Newsletter of the Native Society of Saskatchewan Inc.

Volume 3, Number 2 Fall 1998

Invasive Alert: rapunculoides), spreading from an native species and, where possible, abandoned homestead, is threatening local seed sources. Prairie Region to take over the northernmost site of By Eric Haber, Invasive Plants Alert: the small white lady’s-slipper. Responses from naturalist clubs and 1997-98 Report, February 1998 other groups have provided insights Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) is into local activities and concerns Summarized by Jolene Vanthuyne posing problems on the prairies. dealing with the spread and control of Spreading from roadside seeding, invasive plants. Information on club Even the Canadian Forces helped out smooth brome is threatening native activities and species of concern are when the Saskatoon Nature Society fescue prairie and the rare yellow presented as information notices on issued a call to eradicate purple paintbrush (Castilleja cusickii) in the Alert Bulletin located at: loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Alberta. Also, crested wheat grass http://infoweb.magi.com/~ehaber/ipab (Agropyron cristatum) has formed a ull.html In the summer of 1997, Canadian noticeable “plume” within the native Forces troops, engaged in training mixed grassland in Alberta. exercises along the South Inside This Issue: Saskatchewan River, reported Because of the harm these aggressive sightings to the provincial purple plants cause native vegetation, President’s Message...... 2 loosestrife eradication committee after naturalist clubs and other groups are Executive Director’s Message...... 2 receiving instructions on how to fighting back. recognize this species. Board Activities ...... 2 Member Profile: Keith LePoudre ....3 The Saskatoon Nature Society in Across the prairies concern has been collaboration with the Meewasin Harmful Effects of Crested growing about these and other Valley Authority have undertaken to Wheatgrass on the Great Plains...... 4 invasive plants, which can choke out eradicate common buckthorn Reducing Smooth Brome: Is it native and endangered species. ( cathartica) from the Possible?...... 4 Silversprings Prairie, a protected site In Manitoba, the leafy spurge Baiting Spreads Exotic Species into within Saskatoon. Siberian peashrub Natural Habitat...... 5 () is threatening the (Caragana arborescens) and Russian Mixed Grass Prairie Habitat small white lady’s-slipper olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), like Restoration Project...... 5 ( candidum) and the common buckthorn, are exotics used western prairie white fringed orchid as shelterbelt species and horticulture PCAP Implementation Coordinator (Platanthera praeclara), both specimens. Concern has been raised Hired...... 6 nationally endangered species. over their establishment away from One Gardener’s Trials of Growing Creeping bellflower (Campanula points of introduction. Wild Flowers in the Garden...... 6 Financial support for this newsletter has Travel Saskatchewan: Saskatoon been provided by the Canadian Adaptation Concerns over the planting of Natural Grassland...... 7 and Rural Development Fund in inappropriate non-native species along Saskatchewan (CARDS). Funding for the Book Review: A Gardener’s Guide to roadside shoulders within the Boreal Plant Conservation...... 7 CARDS Program is provided by Forest zone were expressed by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Saskatoon Nature Society to Two New Publications Available....8 Financial support for this newsletter has Weyerhauser, which is currently Events Calendar ...... 8 also been provided by Ducks Unlimited assessing its operations. This has Write to Us ...... 8 Canada. resulted in a positive response to use

Appreciating the Value of Saskatchewan’s Native Plants conservation, and appreciation of our Board Activities Your native plant heritage. Board The Board of Directors met May 5 The NPSS is here to serve your native and the Executive Committee met plant needs. But remember, you are July 6 to discuss funding options and the Native Plant Society of PresidentÕs Message availability as well as market Saskatchewan. Be PROACTIVE. development. By Dean Nernberg Get involved. Your contribution to the Society and the Native Plant News The Board of Directors last met in I would like to say ÔhelloÕ to all our is not only desirable; it is a necessity Saskatoon on August 24 and 25 for a members, some of whom I havenÕt if we are to succeed. had the pleasure of meeting, and to all Strategic Planning Session and regular of you being introduced to the Native board meeting. Plant Society of Saskatchewan for the Executive DirectorÕs first time. As you will read in this Message The next board meeting is scheduled issue there are many exciting changes for November 16 in Regina. By Larry Goodfellow taking place in the Society. Our goal is to serve you better. As a member, it The mission of the Native Plant Society of Since the inception of NPSS in 1994 a may have appeared that there was a Saskatchewan Inc. is to promote lot has been accomplished by a understanding and conservation of native hiatus in NPSS activity over the last volunteer board. They have built a plants and their ecosystems by facilitating while, but as your president I can strong momentum and have expanded communication, research, and education. assure you that your Board of the goals of the Society. A growing Directors and I