Winter 2003 Kelseya

Volume 16 No. 2

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skim across and sturdy enough to ac- Keeping Track— cept watercolors. The writing isn’t notes on keeping an illustrated journal always in straight lines and some- by Lyn Baldwin times the illustrations may not make much sense to anyone but me, but nectar-producing canals). Further- nearly every page in my journals hen we first walked through more, demographic studies in Colo- represents a series of lessons that I W the meadow last summer, I rado have shown that this long-lived learned in the field. The decision to hardly noticed the tall stalks of Fra- perennial tends to flower synchro- include drawings in my field journal sera speciosa, commonly known as nously on a four-year cycle. Thou- has been a pivotal step in my devel- green gentian or monument plant. sands of will bloom one sum- opment as a naturalist. While I But when Marc and the dogs de- mer and then very few for the next risked the terror of learning to draw, scended down towards Ford Creek three summers. This floral synchrony I also gained the deep pleasure of leaving me to ramble is viewed as a strategy for predator increasing my observational skills. through the avoidance. By flowering so abun- The attempt to trace the contours of meadow with my dantly, green gentian ensures that and taught me that field journal open, when it does flower there will be although I knew the names of many the uniqueness of the more flowers than predators, and by (Continued on page 10) green gentian plants only flowering inter- became abundantly clear. Each mittently, green gen- plant bore greenish-yellow, open tian does not provide flowers distributed along its main a continual resource stalk. In this meadow of flowers for predator popula- dominated by the bright colors of tions. Without my lupine, flax, delphinium, and poten- field journal as a tilla, the green-colored flowers were prompt to explore unusual enough, but I was particu- the contours of gen- larly intrigued by the small furry tian flowers, I might ridges that bisected each and never have stopped by the long silky hairs that swathed long enough to ask the base of the petals. I immedi- questions about this ately tried to imagine what pollinator curious plant. would be attracted to these flowers. For the last five Questions surrounded my quick years, my field jour- sketch of the flowers (see page 10). nals have been wan- Later, when I researched the polli- dering farther and nation biology of green gentian, I farther afield from found the story was even odder than the rigid outlines of I had imagined. Green gentian is field notes that I visited by a wide variety of potential learned to keep in pollinators, including social and soli- graduate school. My tary , wasps, sawflies, hover- journals are big— flies, moths, butterflies and several handbound with lus- species of beetles, which come to cious, blank paper either collect pollen grains or drink that is smooth nectar from the furry ridges (actually enough for a pen to An entry from one of Lyn’s beautiful journals; you should see them in color! Kelseya President’s Platform Betty Kuropat

Happy holidays to you! a hundredth of the harm done to wild print the Plant Collection Guidelines I hope you are warm and sur- life by “legitimate” despoilers such for Teachers and distribute copies to rounded by your friends, family, and as farmers, roadmen, roadmakers, schools and county extension agents. your favorite plant books. and urban developers. This is the Funding for both projects was ap- I have been reading one called The answer to those cranky conservators proved with suggestions of ways to Plant Hunters, Tales of the Botanist- who maintain that the only proper distribute, such as the MNPS website Explorers Who Enriched Our Gardens method of “collecting” plants at the and targeted newsletters. The Small by Tyler Whittle. It chronicles the present time is with a camera.” Grants Committee request to in- adventures of botanical treasure I like to browse through plant crease grants from $500 to $1000 was hunters from the 1400’s through the guides, floras, and herbalist field reconfirmed. Funding was approved mid-1900’s. Mr. Whittle was an Eng- guides in the winter. I keep trying to for the Clark Fork Chapter to develop lish priest and his writing style reads learn more about plants and their a native grassland garden at the Mis- a little slow for me. But the plant uses. I’m glad to have references, soula Library, for Western Montana hunters’ devotion to their quests is because I’m poor in the memory de- At-large to support the Bull interesting and still apparent in mod- partment. My newest favorite is the Outdoor Education Association’s sum- ern day botanists. “You don’t have Flora of Glacier National Park, by mer field classes, and for a special to be crazy to be a plant hunter … Peter Lesica (see page 5). It’s really committee to develop a brochure on but it helps” (from the Foreword). handy for those of us who live and Lewis and Clark plants in Montana. If Mr. Whittle included an appendix play close to Glacier. you have ideas for projects that pro- called Plant Collecting. His sugges- The other plant-related (sort of) mote the mission of MNPS, talk to tions are similar to our own MNPS thing I do is try to keep up with Soci- your Chapter Representative or a Guidelines for Collecting Native ety business. Your Board of Directors Committee Chair to prepare a pro- Plants and Plant Collection Guide- is a busy bunch. The fall Board posal for the fall 2003 Board meet- lines for Teachers with a little more meeting was November 2, in Helena. ing, or consider requesting a Small emphasis on collecting rather than I got a bad cold and missed it. Pattie Grant (see Call for Proposals in this other methods of enjoyment. Whit- Brown ran the meeting without warn- newsletter). tle’s introduction to plant collecting ing or prep time. Thank you, Pattie. The next Board of Directors meet- states, “Anyone with sufficient inter- She did a fantastic job with some ing is planned for March 1, 2003 in est to go out and collect generally tough issues and even adjourned the Helena. If you have topics that need knows what he is doing. He will not meeting on time. They decided on attention, get them to me or any gather a single specimen or one of a several project funding requests for other Board member at least a week small colony if the species is rare. the 2003 budget. The Conservation before the meeting. He is aware that plants are stimu- and Landscape Committees are Until then, if you’ll excuse me, I lated to more vigorous growth by jointly working on guidelines for se- have a tree to decorate, a Flathead being thinned, and—though a collec- lecting non-invasive plants for land- Chapter party to host, books to read, tor—he has the interests of the spe- scapers and nursery professionals. and skis waiting. Have a fun winter. cies much in mind and will never do The Education Committee wants to Betty Kuropat

Betty can be reached at 2688 Witty Ln. Columbia Falls, MT 59912 406-892-0129 e-mail: [email protected]

MNPS Award Nominations Due Call For MNPS Board of The Montana Native Plant Society presents two awards. The Outstanding Directors Nominations Service Award is given no more than once a year to a member of MNPS for service to the Society. The award consists of a certificate accompanied by an The following positions are up for individualized gift. The Special Achievement Award may be awarded to any- election: President, Treasurer and one, member or not, whose work has contributed to the mission and goals of Western Director–at-large. If you MNPS. The award consists of a certificate and possibly a small gift. The would like to nominate someone for awards will be presented at the annual meeting of the Society. Any member any of these positions, please con- may make a nomination and now is the time. The awards committee must tact Linda Iverson at 932-5840 or receive nominations no later than April 1. Send your nominations to Drake Peter Lesica at 728-8740. The dead- and Kathy at [email protected] or 314 Travis Creek Rd., Clancy, MT line for nominations is February 15 59634. All nominations should include a brief statement about the nominee’s and the ballot will be included in the contribution to MNPS and relate why the nominee should receive an award. spring Kelseya.

