The right seed, in the right place, at the right time.\u00a0 This straight-forward goal was synthesized by the Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program, at a conference in Monticello, Utah. It assimilated a broad range of presentations, including the latest research on local plant genetics intertwined with climate variability, new conservation technology, and agronomic requirements for successful seed production. This simplistic goal resulted from a conversation of the various stakeholders involved with collection and production of native plants for habitat restoration.\u00a0 Often, the center stage of this conversation was Vernal, UT.<\/p>\n
I have been an intern with the Bureau of Land Management in Vernal now for several weeks. During that time, I was able to attend the conference in Monticello and see where Vernal lies in the big picture of native plant restoration.\u00a0 When I first arrived in my new habitat, the local flora was covered with two feet of snow after what had been an unusual winter. \u00a0However, I have learned it is a botanically interesting region due to roughly fifty endemic species associated with local geology, especially the oil-shale.\u00a0 The energy sector also finds this area very interesting. Consequently, there are abundant future reclamation needs. The anticipated demand for native seeds played a key role in Vernal\u2019s place at the conference.<\/p>\n
While the snow melted, I compiled data to answer the question of \u201cwhat seed?\u201d I have become acquainted with the local flora of the herbarium and their locations on a map. However, I got my first taste of the field today, checking on seedlings of a milkvetch species that is endemic to a particular bend of the Green River. \u00a0The tiny seedlings were exciting to find and identify, being that they are so unique to that location. The landscape was enamoring, and I look forward to a season of discovering its hidden gems.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dev-clm-blog.pantheonsite.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/FullSizeRender-1-1-300x225.jpg\")
A view of the Uinta Mountains<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"Endemic](\"https:\/\/dev-clm-blog.pantheonsite.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/FullSizeRender.jpg\")
Endemic Astragalus<\/em> species<\/p><\/div>\n Budsage… enamoring landscape in the background<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The right seed, in the right place, at the right time.\u00a0 This straight-forward goal was synthesized by the Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program, at a conference in Monticello, Utah. It assimilated a broad range of presentations, including the latest research … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dev-clm-blog.pantheonsite.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_3018-1.jpg\")