V 1, No. 1, Fall 1987 – In this, the inaugural Newsletter of MNPS, Society President, Kathy Ahlenslager wrote “Native Plant Society founded in Montana” about a year after she, Peter Lesica, and Virginia Vincent first discussed the idea; Steve Shelly wrote a “Rare and Endangered Plant Profile” about Howellea aquatilis; a field trip report by Peter Lesica, “Canoeing on the Swan” included a list of plants observed; and the issue contained society news, and announcement of a contest for a newsletter mascot plant, and a call for members.
V 1, No. 2, Winter 1988 – This is the first issue as the Kelseya with an article by Kathy Ahlenslager documenting the competition including a nice description of the aptness of the choice written by Peter Lesica; Kathy Ahlenslager also wrote “Montana Native Plant Society Sprouts,” announcing the November 19, 1987 incorporation of the Society; a Rare and Endangered Plant Profile by Sue Trull, “Utricularia: A mouthful, but not for us”; “What is this thing called ‘Weed”?” by Carol J. Morris; and timely society news.
V 1, No. 3, Spring 1988 – Rare and Endangered Plant Profile on Claytonia lanceolata Pursh var. flava (A. Nels.) C. L. Hitchcock, yellow springbeauty; by Steve Shelly and Jan Nixon; along with the announcement of the first MNPS annual meeting, and numerous programs, field trips, and botanically related classes available around Montana.
V 1, No 4, Summer 1988 – “Native Plant Diseases,” by Sue Geske presents clues as to a variety of plant diseases that might be seen on native plants; Margaret Scoles touts the virtures of Buhcloe dactyloides in “Native Buffalograss for Montana Lawns;” and Peter Lesica offers a biographical sketch of Francis Kelsey in “Who was Kelsey, Anyway”