2 Kelseya Winter 2003 Conservation The “Endangered” A Plant Success Story MNPS Joins the Native Plant Endangered Species Act Conservation Campaign In late August 2002 the U. S. Fish The Federal Endangered Species and Wildlife Service removed Poten- Campaign (NPCC) is a project Act (ESA) is perhaps the single most tilla robbinsiana (Robbins’ cinque- of the Native Plant effective means we have to protect foil) from the federal List of Endan- Society and the Center for Bio- imperiled ecosystems and the species gered and Threatened Plants. Rob- logical Diversity. We are assembling they support. Passed in 1973 by the bins’ cinquefoil occurs only in the a national network of native plant U.S. Congress and signed into law by alpine zone of the White Mountain societies, botanical gardens, and President Nixon, the purpose of the National Forest in New Hampshire. other plant conservation organiza- ESA is to conserve “the ecosystems Prior to ESA protection in 1980, the tions that will collaborate to ex- upon which endangered and threat- population numbered 3,700 individu- change information and create a ened species depend” and to con- als. Today the population totals strong national voice to promote na- serve and recover listed species so more than 14,000 plants. The suc- tive plant conservation through poli- they no longer require the protection cess of Robbins’ cinquefoil was possi- cies and initiatives such as: of the ESA to survive. Congress rec- ble because of a partnership between • improved staffing and funding for ognized the value of biological diver- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal botany programs sity and the fact that many plants the U.S. Forest Service, the Appala- • prevention and control of infes- and animals were in danger of be- chian Mountain Club and the New tations by invasive exotic plants coming extinct. Under the ESA, a England Wild Flower Society. The • use of local natives in restoration species may be listed as partners worked together to imple- • increased plant science research “endangered” or “threatened”. En- ment the Recovery Plan, which was and education, and dangered means a species is in dan- approved in 1983. Robbins’ cinque- • equal protection for plants under ger of extinction throughout all or a foil was threatened by plant collec- the Federal Endangered Species significant portion of its range. tors and disturbance from hikers Act and other laws Threatened means a species is likely along the Appalachian Trail. Recov- to become endangered within the ery tasks included relocating a por- NPCC network affiliates lend their foreseeable future. The ESA is ad- tion of the trail and propagating the names and prestige to the NPCC, ministered by the Interior Depart- species for transplanting to suitable share expertise and information, and ment’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service locations in the White Mountain Na- work together to solve plant conser- that has responsibility for terrestrial tional Forest. Robbins’ cinquefoil is vation problems. Network affiliates and freshwater organisms, and the now a recovered species! For more distribute information to their mem- Commerce Department’s National information visit: http:// bers and collaborators regarding na- Marine Fisheries Service that over- news.fws.gov/ tional native plant conservation is- sees marine species. Montana sup- In November, retiring sues. The Montana Native Plant Soci- ports 17 species protected by the ety is now affiliated with the NPCC ESA. The list includes 3 plant species Bill Filed to Remove network. listed as threatened: Howellia Plants from ESA The NPCC is an outgrowth of an aquatilis (water howellia), Silene ongoing California Native Plant Soci- spaldingii (Spalding’s catchfly) and House Resources Chairman James V. ety project called the Equal Protec- diluvialis (Ute ladies’- Hansen (R ) filed a bill that tion for Plants Campaign. That Cam- tresses). There are also 14 animals would exempt military lands, private paign advocates amendment of the listed as threatened, endangered or property and all plant life from the Federal Endangered Species Act so as experimental populations. The Endangered Species Act. Calling the that plants and animals receive ESA has seen political ups and downs, bill the “Life, Liberty, and Property equivalent protection. It has been with lots of downs as of late. The Protection Act” the bill would re- endorsed by over 40 regional and Act was due for reauthorized in 1993, move what little protection plants national scientific and conservation but the required legislation has not now have under the ESA. Apparently organizations, including the Botanical yet been enacted. The following 3 “life” doesn’t apply to our nation’s Society of America, the American pieces give a brief glimpse into the native and irreplaceable flora. The Society for Plant , and the complexity of endangered species bill, one of 50 that have been intro- Society for Conservation Biology. protection with a success story about duced that affect the Endangered Publications and information are a plant recovered from the brink of Species Act, has been sent to the available by visiting: http:// extinction, a disheartening bit of www.cnps.org/npcc.htm House Committee on Resources and news about one of the many current merits our close attention. Be pre- Emily B. Roberson, Ph.D., Director threats the program faces and a posi- pared to contact your Senators and Native Plant Conservation Campaign tive report on how we can become Representatives in support of our [email protected] involved in native plant protection. native plant resources. Kathy Lloyd The Native Plant Conservation

