Native Plant Conservation

Native Plant Conservation is a key part of the Montana Native Plant Society Mission. A Conservation Committee leads in identifying and acting on issues and programs for the conservation of native plants.

To learn more about the activities of the Conservation Committee, contact the Chair, Peter Lesica, in Missoula.

Here is a link to the national Center for Plant Conservation at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Volunteers monitor plant occurrence on Mount Jumbo conservation
lands above Missoula, Montana. Peter Lesica photo)

Conservation Issues

A page linking to documents on which the Society has taken a position.

Plant Species of Concern

Threats and Important Plant Areas

Links to a page with information on threats to species, threatened species, and a program to identify important plant areas for habitat and species protection.

Also, be sure to read "Montana's Threatened Plants Need Your Help," by Peter Lesica in the Spring 2009 Issue of the Kelseya.

Montana Plant Conservation Conferences

MNPS Sponsors a Plant Conservation Conference on a biennial basis.

Save the date for the 7th Conference - Helena - February 15 -16, 2012.

Register Now Online or by Mail - Click Here for all the Information

Here are proceedings for the 2006, 2008, and 2010 sessions

Voluntary Guidelines for Selecting Horticultural Plants

Most plants used in horticulture and agriculture are not native to this continent. The vast majority of these introduced plants serve their purpose and benefit humankind without problem; however a few escape cultivation and become invasive. Indeed, deliberate introductions, such as tamarisk, Dalmatian toadflax and leafy spurge, are the single most common source of naturalized exotic plant pests in the United States. Invasive exotic plants pose a threat to Montana's native plant communities as well as our two most significant industries: agriculture and tourism. Many nursery professionals and landscapers are aware of the problem and would like to avoid introducing invasive plants. These guidelines were developed by the Montana Landscape and Nursery Association and the Montana Native Plant Society. They are VOLUNTARY, meant to help nursery professionals and landscapers with recommendations regarding the selection of horticultural material.