have been busy behind organization needed a permanent President: the scenes. This has included many home and a paid staff. Dean Nernberg 975-4291 meetings, telephone calls, emails, and Vice President: a strategic planning session, all to With funding from Canadian improve the NPSS for you. Daryl Nazar 569-0424 Adaptation and Rural Development Past President: Saskatchewan (CARDS) and Ducks I am very grateful for the funding Tom Harrison 787-8660 Unlimited Canada, NPSS contracted support we have received from Treasurer: Trimension Group to fill the role of CARDS (Canadian Adaptation and Executive Director. With this Luc Delanoy 665-6887 Rural Development in Saskatchewan) column, I would like to introduce Secretary: and Ducks Unlimited Canada to allow Trimension Group and myself to Chris Nykoluk 780-5066 us to increase the interest in native NPSS members. plants and the use of native plant Newsletter Coordinator: material. Jo Ann Hrychuk 862-4212 I welcome the opportunity to work Directors: with the Board and am excited about We have recently hired an Executive the potential of the organization. I Zoheir Abouguendia 757-9499 Director and consulting team to first got involved with NPSS when Keith Barr 586-4992 support the Board of Directors, which Trimension Group facilitated their Dave Bueckert 759-2523 will greatly enhance the capabilities of strategic planning session. This Sheila Lamont 787-7198 the Board and the Society as a whole. allowed the Board to set the direction On behalf of the Society, I wish to Ray McDougald 662-2963 for the coming year. welcome our new Executive Director, Diana Robson 244-7645 Larry Goodfellow, and Trimension Nora Stewart 445-2513 NPSS chose Trimension Group and Group and look forward to a myself to fill the role of Executive Executive Director: productive and exciting relationship. Director and provide support to the Larry Goodfellow 668-3940 organization. Trimension Group is a Native plants face many challenges. management consulting firm, founded Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan Inc. Some of which are from other plants, to provide services to the agriculture #104 Ð 110 Research Drive as you will see from a number of industry. Along with business and Saskatoon SK S7N 3R3 articles in this issue. By sharing Phonel: 306-668-3940 Fax: 306-975- agri-business services, Trimension knowledge among its members, the 1156 Group has provided management to Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan Email: [email protected] hopes to facilitate the understanding, ÉCont. page 3

- 2 - Executive DirectorÕs Message consulting firm in Saskatoon. Larry Following his graduation from (continued from page 2) has an extensive agriculture and Davidson High School in 1972, he marketing background. He has taught attended the University of the Saskatchewan Food Processors business and marketing at the Saskatchewan and obtained his Association (SFPA) in the same University of Saskatchewan and was Degree in Agriculture in 1976. His capacity as we will with NPSS. The Executive Manager Marketing at CSP major was Animal Science with a SFPA is now a self-sustaining Foods, prior to founding Trimension minor in Crop Science Ð the closest organization, and we look forward to Group in 1993. - Ed. - thing to a Range Management Degree helping another organization to that was available at the time. In develop. 1977, Keith married Faith Sackville Member and now has three children to keep up My role, as Executive Director, and with. the companyÕs role in providing Profile support, will be to provide NPSS with Following university, Keith worked a foundation for growth. This means for Saskatchewan Agriculture and organizing the annual meeting, Keith LePoudre Food for about 16 years. He had seminars, summer tours and the By Debbie Nielson many jobs over that period including quarterly newsletter. It means we will Land Representative, Ag Rep, be working to build an active Many members may have met Keith Provincial Beef Specialist, and Beef membership and we will help provide at one of the many NPSS functions. Unit Manager. Through these members with opportunities to share A founding member and first positions he learned about pasture knowledge and information about use president of NPSS, Keith has a long development, extension planning, beef of native plants and conservation. history in prairie conservation in development work and management. Saskatchewan. Although he no longer Together with the Board we have put serves on the board, Keith is still an In 1992 Keith moved to Ducks together this newsletter which is active NPSS member. Unlimited Canada as District intended as a forum for members to Agrologist for Southern share information. We are working Raised on a mixed grazing operation Saskatchewan. This position allowed on pamphlets, so potential members near Davidson, Keith cultivated an him the opportunity to provide can learn what NPSS is all about, and interest in native plants from a young agriculture guidance to three area we are working to create a resource age, when his father leased 640 acres offices regarding the growing and centre and archive to house the of native prairie for grazing. management of various grass covers. SocietyÕs papers. A database is being It was during this time that he prepared, which will give ready On his fatherÕs pasture grew plains developed an even stronger access to information on members and rough fescue (Festuca altaica