Hello, fellow botanical enthusiasts,
The Rare Plant Forum Committee would like to pass along some additional details regarding the 2023 Pennsylvania Rare Plant Forum. The 2023 PA Rare Plant Forum is taking place on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 9:30 am to 2 pm at the Forest Resources Building, Room 112, on the Penn State University Park Campus. The 2023 status change proposals can be downloaded from the link at the top of the next column. We recommend reviewing the proposals prior to the Forum.
In addition to attending the Forum in person, there will also be a Zoom option to attend virtually. We will do our best to ensure that Zoom attendees hear the presentations, discussions, and are able to ask questions and share insights. However, this is the first time we have tried a hybrid format and can’t ensure everything will work flawlessly. The Zoom link and call-in details are provided at the end of this announcement. No RSVP or registration is necessary to attend the Forum in either format.
Time will be given for lunch, however it may be beneficial to bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, pre-made sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and (of course) ice cream are available at the nearby Berkey Creamery, which is only a 5 minute walk from the Forest Resources Building.
There won’t be an organized hike on Friday, but there are some great spots for hikes near State College, including Rocky Ridge, Alan Seager, and Bear Meadows Natural Areas in Rothrock State Forest, Scotia Barrens (State Gamelands 176) and Spring Creek Canyon (State Gamelands 333). If anyone is interested in attempting to gather for dinner on Friday night in State College, please email Steve Grund directly at sgrund@paconserve.org.
Here is a map to aid in locating the Forest Resources Building, which is located near the intersection of East Park Ave and Bigler Road:
Additionally an interactive map of campus is found here: https://ecosystems.psu.edu/about/contact. The nearest parking garage is the “East Parking Deck” which is found on Bigler Road, nearly adjacent to the Forest Resources Building.
We look forward to seeing you at the Forum!
All the best,
The PA Rare Plant Forum Committee
Mark Bowers
Steve Grund
Jessica McPherson
Scott Schuette
Kelly Sitch
Get a PDF of 2023 RPF proposals here!
Please send comments, questions, and requests for proposal discussion to Scott Schuette: sschuette@paconserve.org.
PNHP is continually working to update the conservation statuses of many plant species. Part of this work involves updating the names to reflect the current taxonomy as we move to align with Weakley’s PA Flora, and part of the work is knowing where and how much of these plants are present in the state. The proposed taxonomic changes list of field species with taxonomic keys for this year’s Rare Plant Forum can be downloaded here.
PNHP is asking people to keep their eyes open for these species and report any potential sightings in the field. There was a little talk about the role of Rare Plant Forum attendees in the data gathering process — and this may be just the opportunity you are looking for!
If interested, please contact Jessica McPherson, Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program / Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, at jmcpherson@paconserve.org or 412-586-2362.
pabotany.org 