Kelseya Winter 2003 3 Conservation Did you know? State Old Growth • Over 70% of our imperiled plants are found outside Six years ago the Montana Department of Natural Re- Federal lands where they receive only limited pro- sources and Conservation (DNRC) adopted a forest man- tection under the ESA. agement plan that prescribed maintaining at least 50% of • Despite the staggering economic value of native eco- presettlement levels of old growth on its lands. The systems, U.S. taxpayers spend on average less than Montana Legislature responded to this enlightened con- 34 cents per year on endangered species conserva- servation policy by passing a law that prohibited any tion – less than the price of a postage stamp. land from being set aside for conservation unless the • According to the World Conservation Union, a larger state was given full compensation for the appraised percentage of the flora of the U.S. is imperiled than value of the timber. DNRC rewrote its management in any other “developed” country. rules to exclude any prescribed “set asides.” The pro- • Between 1960-1990, sprawl consumed an area about posed policy now allows for conservation but no longer the size of West Virginia. mandates it; much is left to the discretion of the manag- • Approximately 80% of the nation’s costal ecosystems ers. The Montana Native Plant Society commented on have been damaged or destroyed by development. the proposed rules, suggesting several ways to improve • Less than 5% of our ancient forests remain intact. on the conservation intent (e.g., helicopter logging when • More than 50% of the nation’s native have possible and minimal use of heavy equipment near wet- been destroyed. lands and riparian areas). The rules will be voted on by • The World Conservation Union reports that 29% of the State Land Board. The only effective way to achieve plant species in the U.S. are at risk of extinction and protection of old growth and biological values on state that 1 plant species in 8 is at risk worldwide. lands is to elect a more enlightened legislature and gov- NPCC’s Wild Plants Wild Places ernor. Peter Lesica Thanks to the Source Guide Committee Maka Flora Round-up The following committee successfully Small Grant Report completed the Our 2002 field trip season was 3rd edition of quite successful. May 18 started our The spring of 2002 found Long- the Source plant walks with a journey to public fellow School students, staff and Guide for Native land near Fort Peck reservoir. Sev- parent and community volunteers Plants of Mon- eral members hiked into the bad- adding to the aesthetic beauty of tana. We are lands and identified spring flora. On Bozeman through a native plant gar- indebted to June 21, we traveled north of Medi- den project. Fifth grade students, them for provid- cine Lake to Comertown and helped under the guidance of teachers Linda ing this valuable biologist Mike Rabenberg with plant Babcock and Carol Rae Cambianica resource. and bird counts in the area of a pos- and Landscape Designer Linda Iver- son, prepared a landscape plan for THANK YOU! sible conservation easement for the Medicine Lake Refuge. We celebrated the front of Longfellow School. They Harvey Bjornlie provided a plant list the Summer Solstice with a barbeque spent several days preparing two from each source in the last guide, at the old Comertown park. This was garden areas on S. Tracy near the put everything into a computer data- the biggest outing of the season. entrances to the school. The weed- base, sent Linda camera ready pages, Then, a great field trip to the Na- ing, tilling, planting, installation of and created the common name in- tional Grasslands near Medora, North an system and mulching dex; Rachel Potter submitted sources Dakota. Remember, Maka Flora mem- resulted in a beautiful addition to from the Flathead area; Cathie Jean bers live closer to North Dakota than the community that includes a na- submitted sources from the Helena we do to Montana! The season culmi- tive plant garden and a garden de- and Great Falls areas; Madeline Ma- nated with a mild, easy canoe trip signed to attract butterflies. The zurski submitted sources from Mis- down the Missouri River from Big efforts were recognized by the Boze- soula and out-of-state, and helped Muddy Creek to the Culbertson man Beautification Advisory Board with text and cover design; and Linda Bridge. One of our participants was a this fall and the school received the Iverson submitted sources from Boze- fine lady in her 80's. Our resident Young People's Achievement Award man, Billings, and out-of-state areas, plant expert, Doug Smith, helped the for Local Beautification on October coordinated everybody, worked with group identify plants on sandbars 10, 2002. Future plans include the the printer, and distributes the along the way. Out here in the north- addition of student made plant iden- guide. Other contributors include east "empty quarter' our field trips tification signs, stepping stones and Jean Pfeiffer who provided original take us far and wide to remote sites further plantings. Much of this has art for the cover; John Pierce who and interesting places! been made possible by a grant from helped with the common name index Rebecca Kallevig the Montana Native Plant Society. and nomenclature; and Peter Lesica Randy Walthall, Principal who edited the final plant list.

4 Kelseya Winter 2003 Publications

Flora of Glacier National Park considerably easier, to put it mildly. Available from MNPS by Peter Lesica. Oregon State Univer- As a botanist working in Glacier, I sity Press, 2002. have struggled alongside my col- The third edition of the Source leagues with multiple plant keys Guide for Native Plants of Montana (Dorn on my right, Hitchcock and is now available. The cost is $6.00 Cronquist on my left, Lesica’s check- and you can send a check made out list on my lap and a plant in my to MNPS to: MNPS Publications, 1270 mouth). The Flora of Glacier Na- Lower Sweet Grass Road, Big Tim- tional Park eliminates the need to ber, Montana 59011. The cost will use several reference sources. In cover postage. The guide lists 55 addition, Lesica has written many of sources for over 500 species of trees, the plant keys within family and ge- shrubs, forbs and grasses. This edi- nus in a language that is easy to un- tion has e-mail and website ad- derstand. Botanical terms can make dresses for many sources and a even the proficient botanist grow handy common name index. The weary; Lesica simplifies many de- guide is a must for home landsca- scriptions without compromising the pers, native plant gardeners and scientific information needed to ac- those involved in restoration pro- curately work through the keys. In jects.

short, this book makes it much more Available free from MNPS Publica- fun to key plants out in the field. tions: MNPS membership brochures, Botanists who ponder plants in Lesica’s book includes a well- Plant Collection Guidelines for Glacier National Park have a new and written summary of the climate and Teachers brochures, and Echinacea welcome friend: The Flora of Gla- geography of Glacier Park, which Cultivation Information. Please send cier National Park, by Peter Lesica play important roles in the park’s a SASE to the address above to re- (illustrated by Debbie McNiel). Pub- vegetation patterns. Lesica also pro- ceive any of these publications. lished in 2002 by Oregon State Uni- vides detailed descriptions of the versity Press, this comprehensive park’s vegetation zones and the vari- Available from the Flathead Chap- manual to the plants of Glacier Park ous vegetation types that occur ter: Native Plant Gardening and has already sold more than 550 cop- within each zone. Of particular in- Landscaping References and Recom- ies. Not bad for a book specific to terest to history fans is Lesica’s ac- mended Species for Native Plant one national park in a relatively re- count of early botanical exploration Gardening in the Flathead. The en- mote section of northwest Montana, in the park, with information on tire landscaping packet can be and proof that the vegetation of Gla- many of the noteworthy botanists mailed to you for $2.50. Contact cier is as interesting as it is complex. who visited Glacier during the first Tara Carolin at P.O. Box 382, West Lesica’s botanical expertise few years following its designation as Glacier, MT 59936, call 406-888-7919 or e-mail: [email protected] throughout Montana is quite well a National Park. known. Perhaps less recognized is Debbie McNiel, an accomplished Available free from the Editors: his extensive work in Glacier Park artist from that remote corner of Weeds Listed as Noxious by Montana over the past 20 years. Using the Montana known as “The Yaak,” has Counties. This all-inclusive list of early work of botanist Paul Standley, created lovely illustrations of Glacier weeds that are targeted by each who published a small manual to the Park’s most common species. McNiel county is available as an electronic flora of Glacier National Park in is familiar to many MNPS members as file. e-mail: [email protected] 1921, Lesica began educating himself the creator of those beautiful botani- on Glacier’s plants in the mid-1980’s. cal paintings that have been awarded Since then Lesica has made yearly as “outstanding service awards” to at P.O. Box 1932, Columbia Falls, MT trips to Glacier studying various as- several special members over the 59912, call 406-257-9051, or e-mail: pects of the park’s plant life and years. Her meticulous drawings pro- [email protected]. The book is building the park herbarium collec- vide excellent references to the min- also available at the University of tions to a respectable level. Lesica’s ute details that distinguish plant spe- Montana bookstore (406-243-1234) Checklist of the Vascular Plants in cies from one another, and are works and the Glacier Natural History Asso- Glacier National Park was published of art in themselves (see page 6). ciation bookstore in West Glacier in 1996, giving the park an official The Flora of Glacier National Park (406-888-5756). list of plant species. While research- is available from the Flathead Chap- Congratulations, Peter, on your ing and collecting plants in Glacier, ter at a discounted price of $25 plus remarkable achievement. Your book he identified almost 50 plants not $2 shipping. Through an arrange- will be used and enjoyed by botanists previously known in the park. ment with the publisher, a portion of who find their way to Glacier Park The book itself has made the work the proceeds will benefit MNPS. To for many years. of identifying plants in Glacier Park order your copy, contact Mel Waggy Shannon Kimball