ssp. knowledge about native plants as affiliates. Included in the database hallii), a native plant rather rare in the DUC was involved in several grazing will be contact information on area. This has become KeithÕs most systems. In 1995 he moved to ÒexpertsÓ as well as producers and favoured native plant, holding a Wadena as the Area Manager and suppliers of native plants and seeds. special place in his heart. He feels the now holds the position of Manager of This and the resources of NPSS are greatest issue facing native plants is Field Operations for the areas of intended to serve the membership. the loss of native plant habitat Wadena and Yorkton. Our purpose is to supply you, the especially in the parklands of member, with information and Saskatchewan. He feels biodiversity KeithÕs future plans include working resources in your efforts to nurture is extremely important to wildlife and in the conservation field and staying native plants. ecology of any area. Native plant actively involved in NPSS. The areas are being lost to agriculture and Society has been an excellent way for If you have questions, comments or to invasion of exotics such as smooth Keith to discuss issues and learn new know someone who would like brome (Bromus inermis). The long- things. He also hopes to retire in 14 information about NPSS, our new term effects of this loss are not known to 15 years in order to travel around phone number is 306-668-3940 and but do raise some serious questions in North America. our e-mail address is KeithÕs mind. He thinks the biggest [email protected]. challenge for native plant enthusiasts Keith may be contacted at will be how to preserve remaining 306-338-3677. Larry Goodfellow is the president of native areas and manage them in a Trimension Group, a management healthy state. - 3 - crested wheatgrass stands upon the Herbicide: Glyphosate (RoundUp) Research & soil. Its strong competitive ability applied by wicking to leaves taller creates a ground layer with more than native growth reduced smooth Education exposed soil than in native mid-grass brome up to 50%. Repeated prairie. Less evident and perhaps applications needed and may never more serious is the possibility that totally eliminate all smooth brome Harmful Effects of these stands cannot maintain plants. Crested Wheatgrass biochemical soil quality as effectively as native grasslands. This is a result Burning: Early spring burning can on the Great Plains of lower below-ground biomass, reduce litter and increase growth of By Peter Lesica and Thomas H. DeLuca reduced organic nitrogen production, smooth brome for herbicide in Journal of Soil and Water and thus less microbial activity as application. Burning during the early Conservation, Sept-Oct 1996 compared to native stands. growing season stresses smooth brome, thus reducing growth and seed Summarized by Dean Nernberg There is concern that crested production. wheatgrass alters the environment in Invasions by exotic plants are many undesirable ways and the There is no simple means of occurring at an increasing rate and are continued conversion of native prairie controlling smooth brome. It is best considered a serious threat to both and planting of crested wheatgrass or to avoid the problem and not seed agricultural systems and native other exotic species seems ill advised. smooth brome adjacent to native habitats. grassland. Use native species for reclamation and disturbance and good Many of the most harmful exotics in Reducing Smooth grazing management to maintain North America were introduced Brome: Is it Possible? grassland health. intentionally. Exotic plants such as purple loosestrife and smooth brome By Debra Brown When evaluating options for were originally brought to North Summarized by Dean Nernberg managing smooth brome, consider the America for agricultural or effect on all species. Heavy grazing horticultural purposes but have Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) was or mowing may replace one exotic displaced native species and threaten brought from Europe to North species with another. In mixed stands biological diversity of native habitats. America almost 100 years ago and is of smooth brome and native prairie, used widely for hay, pastures, and the objective is to reduce the Many Eurasian grasses have been erosion control. Prolific seed competitiveness and seed set of intentionally introduced throughout production and aggressive rhizome smooth brome by grazing the brome temperate North America, primarily growth has allowed it to invade native and removing the animals before they for hay and pasture. The most grassland, crowding out native species greatly effect the native species. In commonly planted exotic grass in and reducing habitat quality. This stands with few desirable species and western North America is crested grass has haunted managers of natural dominated by smooth brome, there are wheatgrass. There are between 15 areas across the continent. Research two options. Heavy grazing or and 26 million acres of this grass on conducted at the Sandy Cross mowing for at least five years to this continent. Although crested Conservation Foundation from 1994 reduce smooth brome vigour and wheatgrass has been viewed as to 1996 examines solutions to this density. Then adding seed of more beneficial (cold and drought tolerant, problem. desirable species to increase diversity. easy establishment, early spring Alternatively, repeated herbicide grazing), it may create a significant Grazing and Mowing: Heavy cattle application and cultivation could be long-term decline in biological and sheep grazing and frequent used to eliminate smooth brome and diversity and soil resource mowing reduced smooth brome perennial weeds. Once a clean seed sustainability. Crested wheatgrass is a composition but did not reduce bed has been established, a diverse strong competitor and few native smooth brome energy reserves or tiller mixture of native species should be species are able to invade these density. Many years of defoliation planted. plantings. may be necessary, although heavy grazing can affect all species present. Several studies suggest that there may be a long-term negative impact of

