First field trip scheduled

Natural Heritage Programs Hires New Botanist and Ecologist for State Parks

A new botanist, Kim Smith, and ecologist, Julie Lundgren, were hired in February to perform Natural Heritage survey work in New York state parks. They will be updating rare plant occurrences, searching for new occurrences, and mapping ecological community’s in state parks across New York. Their work will help guide the writing of master plans and management plans, and the implementation of management projects. They will also inventory new parks or parcels that have been added to existing state parks. Welcome Kim and Julie!

In March 2008 a search is being held for another plant ecologist for the program. Check http://www.nature.org/careers/dynamic/natureorg/20080225170243.html for the description.

Meteorological Spring Has Sprung!

March is the start of meteorological Spring even though there is still snow and ice on the ground. This is the month we start thinking about what field trips we should plan and what rare plants we need to update or search for. Our annual rare plant status meeting takes place on March 19 when botanists from around the state meet at the State Museum to discuss changes that occurred in 2007 that need updating in the new rare plant status lists. Changes from the meeting will be posted on this blog in April. Information processing from 2007 continues and it’s always a challenge to enter all the information before field season starts. It’s tough to process information when its 70° and sunny outside! Posted by Steve Young