​FRIENDS OF PLANT CONSERVATION

...conserving North Carolina's imperiled plants in their natural habitat by supporting
​the NC Plant Conservation Program...
"...wild flowers should be enjoyed unplucked where they grow."   Theodore Roosevelt

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
 
The Friends of Plant Conservation (FoPC) is currently seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to provide community relations and coordination of volunteers to perform activities related to ecological stewardship on selected North Carolina Plant Conservation Program (PCP) Preserves. The Program’s mission is to support the efforts of PCP to conserve the imperiled native plant species of North Carolina in their native habitats.  Primary duties include finding and training volunteers to work onsite at PCP Preserves to accomplish assigned management tasks. FoPC will support the contract for a part time position (up to 20 hours per week). This position will be funded for a minimum of 20 months. Secondary job duties will include applying for grants or conducting fundraising efforts to keep the position funded beyond 20 months. At that time the position may be evaluated and refined to meet the continuing needs of PCP/FoPC.    Application deadline is 7 May 2018.
PLANT OF THE MONTH
Shortia galacifolia var. brevistyla, Northern  Oconee bells
Photo courtesy Charlie Williams, "Mr. Michaux"

Shortia galacifolia var. brevistyla is noted for a style much shorter than its southern cousin.   
Threats to its continued existence include:
  • Recreational and residential development;
  • Trampling by hikers, climbers, and sightseers;
  • Unauthorized collection of plants and seeds;
  • Closing tree/shrub canopy.
This plant is officially listed as Endangered  by the State of North Carolina under the provisions of the Plant Protection and Conservation Act (General Statute 19b106-202.12- 202.19, 1979). 

Join the Friends of Plant Conservation to help protect this beauty from disappearing. 
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NEWS OF INTEREST

​Trees may increase air pollution on city streets
Leaves and branches can slow air currents and cause pollutants to settle, says health watchdog...
UNCC researchers launch long-term study at Gaston preserve
Mary Newsom of the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute interviews Missy Eppes and David Vinson as they embark on a study at Redlair Plant Conservation Preserve funded by Duke Energy Water Resources Fund:
CURRENT  NEWSLETTER
For archived newsletters, see News & Newsletters.
Picture
North Carolina Plant Conservation Program NC Dept. Agriculture & Consumer Services Plant Industry Division
REDLAIR PRESERVE

Redlair is a large preserve protecting Magnolia macrophylla, bigleaf magnolia, and Helianthus schweinitzii, Schweinitz's sunflower.

There are a number of research projects underway on the Preserve.  If you are looking for data related to one of the projects, contact us for information on how to reach the page(s) you need.  Use the form below to request permission at access the research data. 

The Redlair Preserve button will take you to general information.
The Redlair for Researchers button will take you to the Password Protected page.  You will receive the password once you complete the Contact Form below.


NEW BOOK REVIEW:  ​
​Geology and Plant Life:  The Effects of Landforms and Rock Types on Plants. ​Arthur Kruckeberg, Univ. of Washington Press, 2004.

2018 PRESERVE Workdays/ Walks

Kalmia carolina.  Carolina laurel or sheepkill in Cedar Mountain Bog.                                      c. K.Schlosser
​Preserve walks are opportunities to slow down; wander through areas seldom seen; see, feel, and hear nature surrounding you.  Walk with a small group led by experienced staff or volunteers who share their knowledge and passion for protecting our imperiled plant species, and see some of those species growing in their natural habitat.
 
Preserve Workdays/Walks are free for Friends members and open to the public for $15 per person (no fee if you participate in a Workday).  Most walks are limited to 15 participants to protect the land and to provide you with an opportunity to visit, learn, and photograph these treasures of North Carolina.
 
There are no trails and no amenities of any sort on Plant Conservation Preserves.  These are not recreational lands and Walks are intended to share the special nature of the Preserves and to promote their continued conservation.  There is no public access to Preserves without a Permit.
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The Friends of Plant Conservation supports the efforts of the NC Plant Conservation Program to preserve rare plants in unique habitats throughout North Carolina.  The Friends of Plant Conservation provide support through education, resource development, and advocacy.  Specific goals of our organization include the following:
  • Upholding the regulations of the Plant Conservation Program.
  • Seeking stakeholder and other public constituency input when taking actions and positions.
  • Recognizing that issues have human and social dimensions, not just environmental ones.
  • Supporting and respecting the role of volunteers within the organization.
  • Providing information to the public about imperiled native plant conservation issues.
We invite you to explore the navigation links to find lots of information about our organization, plant conservation, and NC preserves.  You can also find ways that you can participate by becoming a member, volunteering, and making a donation to help the organization achieve its goals.
Online shopping helps the efforts of
the Friends of Plant Conservation
That's right!  If you click on the "smile.amazon.com" button to enter Amazon's website to do your online shopping, then Amazon will donate funds to Friends of Plant Conservation for every purchase you make.  
​No additional cost to you. 

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