Kelseya Winter 2003 5 What Happened to Let us first look at the Smilaceae. In recent years Smilax genera. Within this order, our eight has been placed in its own family all the Lilies? genera segregate into five clades so Smilacaceae by more workers and it by Robert Dorn we can justify five different families: can now be justified with molecular

Reprinted with permission from the Alliaceae for Allium (onion), Antheri- data. Embryological, karyological, October 2002 issue of Castilleja, a caceae for Leucocrinum (sand lily), and molecular data support placing publication of the Native Hyacinthaceae for Camassia (camas), Streptopus, Prosartes, and Calochor- Plant Society Themidaceae for Androstephium tus into a separate family Calo- (funnel lily) and Triteleia, and As- chortaceae. There is some disagree- In the 2nd edition of Vascular Plants paragaceae for Asparagus. Maian- ment here, however, and some work- of Wyoming, there were 21 genera in themum (false lily-of-the-valley) and ers keep these three genera in the the lily family. In the 3rd edition Polygonatum (Solomon’s seal) with . there were only four. What hap- their broad leaves and other differ- There are other families that have pened to the other 17 genera? First ences fall into the same clade as As- served as catchall families such as we must appreciate that our 21 gen- paragus so they can justifiably be the Scrophulariaceae and Rosaceae. era are only a handful of the many placed in their own family, The former is already in the process gerera that occur worldwide. Sec- Convallariaceae. of being broken up. Perhaps in the ondly, the family Liliaceae has In the order Lilia- future the rank of order will become served as a catchall family for les, our 12 genera the convenient first level for identifi- rather diverse plants. Aspara- segregate into two well cation much like the family has been. gus certainly doesn’t much re- -supported lineages: On the other hand, with computeri- semble (glacier Veratrum zation, it should be easier to bypass lily), and Xerophyl- (false helle- these higher groups altogether. The lum (beargrass) bore), Zigade- drawback of that approach is that we doesn’t much re- nus (death may then lose our ability to see rela- semble Allium camas), Xerophyl- tionships. (onion). Some of the lum (beargrass), more obviously out-of- and Trillium in one References: place genera were re- lineage, and the re- Kubitzki, K. (ed.). 1998. The moved from the Liliaceae maining eight genera in families and genera of vascular earlier such as yucca to the the other. The former plants. III. Flowering plants. Mono- Agavaceae. four genera have been cotyledons. Lilianae (except Orchida- We now have a fair amount of mo- placed in the family Melan- ceae). 478 pp. lecular data to complement the thiaceae. Trillium is a mo- Wilson, K.L. & D. A. Morrison many other types of data that were nophyletic group embedded in (eds.). 2000. Monocots: systematics available previously. Two large the Melanthiaceae and some and evolution. CSIRO Publishing, books that summarize the available workers prefer to place it in Collingwood, Australia. 738 pp. its own family, Trilliaceae. data have appeared recently Definitions: Others prefer to treat it as a (Kubitzki 1998; Wilson & Morrison Clade: branch; a phylogenetic tribe within Melanthiaceae. 2000). Based mainly on molecular group or lineage of organisms, de- Four of the remaining eight data, but supplemented by many fined as any species and all of its genera are true lilies that other kinds of data, our genera fall descendants have remained in the Lili- into three different orders, the Lilia- Karyological: associated with the aceae: Erythronium, les, the Asparagales, and the Alis- form and number of chromosomes matales. The genus Tofieldia (false Fritillaria, Lilium, and asphodel) falls within the Alismatales Erythronium grandiflorum, glacier which is far removed from the Lilia- lily, remains in the lily family. les, so the family Tofieldiaceae can Drawing by Debbie McNiel. be justified easily. Eight genera fall within the Asparagales, an order that Lloydia. That leaves four more gen- Lewis & Clark in Montana is more closely related to grasses, era to deal with: Calochortus A small committee of interested sedges, irises, and orchids than it is (mariposa), Prosartes (fairybell, for- MNPS members is developing a bro- to lilies. It is rather easy to justify merly Disporum), Streptopus chure on Lewis and Clark plants in removing these eight genera from (twisted stalk), and Smilax Montana. If you have ideas of what the lily family. The remaining 12 (greenbriar). Historically, it is inter- you would like to see, or want to genera fall within the . These esting to note that Aven Nelson in help with this project, call Kathy at are a little more difficult to deal the Coulter and Nelson Manual of 406-449-6586 or e-mail: with and there is still disagreement 1909 included Disporum and Strepto- [email protected] on how some of these should be pus in the family Convallariaceae and treated. Smilax (as Nemexia) in its own family

