Tag Archives: native plants

Ecotype – Problematic Concept in a Changing World

Posted on February 28, 2016 by prairiebotanist

For those reasons, “local is best” is the mantra, if not the dogma, of many in the conservation and restoration community. It’s a cautious and logical approach. However, in recognition of the altered and changing world we live in and recognizing that ecological restoration and reconstruction projects are essentially the only way many species can move across today’s fragmented landscape, I would urge people to be a little more liberal in how they apply the ecotype concept. Continue reading →

Posted in Conservation, gardening, native plants, Phenology, Prairie, restoration, Savanna, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Natural Areas Have Intrinsic Value

Posted on February 19, 2015 by prairiebotanist

Much of the conservation community’s current approach to conservation planning is a commodification of nature. Lands are valued according to laundry lists of the tangible services (e.g. water quality protection, forage, carbon storage) they provide. We might not assign actual dollars … Continue reading →

Posted in Conservation, restoration | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Born Again

Posted on May 13, 2013 by prairiebotanist

I have been waiting for bitter root (Lewisia redivia) to bloom for weeks now, and I was rewarded during recent stroll near my research plots. The name “Lewisia” comes from Merriweather Lewis, who first described the plant; “rediviva” is apt, … Continue reading →

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