- 4 - Baiting Spreads near hunting blinds baited with hay noxious weeds and recommend that no bales and weed screenings. hay, grain, or other feed material be Exotic Species into taken into the provincial forests for any Natural Habitats South of the border there is a move to purpose unless this material is certified stop the spread of noxious weeds and weed-free by Saskatchewan Agriculture By Dean Nernberg other weedy species by regulating the and Food and regularly inspected by use of feeds and baits used in Saskatchewan Environment and Baiting, using cereal grain, weed wilderness areas. Both Montana and Resource Management (SERM). screenings, forage, or hay, is a common Colorado require the use of certified practice for attracting prey when weed-free hay, straw, mulch, or pellets SERM has expressed an appreciation of hunting. The Saskatchewan Hunting as described in their hunting this concern and is undertaking a review Regulations place no restrictions on regulations. Back-country outfitters in the next few months of research using bait with seeds of weed species or also are starting to use weed-free feed information and literature related to the even noxious weeds. for their horses to prevent the introduction of exotic vegetation into introduction of problematic weeds. natural ecosystems. The purpose of this There is some concern that non-native review is to better understand the species are being introduced into natural Nature Saskatchewan recently passed a potential for this occurrence and the areas, particularly forest lands, with the resolution to address this problem. It impact it may have on the biological potential of excluding native plants. reads: and ecological integrity of natural areas.

Some Saskatchewan residents have BE IT RESOLVED THAT Nature You may be interested in watching over witnessed the spread of exotic species Saskatchewan express to the the coming months for progress on this into the surrounding area from stations Government of Saskatchewan its issue. concerns about the risk of spreading

The MGPHRP has grown considerably since 1992 and the scope Conservation of Natural Areas of the project has expanded to the development of techniques and protocols to facilitate the restoration and management of native prairie. The Mixed Grass Prairie Habitat Project Activities (past and present) include: • Wild-harvesting of seed material from more than 70 Restoration Project different species of grasses and wildflowers; • The installation and maintenance of a 50 acre diverse native By Dean Nernberg planting research pilot project, planted in 1994 and 1995 with more than 70 species of native grasses and wildflowers; Fueled by growing concern over the extensive loss of prairie • Research on native seed material including germination habitat, the Canadian Wildlife Service established the Mixed testing; Grass Prairie Habitat Restoration Project (MGPHRP) in 1992 at • Fire management to reduce litter build-up, stress exotic the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area. grasses and stimulate native growth; • Intensive pulse rotational grazing management on numerous The main objective is to re-establish and rehabilitate diverse sites using approximately 700 cow/calf pairs managed by PFRA. native prairie habitat through appropriate restoration and Grazing is used to control exotic species and stimulate native management. plant growth; • A 2,600 sq. ft. ÒNative Plant Material Processing and A number of factors have contributed to the loss of native Storage FacilityÓ at Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area; habitat. Introduced vegetation has created small islands of • Development of a native wildflower seed production remnant native prairie. The removal of fire and unique grazing nursery. SaskPowerÕs Shand Greenhouse produced patterns, which were the major natural disturbances shaping approximately 40,000 seedling plugs of 49 species of prairie vegetation, has greatly exacerbated the problems facing wildflowers and 17 species of grasses for the grass seed nursery; the prairie ecosystem. The combination of these factors permits • Continued commercialization of the project by offering the build-up of excessive litter and the invasion of exotic species. products and services; By reducing fragmentation through restoration and maintaining • The production of a manual outlining procedures and or re-introducing natural ecosystem processes and disturbances, protocols used, and results obtained, by the MGPHRP on all this continual loss and degradation of prairie habitat can be aspects of wild-harvesting and seed processing, prairie stopped and possibly reversed. restoration and fire and grazing management.