6 Kelseya Winter 2003 Peter Lesica:

20 years work culminates in the Flora of Glacier National Park

by Dennis Nicholls

all 1132 species found in 86 families ne summer not long ago a and 345 genera. O famous radio personality in Of those species 1005 are natives the Flathead reported on a news and the other 127 are immigrants. broadcast seeing a “mountain The largest family of plants is the worshipper” on his hands and knees, Asteraceae represented by 124 face to the ground, doing heaven native species and 26 introduced only knows what in genuflection to species. There are 21 species of the peaks surrounding him. From a trees, one of them a non-native, 149 distance, it appeared this nature annuals and biennials, 868 freak was hunched over in some odd herbaceous perennials and 94 shrubs act of obeisance to the spirits of the and vines. Information like this, and high alpine terrain. This “news” was a great deal more, can be found reported with just a little tongue-in- within the 512 pages of the most cheek audacity, but was treated as complete work ever published about Pete examines a species he admitted to never having seen before during a field trip in information worthy of thousands of Glacier’s flowering plants (see the northwest Montana’s Bull River valley. The book review on page 5). From a distance, it appeared diminutive plant’s identification proved to be The process that culminated in Githopsis specularioides, a new record for the this mountain worshipper was the Flora of Glacier National Park state - and one of more than 50 new plants hunched over in some odd act of stretched over 20 years. But maybe Pete has discovered in Montana.

obeisance to the spirits of the the seeds of such a lifetime Photo by Dennis Nicholls high alpine terrain... accomplishment were sown more than twice as long ago as that. Pete, now 52 (though he no longer looks it found on the west slope of the radio listeners’ ears. - as if he ever did - since removing Cascades and he discovered that That “mountain worshipper” was the mustache that shielded his upper Montana had some of that kind of none other than Peter Lesica, a lip for over 30 years; he said shaving habitat and a lot fewer people botanist, educator and resource it may be a precursor to cutting his crowding into and around it. So he management consultant from hair and the trademark ponytail ventured into the Flathead and got a Missoula; a charter member of the without which, in all likelihood, no job in the cherry orchards arrayed Montana Native Plant Society; and one in this state has ever known around Flathead Lake. probably one of the most him), said he loved insects, nature The work he did was largely knowledgeable botanists to ever and wild plants as a child growing up conducted in the spring and fall, so reside in the state of Montana. His in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and near he found himself with plenty of time close inspection of a research Chicago. during the summer to explore his transect in Glacier National Park is He attended the University of newly adopted state. Because of his what prompted the morning news childhood love for nature and a item about a mountain worshipper on He attended the University of blossoming knowledge of plants, he Mt. Reynolds. Wisconsin, like John Muir, but, landed some botanical work with the Not only has Pete spent a great like John Muir, he dropped out BLM and a consulting firm. In fact, he deal of time and miles on his feet in for “the university of the and Jerry Moore launched a study of America’s crown jewel among parks, world”... Montana’s rare plants in the early he has also spent more time than `80s because, he said, of the “gross perhaps anyone else on his hands and embarrassment” that Montana was knees there as well; not in homage Wisconsin, like John Muir, but, like the only state in the nation that did to the deities of the wild, but John Muir, he dropped out for “the not have a rare plant inventory. carefully studying the diminutive university of the world” even though Several books, numerous plants of the alpine tundra. he had but one semester left. He technical and professional papers, Thirty years after his first visit to said he always wanted to be outside and thousands of miles by foot and the Big Sky state, which included a and so he spent the next ten years knee later, Pete’s career has hike in Glacier, Pete is now regarded engaged in farm work in orchards in reached a new level of achievement as one of the leading authorities on Oregon and Montana. with the Flora of Glacier National the flora of the park and his Pete’s introduction to Montana Park. But maybe this is only a knowledge has been published in the came in 1972 and about eight years precursor as well. He expressed an long-awaited book titled the Flora of later he moved here for good. He interest in producing a flora of Glacier National Park. It treats every explained that he was particularly known to occur there - fond of wet, rain forest-like habitats (Continued on page 8)

Kelseya Winter 2003 7 Mosses – A couple of years ago, I started mosses. Biological Antifreeze? working with the late Jim Reichel of Based on the low amounts of di- by Joe Elliott the Montana Natural Heritage Pro- gestible energy that lemmings appear gram on a study of the food habits of to derive from mosses, one biologist Many mosses are as green and de- the northern bog lemming suggested that lemmings and other lectable looking as your average (Synaptomys borealis), a rare mam- vertebrates of cold climates eat sedge, root, or flower, but very few mal that inhabits moss-dominated mosses for reasons other than nutri- insects, birds or mammals deign to fens. Northern bog lemmings in Mon- tion. He hypothesized that ingestion eat them. This selective avoidance tana are often found in rich fens of a highly un-saturated fatty acid, of mosses has puzzled many biolo- (i.e., peatlands with high concentra- arachidonic acid, may be an adaptive gists and has prompted a few short tions of sodium bicarbonate, cal- mechanism that helps protect against notes in scientific journals when a cium, and magnesium; high electrical low temperatures. Animals do not keen observer has conductivities; and neutral or ba- synthesize arachidonic acid and its actually documented sic pH values). Ground cover in concentration in mosses (up to 35 an animal eating a rich fens is dominated by Sphag- percent of fatty acids) is the highest moss. num warnstorfii and “brown” reported in plants. Why do so few mosses (Amblystegiaceae). This compound may help protect invertebrates and Common vascular plants in- cell membranes against very low vertebrates eat clude sedges, often with a temperatures. If this is true, moss mosses, even though shrub canopy dominated by consumption may be an adaptive the nutritional and bog birch (Betula glandu- mechanism despite these plants low caloric values of losa). digestibility. Habitats that harbor mosses are similar to Little is known about bog lemmings are cold environments those of higher northern bog lemming life that may be refugia, with microcli- plants? Part of the history or food habits. mates similar to those of cooler and answer may be that Dense moss communities wetter periods like the Pleistocene, mosses contain high provide cover for bog lemmings, 10,000 years ago, when glaciers re- concentrations of less easily digested evidenced by tunnels in the moss ceded. Adaptation of bog lemmings components, such as polyphenolic, carpet, but mosses are not known to to cold fen habitats may be partially lignin-like compounds. These com- be an important food. associated with cold resistance re- pounds have antibiotic properties In analyzing the stomach contents sulting from mosses providing large that could affect grazers either di- of bog lemmings, Jim and I were sur- amounts of arachidonic acid. This rectly or indirectly by inhibiting gut prised to find that mosses made up could be a wild hypothesis and it ap- microorganisms. These chemicals in from 20 to more than 90 percent of peals to my sense of moss mystery, the cell walls of mosses may prevent the stomach contents. A literature but I’m not sure that snacking on digestion of cellulose and polysac- search turned up reports of brown mosses to avoid hypothermia is charides. lemmings in Scandinavia also eating something I would recommend for

