PLANTS OF CONCERN - A CITIZEN SCIENCE RARE PLANT MONITORING PROGRAM
Plants of Concern engages citizen scientists to monitor the Chicago Wilderness region's rarest plants, assess trends in their populations, and provide important data used to conserve our rapidly declining floral heritage.
Plants of Concern is coordinated by the Chicago Botanic Garden, having strong partnerships with local, state, federal and non-profit agencies.
Since its inception in 2001, Plants of Concern has been supported through funds from the Corporation for Open Lands, the Garden Club of America, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Wildlife Preservation Fund and Conservation 2000), Openlands, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, in support of Chicago Wilderness (administered by the Illinois Conservation Foundation), USDA Forest Service in support of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the Volunteer Stewardship Network of The Nature Conservancy (IL).
2012 Plants of Concern Training Workshops
Plants of Concern Volunteer Citizen Scientists Needed for Monitoring Endangered and Threatened Native Plants in NE Illinois, SE Wisconsin, NW Indiana
Join this exciting citizen science program entering its 12th year. More than 600 volunteers have worked with this program region-wide, monitoring 225 species at 275 sites! Receive training in Plants of Concern monitoring techniques, meet land managers, talk with seasoned monitors, or refresh your skills for the new season. One workshop is required for all new POC monitors and we ask any former monitors who have never been to a workshop to attend. Morning refreshments will be served, but bring a lunch. Registration is required. A confirmation will be sent after registration, and directions will follow shortly before the workshop date.