- 5 - SaskatchewanÕs PCAP details which In earlier years I tried transplanting Cross agency or non-governmental non-flowering wild flowers into the organization can contribute to each garden. Success was mediocre at Pollination goal. And it provides a 5-year time best. Raising them from seed is less line for deliverables. The PCAP head work, more successful, and doesnÕt PCAP Implementation office is located at the Regina run down the supply. Seeds should be Coordinator Hired Exhibition grounds, just next to the sown in the fall to mimic natural Saskatchewan Stock Growers conditions and to avoid puttering By Chris Nykoluk Association and Grazing and Pasture around with the cycles of artificial Technology Program offices. cooling used by botanical gardens. Chris Nykoluk was recently hired as Remember to mark where you sowed Implementation Coordinator for the You can write or call Chris Nykoluk, seeds in fall. new Saskatchewan Prairie Implementation Coordinator to obtain Conservation Action Plan (PCAP). your free copy of the PCAP: Below is a selection of my more or She will be working half time for both Box 4752, Regina SK S4P 3Y4 less successful attempts at raising wild the PCAP and at PFRA, in her current 306-352-0472 flowers. position as Range Management • Purple Prairie Clover, Biologist. You may be acquainted (Petalostemon purpureom). Good with Chris, since she was one of the Featured flowers and reproduces well but not four founding members of the NPSS. aggressively. She has worked extensively in Flora • extension and range management Scarlet Mallow, (Sphaeralcea planning on PFRA community One GardenerÕs Trials coccinea). Have finally obtained a pastures. self-perpetuating colony in the driest, of Growing Wild hottest place in my backyard. For the next few years, Chris will be Flowers in the Garden • Lance-Leaved Lungwort, co-ordinating the activities and (Metensia lanceolata). The very best delivery of the PCAP. By John H. Hudson wild flower for the garden that IÕve Saskatchewan's PCAP complements found, bring blue bells in spring like similar efforts in Alberta and There is growing interest in those of Grape Hyacinth. Hard to get, Manitoba and builds upon the first cultivating Prairie wild flowers in the as it occurs in the wild only from home garden. I have been PCAP put forward by World Wildlife Estevan to Wood Mountain, and must Fund Canada in 1989. This recent experimenting with this off-and-on be transplanted into the garden, as the plan reflects agreement among since 1961, and have been asked to seeds lack pods and fall off the plant representatives of 16 government share some of my successes and when ripe. Reproduces freely in the agencies and national and non- failures with you. garden, but is no nuisance, as the governmental organizations regarding plants die down for the summer in the conservation of the province's There are some drawbacks to the city July. backyard garden for raising Prairie remaining native prairie. The authors • wild flowers. Many of our prettiest False Dragonhead, (Physostegia of the new PCAP set forward 5 goals parviflora). Has long tubular purple to help conserve native prairie: wild flowers grow on dry ground caused either by excessive drainage or flowers. Grew and bloomed well in a 1. To sustain a healthy native prairie by a higher topographic position such low spot in the garden, but proved too grazing resource; that the winter snows drift off. A city attractive to aphids to keep around. 2. To conserve the remaining prairie backyard, on the level, and fenced so • Blue Beard-Tongue, (Penstemon resource; that the snow builds up in winter, is an nitidus) and White Bear-Tongue, 3. To maintain SaskatchewanÕs unfavorable place for dry ground (Pentemon albidus). Seeds come up native prairie biological diversity; species Ðmore so if there are some well, plants flower for a year or so and often reproduce from seed. But one 4. To promote the sustainable use of taller herbs around to catch more by one the plants succumb to root rot native prairie to enhance the quality of snow. The slightest dampness is apt and the garden population dwindles to life; to make for root rot in these dry ground species. However, I have zero. 5. To promote education and grown some of them on the edge of a • Prairie False Dandelion, (Agoseris develop communication programs graveled alley. glauca). Seeds came up promptly and regarding the conservation and the plants flowered and