...Peter (Continued from page 7) THE FLORA OF DISCOVERY 2003 Annual Meeting Montana. Though many people know the plants of various parts of the state as well as he, Pete is in the unique The Calypso Chapter is gearing up to host the Montana position of having traveled and studied plant life Native Plant Society 2003 Annual Meeting during the throughout the state perhaps more than anyone ever has, weekend of June 20-22. Enjoy southwest Montana’s and he’s inclined to share that knowledge someday; beauty at Birch Creek Center. The Center is located in knowledge that includes two plant species, both endemic to Montana, he discovered which were new to science the picturesque setting of the East Pioneer Mountains (Lesquerella pulchella and the species bearing his name, within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, 22 L. lesicii). miles northwest of Dillon. Numerous field trips are No matter where you hike this summer in Montana, be planned in surrounding areas. Two guest speakers will on the look out for a mountain worshipper bent over, enlighten us on Lewis and Clark. Mark your calendar nose to the ground, in some odd act of obeisance to now. Mother Nature. It may actually be Peter Lesica positioning himself for a close-up look at some tiny little plant. We’re a lucky bunch for having him in our midst. WELCOME new members! Thanks, Pete, for everything. Fred Allendorf, Jeremy Anderson, Sharon Auerbach, John & Melody Taft, Susan Waldron, and Brenda Yank- MEMBERSHIPS DUE oviak. Your membership in MNPS is about to expire! Watch for a Your participation and support are important to us. reminder in the mail and don’t forget to send it in. Your Contact your local representative with any questions or support is critical for Montana’s native flora. suggestions you may have.

8 Kelseya Winter 2003 CALENDAR

Artemisia chapter Weeds)”. Rm L09 Gallagher Business Species in Peril”. Lewis & Clark Li- Hal Vosen 234-8160 Bldg., UM Campus. brary, large meeting room.

Eastern Montana Tuesday, February 11, 7:00 p.m. Calypso chapter Jennifer Walker 538-9054 Hands-on study night! Scott Catherine Cain 267-3362 Mincemoyer will lead us through a Flathead chapter look at the “Wily Willows”. Bring Clark Fork Chapter your hand lens and keys to Carroll All Flathead Chapter meetings are at Thursday, January 9, 7:30 p.m. College science bldg. room 321. the Montana Logging Association Forest Service ecologist Steve Suther- Building, 2224 Highway 35, east of Thursday, February 20, 7:00 p.m. land shows slides of his days working Kalispell, across and just east of The last 2 films in the David Atten- with The Nature Conservancy on Hooper’s Nursery. The conference borough series The Private Life of “The Prairies of Ohio, Tallgrass to room door is at the back of the build- Plants. Lewis & Clark Library, large Shortgrass and North to South.” Mis- ing. Everyone is invited to the 5:30 meeting room. Popcorn provided; soula Public Library, 301 E. Main, general meeting. Programs start at bring your own bowl! large meeting room. 7:00. Call Rachel Potter (892-2446) Tuesday, March 11, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 7:30 p.m. for more information. Hands-on study night! Jane Horton Herbarium Night. You've always Wednesday, January 15 will host a “Grass Class”. Isn’t it wanted to “Learn Your Lupines!” Paul Hansen of Bitterroot Restoration time you took a look at grasses? Now you can with Peter Lesica. Rm Inc. will give a program on the prac- Bring your hand lens and keys to Car- 303, Botany Bldg., UM Campus. roll College science bldg. room 321. tical aspects of “Lakeshore and Thursday, February 13, 7:30 p.m. Streamside Restoration.” Maka flora chapter Recently returned from sabbatical Wednesday, February 19 Al Joyes 385-2579 leave to the Dark Continent, UM pro- A panel of local experts will educate fessor Ray Callaway will show slides us about native species selection, Valley of flowers of “Plant Safari in Southern Af- site prep, and many other aspects of rica:Savannah to Fynbos”. Rm L09 Valley of Flowers Chapter meets the “Gardening with Native Plants”. third Monday of each month. Pro- Gallagher Business Bldg., UM Cam- pus. Wednesday, March 19 grams will begin at 7:00 p.m. in “Orchids of Montana” will be pre- Room 108 (on the first floor using the Tuesday, February 25, 7:30 p.m. sented by Wayne Phillips, former door at the bend of the "L") of the Herbarium Night. “Gamopetalous, MNPS president and USFS ecologist. Agbioscience Building on South 11th. Zygomorphic, Montana Veronicas” Parking is available in the lot to the with Peter Stickney. If you don't Wednesday, April 16 north of the building (they do not know what this title means, you'd Naturalist Ralph Waldt will give a require a permit at night). For info better come. Rm 303, Botany Bldg., stunning slide show on the “Northern call Joanne Jennings at 586-9585. UM Campus. Continental Divide Ecosystem.” Monday, January 20 Thursday, March 13, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 Monica Porkorny will give us the low- Fire affects our forests in many ways. Dr. Chuck Miller will give a program down on “Knapweed” and what hap- UM soil scientist Tom DeLuca will on “Paleobotany.” pens to the plant communities in the give us the inside story on the area. Monica has been a graduate “Interdependencies between Fire Kelsey chapter student working with weed problems. Cycles, Nutrient Cycles and Legumi- For more information about Kelsey Monday February 17 nous Wildflowers”. Rm L09 Gallagher Chapter events, call Kathy at 449- Business Bldg., UM Campus. John Austin will present a program 6586. about “Buffalo Birdwoman's Garden”.

Tuesday, March 25, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 7:00 p.m. John grew flowers and vegetables Herbarium Night. Forest Service Hands-on study night! Drake Barton from native seed at the Museum of botanist Steve Shelly will introduce will lead us on an adventure into the the Rockies after researching meth- us to the love of his younger years - often confusing world of “Asters and ods and sources.

