The rich biodiversity of our Washington State is under siege by the usual suspects – habitat loss, land use practices, invasive species and climate change. Of 3,100 vascular plant species, 350 are rare. Rare Care builds partnerships with federal, state and local agencies to provide critical information needed in the conservation and recovery of our state’s native rare species. Citizen scientists and students participate in rare plant monitoring, ex situ conservation, reintroduction and education.
Classic Rare Care: showy stickseed
Partnering with agencies, engaging students, training citizen scientists
The US Fish and Wildlife Service funded a multi-year study to support recovery efforts for the federally endangered Hackelia venusta. Students researched pollinators and seed germination requirements, characterized soils, examined arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, evaluated the light and vegetation of the above-ground environment, and worked with Rare Care to improve germination rates and propagation protocols. Citizen scientists supported outplanting efforts. If you’re looking for a single species to tell our story, showy stickseed makes a pretty good poster child.