fruited sustainable use of native prairie. copiously all summer, as did - 6 - succeeding generations. Now has the naturalistsÕ efforts paid off as the become an aggressive pest in my city sold 34 of the 120 acres of native The Prairie Nature Centre provides garden. I have to deadhead it prairie for $1 to the Meewasin Valley interpretive services for the Saskatoon constantly to slow down its spreading. Authority (MVA). Natural Grasslands. Displays on • Smooth Blue Aster, (Aster laevis). grassland plants, animals and fossils Another species that grows and A management plan for the preserve are housed in the Centre. The Centre reproduces from seed all too well. was developed shortly thereafter. The is open May to September on Not quite so toilsome to deadhead as MVA is responsible for implementing weekends and holidays from 1 p.m. to the Agoseris, because it has a shorter the plan, including: restoring a 4 p.m. Every Sunday at 2 p.m. a blooming season, and flowers in disturbed portion of the Grassland, guided tour of the prairie is provided. particulate clusters. planting buffer shrubs, conducting A self-guided trail has been created controlled burns, maintaining the and can be hiked at any time. • Hairy Golden Aster, (Chrysopsis trails and controlling exotic plants like villosa). Good results on the dry smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and The Prairie Nature Centre is located gravelly edges of the path down our European buckthorn (Rhamnus within the Saskatoon City limits on alley. CanÕt tolerate shade or even cathartica). the west side of Central Avenue 2 taller plants near it. kmÕs north of Attridge Drive. The • Dotted-Leaved Blazing Star, The Saskatoon Natural Grassland was entrance to the Saskatoon Natural (Liatris punctata). Has spikes of never ploughed because the entire Grassland is directly across the road purple flowers in late summer. area is very rocky. The Grassland from the Prairie Nature Centre on the Reproduces well in the garden, but not hasnÕt been grazed for about 30 years. east side of Central Avenue. so madly that it becomes a nuisance. The Grassland is dominated by • Prairie Cone-flower, (Ratibida speargrasses and wheatgrasses but If there is a special area that you would columnifera). The common yellow- plains rough fescue (Festuca altaica like to see a ÒTravel SaskatchewanÓ rayed plant flowers well in the garden, ssp. hallii) is also quite common and, article on contact Diana B. Robson at and reproduces well if its site is dry in some places, a codominant species. 652-9231 (home) or 244-7645 (work) or enough. I have it on the graveled Low spots on the preserve contain e-mail at [email protected]. margin of the side alley, and it has not patches of Western snowberry made itself a nuisance by spreading. (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), There is a rare red-rayed form of this silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata), Book plant; I found it years ago to be a WoodÕs rose (Rosa woodsii) and simple Mendelian recessive, so one trembling aspen (Populus Review could purify this red-rayed form if one tremuloides). In total 187 species of wished. vascular plants can be found here including the rare and elusive moon A GardenerÕs Guide to fern (Botrychium lunaria), which can go into dormancy for several years Plant Conservation making it difficult to find. By Nina T. Marshall, published by World Travel Saskatchewan Wildlife Fund, 1993 $17.95 The most outstanding features of the Submitted by Chris Nykoluk Saskatoon Natural Grassland are the large Ordovician- Grassland aged limestone boulders carried here Designed as a resource for the North by glaciers from northern American gardening community, A By Diana Bizecki Robson Saskatchewan. Some of the rocks GardenerÕs Guide to Plant contain fossils like crinoids and Conservation is easy to read. It The Saskatoon Natural Grassland is a brachiopods and all are covered with includes discussions of issues small urban prairie preserve located in colourful lichens. A few of these pertaining to the collection of plants the northeastern part of Saskatoon. In boulders are slowly being covered by from the wild and general guidelines 1980 it was discovered that this prairie. There are heat and cold for gardeners. A description of the beautiful area was slated for urban cracks in the boulders and lichens history surrounding wild orchid development. erode them by secreting acids and collection in Europe is of interest. plants send roots deep into the cracks, A small dedicated group of naturalists contributing to their slow burial. One Propagation activities have increased vowed to protect at least some of the of the boulders on the prairie has over dramatically in recent decades, prairie for future generations. In 1993 40 species of plants growing on it! helping to rescue many rare plants