“Phacelias of the Pacific Northwest”. Erigerons”. Bring your hand lens and Rm 303, Botany Bldg., UM Campus. Monday, March 17 keys to Carroll College science bldg. Lynn Burton, Range Manager Special- Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. room 321. ist for the Gallatin National Forest

Join Clark Fork Chapter photogra- Friday, January 24, 7:00 p.m. will tell us about "Reseeding on Na- phers for an early-season refresher Ecologist Helen Smith will present a tional Forest Lands". when they show slides of “Montana's program titled “Whitebark Pine: A Naturalized Wildflowers (a.k.a. Western Montana

Kelseya Winter 2003 9 ...Journal (Continued from page 1) page by changes in orientation or style. Crinkly leaves of the flowers, I often didn’t know much more about seem to call out for spidery text; elongated letters make them. In her book, Drawing on the Right Side of the good companions for the elegant spires of glaciated Brain, Betty Edwards explains that drawing utilizes a mountains. Likewise, the density of images or of line completely different part of our brain than writing. By can vary from one page to the next. I am drawn to keep doing both, we gain a much more holistic understanding an illustrated journal through my love of the natural of whatever it is we are trying to record. I also learned world, but over the last five years I have become ad- that this deeper understanding is not dependent upon dicted to the sense of play that comes when I’m reach- already being a fine artist. The first drawings in my jour- ing for a new way to illustrate a particular moment. nals are rudimentary—stick drawings of plants showing Most importantly, however, the juxtaposition of words branching patterns and simple shapes of leaves. Even and images in my journal allows me to see, to truly ob- making these simple diagrams forced me to slow down serve, the startling minutiae of moments that might and truly observe what I was attempting to draw. have gone unnoticed. Although my completed journals Field sketching has been a tool long used by natural- sit in a line on my bookshelf, it is the process they repre- ists. In Montana, perhaps the most famous illustrated sent that has made my life so much richer in texture. field journals are those by Lewis and Clark. During the Corps of Discovery’s expedition, both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark peppered their journals with illustra- tions. Many of their illustrations stand alone, others are folded into the text of their journals, with the outlines of sword fern and vine maple leaves surrounded by their written words. Field sketching is a tool for anyone who wishes to learn from nature. Today, books like A Trail through Leaves by Hannah Hinchman and Nature Drawing by Claire Walker Leslie continue to provide inspiration and advice for those wishing to start their own illustrated journal. Once the “fear of the white page” is conquered, there is magic in creating an illustrated journal page. Although many of my journal pages read left to right, the hand- writing itself can create visual spaces and tone on the Frasera speciosa from Lyn’s journal

About our President… Betty provided the leadership for the service contracts and timber sale mushroom harvest from last summer's contracts has helped bridge the two As many of you know, Betty Kuro- Moose Fire. The Moose fire burned concepts into a working model. She pat has a real job as Operations For- approximately 36,000 acres in the Big has helped in organizing the monitor- ester for the Hungry Horse/Glacier Creek drainage on the Glacier View ing team for the project and helped View Ranger Districts of the Flathead Ranger District that resulted in ex- guide them into facets of the project National Forest. On November 6, in cellent mushroom growth this spring they could meaningfully measure. Charleston, South Carolina, Betty and summer. To assure both per- She is currently designing the con- received the Forest Products Em- sonal use and commercial harvesters tracting tools to implement a fuels ployee of the Year Award. This is received harvesting guidelines, per- reduction project that will cross both what they said about Betty! mits were required for both catego- private and National Forest lands in a "Betty has excelled in both the spe- ries. Thanks to Betty's guidance, the high fire risk urban interface area. cial forest products area and her harvest occurred relatively smoothly Betty's contracting knowledge, skills leadership in stewardship contract- considering the number of both mi- working with our collaborative part- ing. Betty, along with Maria Mantas, grant harvesters and locals seeking ners and creativity will assure suc- Forest Botanist, developed the For- morel mushrooms. The second area cess of this project also." est's Products Permit Guidelines that that Betty is recognized for is her These projects demonstrate how are used extensively by our frontlin- leadership role in stewardship con- much Betty cares about the land. ers to assist collectors/harvesters tracting. Betty has volunteered her Her work is beyond job description; understand what products are avail- time to meet with the Flathead For- clearly it is a passion. Thank you able for collection from the Forest estry group that is a pioneer in col- Betty; we are so proud. Betty shared and whether a permit is necessary or laborative forestry projects. The with me what she was thinking as she not. Betty has taken the lead to im- group has successfully implemented received the award, "I'm so glad they plement the Forest Products plans several stewardship projects on noticed." into the Timber Information Manage- state, private, and National Forest Pattie Brown ment system (TIM). This summer lands. Betty's knowledge of both

10 Kelseya Winter 2003 MNPS Chapters & the Areas They Serve:

ARTEMISIA CHAPTER - Yellowstone and Carbon counties; southeastern/south-central Montana CALYPSO CHAPTER - Beaverhead, Madison, Deer Lodge and Silver Bow counties; southwestern Montana CLARK FORK CHAPTER - Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell and Ravalli counties FLATHEAD CHAPTER - Flathead and Lake counties plus Glacier National Park KELSEY CHAPTER - Lewis & Clark, Jefferson and Broadwater counties MAKA FLORA CHAPTER - Richland, Roosevelt, McCone, Sheridan and Daniels counties VALLEY OF FLOWERS CHAPTER - Gallatin, Park and Sweet Grass counties plus Yellowstone National Park

All MNPS chapters welcome members from areas other than those indicated. We’ve listed counties just to give you some idea of what part of the state is served by each chapter. Watch for meeting announcements in your local news- paper. Ten paid members are required for a chapter to be eligible for acceptance in MNPS.

Your mailing label tells you the following:

CLASS OF MEMBERSHIP: See I, II, III, IV below CHAPTER AFFILIATION: ART= Artemisia; CAL=Calypso; CF=Clark Fork; F=Flathead; K=Kelsey; MF= Maka Flora; VOF=Valley of Flowers DATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP EXPIRES: If your label reads “2/99” your membership expired February 28, 1999. Use this form to renew your membership TODAY! Please drop us a note if any information on your label is incorrect. Please notify us promptly of address changes. Membership in Montana Native Plant Society is on a calendar-year basis, March 1 through the end of February of the following year. New-member applications processed before the end of October each year will expire the following February; those processed after November 1 will expire in February of the year after. Membership renewal notices are mailed to each member in January. Please renew your membership before the summer issue of Kelseya so your name is not dropped from our mailing list. Your continued support is crucial to the conservation of native plants in Montana. THANK YOU!

