The center for plant conservation: creating a collaborative network and national collection dedicated to plant conservation

Abstract

The non-profit Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) makes a significant contribution to conservation and restoration of the rare native plants of the United States. Since 1984 it has worked to build a vigorous national network of professionally staffed conservation programs by involving public botanical gardens and arboreta. These institutions work hands-on to monitor, protect and restore these species in the wild. Each institution dedicates expert staff time, including scientists and horticulturalists, and facilities, and follows CPC's scientific standards and protocols to ensure best conservation practices. Working closely with federal and state conservation agencies, this model has increased capacity for quality stewardship and helped advance the science and practice of plant conservation. This program model may be applicable to many other areas of the world as we struggle to meet increasing challenges in managing and sustaining plant diversity.