- 7 - from an uncertain future. However, not all plants are easy to propagate WhatÕs Events and as long as wild plants are New Calendar accessible and inexpensive, there will be little financial incentive to start commercial propagation of these Two New Publications Watch the Winter 1998 Native Plant plants. According to Marshall many News for details on the NPSS Annual of the problems in the trade of wild Available Meeting, which is being planned for plants exist because of a lack of early 1999, and for Summer Tour Õ99. awareness on the part of consumers. Guidelines for Rare Plant Surveys Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan, November 2-4, 1998 Some consumer tips are included: 1998 Native Plant Summit IV, Calgary Please register by October 23. For 1. Before buying a plant, check for Edited by Diana Bizecki Robson more information call: Gail Millman, labels, disclaimers, or general Conference Administrator. Phone statements about the source. On August 25, 1998 the NPSS board 403-444-6336, fax 403-484-5661, 2. Question ambiguous phrases such approved a set of rare plants survey email [email protected] as Ònursery grownÓ and question the guidelines adapted from similar vendor. Many garden centres guidelines. December 31, 1998 purchase plants instead of growing New YearÕs Eve Skate, Saskatoon them. Assess the knowledge of the The guidelines discuss the Skate in the New Year at the vendor about the plants they sell. qualifications rare plant surveyors Meewasin Skating Rink. Contact should possess and proper rare plant 3. Consider price as an indicator. A Meewasin Valley Centre. Phone 306- survey procedures. They are intended low price may indicate that plants are 665-6888 for environmental co-ordinators of of wild origin. Propagated plants are industry, so they can better evaluate usually of higher quality than wild- February 7, 1999 proposals and rare plant surveyor collected specimens. Beaver CreekÕs Old Fashioned qualifications; for consultants, so they Skating Party (1-4 pm) 4. Consider growing plants from are aware of acceptable procedures; seed rather than purchasing plants of Contact Beaver Creek Conservation and for the government, so they can Area. Phone 306-374-2474 uncertain origin. assess rare plant surveys. 5. Voice your concerns. If vendors recognize your concern about buying Proceedings: Using Seeds of Native plants, they may make more of an Species on Rangelands Write effort in documenting the source of USDA Forest Service, Intermountain To Us their plants. Research Station, General Technical 6. When in doubt, contact plant Report INT-GTR-372, December 1997 societies, botanical gardens, and other Native Plant News is published Compilers: Nancy L. Shaw and Bruce A. quarterly by the Native Plant Society conservation organizations. Roundy of Saskatchewan Inc. We welcome Most of the wild plants of concern The USDA Forest Service has submissions by our members and readers including letters, articles, listed in this book describe American recently released a report covering a situations but it is worthwhile to note range of topics important to people pictures, and upcoming events. that the now has with an interest in native plants. The Newsletter submissions may be sent to: numerous species on endangered lists report provides information on native and many of these species are still seed policies and planning, rare and Jo Ann Hrychuk fairly common in Saskatchewan. endangered species, genetics and Newsletter Coordinator much more. To order: Box 1180, Nipawin SK S0E 1E0 I consider this book an excellent Work: 862-4212 Fax: 862-4440 introduction for gardening enthusiasts Phone: 801-625-5437 Email: [email protected] regarding issues about ethical uses of Email: pubs/[email protected] The submission deadline for the next native plants. Publications Ð Ogden Service Center issue is November 15. Rocky Mountain Research Station th 324 25 Street, Ogden UT 84401 Print assistance provided by Mr. Print of Saskatoon.

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