MONTANA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP

DATE______

NAME (please print)______E-MAIL______

ADDRESS______CITY/STATE/ZIP______

PHONE______NEW MEMBERSHIP______RENEWAL______

STATEWIDE MEMBERSHIP WITH MEMBER-AT-LARGE (check East or West below) AFFILIATION (check chapter below) or LIVING LIGHTLY (check chapter below)

___ $18 I. Individual ____ Artemisia ___ $12 I. Individual ____ Calypso ___ $22 II. Family ____ Clark Fork ___ $18 II. Family ____ Flathead ___ $35 III. Business/Organization ____ Kelsey ___ $30 III. Business ____ Maka Flora ___ $300 IV. Lifetime Membership ____ Valley of Flowers (one-time payment) ____ Eastern-at-large ____ Western-at-large

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Canadian subscribers please add $4.00 to Montana Native Plant Society cover mailing costs. Additional donations P.O. Box 8783 may be specified for a particular project. Missoula, MT 59807-8783

Kelseya Winter 2003 11

Montana Native Plant Society

The Montana Native Plant Society (MNPS) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit BOARD OF DIRECTORS corporation chartered for the purpose of preserving, conserving and studying the native plants and plant communities of Montana, and edu- cating the public about the value of our native flora. Contributions to MNPS are tax deductible, and may be designated for a specific project President—Betty Kuropat Col. Falls 892-0129 or chapter, for the Small Grants fund, or the general operating fund. Past President—Wayne Phillips Great Falls 453-0648 Your yearly membership fee includes a subscription to Kelseya, the Vice-president—Pattie Brown Big Fork 837-5018 newsletter of MNPS, published quarterly. We welcome your articles, Secretary—Patrick Plantenberg Townsend 266-5265 clippings, field trip reports, meeting notices, book reviews or anything Treasurer—Madeline Mazurski Missoula 542-0262 that relates to native plants or the Society. Please include a line or two Newsletter Editors—Kathy Lloyd & Clancy 449-6586 of “bio” information with each article. Drawings should be in black ink Drake Barton or a good quality photocopy. If you send clippings, please note the source, volume/issue, and date. All meeting and field trip notices, field Directors At Large trip reports, articles or announcements should be mailed to Kelseya Eastern Montana—Jennifer Walker Lewistown 538-9054 Editors, 314 Travis Creek Rd., Clancy, MT 59634. All items should be Western Montana—Sal Culotta Bigfork 837-4298 typed and if possible put on a 3.5” disk and saved in Microsoft Word or rich text format (rtf.) for a PC. Please include a hard copy with your Chapter Representatives disk. They can also be sent electronically in the same format as above Artemisia Chapter—Hal Vosen Miles City 234-8160 to: [email protected] Calypso Chapter—Catherine Cain Divide 267-3362 Changes of address, inquires about membership and general corre- Clark Fork Chapter—Gertrud Lackschewitz Missoula 543-5009 spondence should be sent to MNPS Membership, P.0. Box 8783, Missoula, Flathead Chapter—Maria Mantas Whitefish 862-3044 MT 59807-8783. Kelsey Chapter—Kathy Lloyd Clancy 449-6586 Advertising space is available in each issue at $5/column inch. Ads Maka Flora Chapter—Al Joyes Westby 385-2579 must be camera-ready and must meet the guidelines set by the Board of Valley of Flowers Chapter—Joanne Jennings Bozeman 586-9585 Directors for suitable subject matter; that is, be related in some way to native plants or the interests of MNPS members. Standing Committees The deadline for each issue is: Fall— September 10; Conservation—Peter Lesica Missoula 728-8740 Winter— December 10; Spring— March 10; Summer— June 10. Education—Peter Husby, Kim Goodwin Bozeman 587-0490 If you want extra copies of Kelseya for friends or family, call the Landscaping/Revegetation—Linda Iverson Big Timber 932-5840 Newsletter Editors, write to the above address or e-mail: Small Grants—Cathie Jean Bozeman 522-9503 [email protected] Membership—Scott Mincemoyer Missoula 251-7099 Visit our website at: www.umt.edu/mnps/ or contact our webmaster Marilyn Marler at: [email protected]

If you move, please notify MNPS Membership, P.O. Box 8783, Missoula, MT 59807-8783

Montana Native Plant Society Kelseya Editors 314 Travis Creek Rd. Clancy, MT 59634

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© Copyright 2003 Printed on Montana Native Recycled Plant Society Paper

MONTANA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY 2003 SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The Montana Native Plant Society (MNPS) is pleased announces the eighth annual Small Grants Program for research, study, and appreciation of Montana's native plants. Grants of up to $1,000 each will be awarded in 2003 to fund projects or studies supporting conservation of native plants in Montana.

The purpose of the MNPS Small Grants Program is to stimulate research, conservation, and educational activities that help foster an appreciation for Montana's native plants and plant communities. These grants are intended to promote native plant conservation through better understanding of our native flora and the factors affecting their survival. The grant competition is open to residents of Montana or members of MNPS. For membership information visit: www.umt.edu/mnps

In 2002, the Small Grants Program helped fund a student-made native plant garden at Longfellow School in Bozeman that was awarded the Young People’s Achievement Award for Local Beautification, and a conservation study on Trillium ovatum in western Montana. These projects will make a significant contribution to promoting awareness, appreciation and conservation of Montana’s native plants.

We encourage anyone who has a project that meets these broad objectives to consider submitting a proposal! Please submit an application that includes the following information by January 31, 2003:

PROJECT EXPENSES ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE: • Direct costs of travel, meals, and lodging for research, conservation or educational projects • Supply and service expenses used for the sole purpose of the native plant project (laboratory chemicals, film, photocopying, phone, and computer time) • Printing costs for public outreach projects or research publications • Do not include wages, equipment, or expenses that are non-essential to the project

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & REQUIREMENTS: • Submit two copies of your proposal. It should be no longer than three pages, double-spaced type. • Include a project title. • Identify a contact person, organization affiliation if any, and give an address, phone number, and e-mail, if applicable. • Describe the project (objectives, methods, description of final product) and explain how the project will benefit native plant conservation in Montana. • Outline an overall project budget, including the amount you are requesting from MNPS ($1,000 or less) as well as other funding sources. • Give a time frame for completion of the project. • Give a brief statement describing the applicant's qualifications or a short biography.

Project or study proposals must pertain to native plants of Montana. Preference will be given to proposals expected to generate re- search data or public support that advances the conservation of native plants in the wild. Proposals that demonstrate initiative and cooperation with other organizations or agencies are also preferred. Please limit small grant requests to $1,000 or less.

Successful applicants will be required to submit a final report documenting study or project accomplishments to the Montana Native Plant Society. We also require successful applicants to write a brief summary of the work for publication in Kelseya, the Society’s newsletter. Submit your project proposal to:

Chairman, Small Grants Committee Montana Native Plant Society P.O. Box 8783 Missoula, MT 59807-8783

Remember the deadline for applications is January 31, 2003. Grants will be awarded by March 15, 2003.