed collection locations from sites throughout the Poudre River watershed, (2) construction and management of a common garden research and seed production site, (3) evaluating the fitness and vigor of the plants produced from source (G0) and first generation (G1) seed, (4) proper collection and storage of produced seed, (5) identifying restoration priority projects where produced seed will be planted, (6) identifying pollinator species visiting the common garden via digital image analysis, and (7) disseminating research results by producing peer-reviewed scientific and technical publications. 3) Short and Long-term Outcomes: The short term project outcomes include increasing pollinator habitat and food availability through the common garden source plants, facilitating research and development of ecotypic, regionally appropriate seed sources, and documenting the baseline abundance and diversity of pollinator species which visit the focal plants in our study. Our longer term goals include the ongoing seed production of three important native plant species which benefit pollinators, wildlife, and human livelihoods in the Poudre River Watershed, providing a collaborative model for small-scale production of ecologically appropriate seeds, and promoting pollinator recovery through land conservation and rehabilitation

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Measuring Project Success: We will deem the project successful if the following primary objectives are met: (1st tier- 2016-17) we are able to establish, raise, and protect source plant seedlings (G0) to maturity and harvest viable seeds from each of the three species of plants, (2nd tier-2018) we are able to establish, raise, and protect 1st generation seedlings (G1) to maturity and harvest viable seeds from each of the three plant species, and (3rd tier-2019) we are able allocate produced seed to participating agencies for local habitat restoration and reclamation projects, perpetuating ecotypic plant varieties (G2 and beyond) in the Poudre River watershed. Our secondary objectives are to identify, document and catalog the pollinator visitors to each of the two species; (Upright prairie coneflower and Rocky Mountain beeplant), to disseminate our common garden and invertebrate research findings in at least one peer-reviewed publication, one technical training guide, and one conference presentation, and to increase public awareness of the benefits of establishing native, ecotypic, and pollinator friendly plant species in our community. Fellowship Products: The primary research product expected from this project is at least one peer-reviewed publication examining pollinator diversity and abundance on the flowering plant species at the study site. Practical products expected from the project include one technical publication (with photos) documenting the techniques used in collecting seed for and establishing a seed production garden, and one workshop presentation outlining the project goals, status, and results for the Southern Rockies Seed Network annual meeting.

Names of collaborators and CSU connection(s): (Not all confirmed yet) (1) Tallon Nightwalker, CSU undergraduate student in the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship department of WCNR- ROLE; plant care technician (including irrigation and weeding), assists with garden construction, assists with seed harvesting, assists with measuring plant fitness (height, growth rate, seed production), (2) Kristen Dean, staff member of the CSU Environmental Learning Center- ROLE; primary ELC site contact, disseminates current project status and information to ELC staff and visitors, (3) Borris Kondratieff, C. P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity at CSU- ROLE; assistance with pollinator digital image analysis and identification, (4) John Giordinango, Southern Rockies Seed Network- ROLE; technical advising, assists with identifying seed sources and projects for final seed disposition (5) Crystal Strouse, City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program- ROLE; assists in identifying and facilitating source seed collection on City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Lands, and seed disposition on Natural Areas lands, (6) Steve Popovich, Forest Botanist, USDA Forest Service- ROLE; assists in identifying and facilitating source seed collection on USFS lands, and seed disposition on USFS lands, (7) Casey Cisneros, Larimer County Natural Resources Department- ROLE; assists in identifying and facilitating initial source seed collection on LCNR lands, and seed disposition on LCNR lands, (8) Amy Gage, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers- ROLE; assisting with coordinating volunteer seed collections from G0 and G1 plants at the ELC.

Budget Statement: Center for Collaborative Conservation Name of applicant: Nathanial Warning Fellows Budget, 2016 Email address: [email protected]

Personnel Total Fellow salary (including fringe) $ 1000.00 Team member salary (including fringe) $ 1000.00 Southern Rockies Seed Network $ 750.00 Wildlands Restoration Volunteers $ 750.00 Other $ 0 Subtotal $ 3,500.00

Services Publications $ 200.00 Meeting costs $ 0 Website $ 0 Communications $ 0 Copying/printing $ 0 Interpretive sign at ELC $ 750.00 Subtotal $ 950.00

Supplies Field supplies: Horizon equipment and seed storage shed $ 1898.99 P a g e | 6

Solar Gable Attic Fan (11W) w/ thermostat $ 549.00 Fold-out workbench for seed processing $ 69.97 Landscape Fabric (3' x 300') and pins $ 76.96 Lumber for raised growing beds (local) $ 144.00 Topsoil Yard Pride Mix and sand (delivered) $ 367.50 Emergency hail tarp $ 118.98 Garden tools $ 75.00 Reconyx motion-activated cameras (obtained through previous grant) $ 0

Office supplies: $ 0 Other $ 0 Subtotal $ 3,300.40

Travel Local transportation $ 200.00 International transportation $ 0 Accommodations $ 0 Food $ 0 Other $ 0 Subtotal $ 200.00

Total $ 7950.40

Table 1. Growth characteristics and key ecological benefits of three plant species proposed for ecotypic seed production.

Ecological Plant Species Growth Type Key Pollinators Bloom period Forage Sp. Citations Services Blackwell 1981, Perennial Cover, nesting Game animals, Sanderson and Atriplex Wind pollination, August - Shrub – structure, rabbits, small McAruthur 2004, canescens unspecialized September mature wildlife forage, mammals, upland Cázares-Martínez (ATCA) insects height 1-6 ft. erosion control. birds, songbirds et al. 2010, Tilley and St. John 2012 Attracts bee and Perennial Game animals, beetle Halictus Ratibida Forb – small mammals, Joern 1983, pollinators, rubicundus (sweat Late June - columnifera mature upland birds, Barner 2007, wildlife forage bee), Melissodes August (RACO) height 1-1.5 grasshoppers, Pearce et al. 2012 (plants and sp.(Digger bees) ft. pentatomid bugs seeds) Attracts bee, Halictus sp.(sweat wasp, and bees), Hylaeus sp. Flake 1973, Farris Cleome Annual Forb butterfly (Yellow-faced Small mammals 1988, Shalaway Early May - serrulata – mature pollinators, bees), and (including rodents and Slobodchikoff June (CLSE) height 2-3 ft. wildlife forage Lasioglossum and prairie dogs) 1988, Messinger (plants and sp.(metallic-banded 2006, Cane 2008 seeds) bees)

Table 2. Propagation guidelines for three plant species proposed for ecotypic seed production.

Seeding Rate Annual In row plant Expected seed Plant species Planting depth (Pure Live precipitation spacing output/viability Seed/acre) range Atriplex canescens 0.5 - 0.75” 4.5 ft. 0.5 lb. PLS/ac 8-16” high/high (ATCA) Ratibida columnifera 0.25” 12” 3 lb. PLS/ac 16-40” high/moderate (RACO) Cleome serrulata 0”-surface 18” 17 lb. PLS/ac 13-55” high/low (CLSE)

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