New England Wild Flower Society (NEWFS) recently released a comprehensive, peer-reviewed report that, for the first time, gathers together the most up-to-date data on the status of plants on the New England landscape. From these data, we can discern increases and declines in both rare and common species across all six states. We will discuss the report findings and discuss the importance of plants and habitats in supporting other organisms and in providing ecosystem services for humans. We identify hotspots of rare plant diversity, and discuss factors that foster this diversity. We document the primary ecological and man-made threats to both rare and common species. We discuss activities and initiatives by New England Wild Flower Society and many organizations in New England to conserve and manage rare plants and habitats throughout the region.
Elizabeth Farnsworth is Senior Research Ecologist with NEWFS, and a biologist, educator, and scientific illustrator. She is also senior editor of the botanical journal, Rhodora. She was principal investigator on a National Science Foundation-funded project to develop an on-line award-winning guide to the regional flora for teaching botany (Go Botany).