What does ecological sampling tell us about urban tree health?
A year ago, I wrote a blog about a newly launched project to better understand how tree health is shaped by initial planting conditions. This question is important to answer given that 81% of urban
What Is DNA Barcoding?
Being able to explore the diversity of our world is one of the privileges of being part of the Research & Conservation Department at Denver Botanic Gardens. One of the challenges we face is in
A Computer Wrote This Blog
“Denver Botanic Gardens conducts cutting-edge scientific research to support plant conservation, study plant biology, and improve horticultural practices. The Gardens' research program focuses on
Herbarium Specimen Processing in Full Swing
In winter, the collection of new plant and fungal specimens stops altogether. However, the collectors of specimens made the previous summer are still working hard to prepare these for incorporation
A Peek into the Global Conservation Conversation
In December I had the opportunity to participate in the United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties COP15 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Having engaged in the global conversation on plant
Global Botanic Garden Congress, Melbourne, Australia
In September, I had the privilege of attending the 7th Global Botanic Garden Congress held in Melbourne, Australia, hosted by the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. The meeting, organized through Botanic
Restoring Colorado’s Front Range
Restoration is an integral part of land management and conservation. As natural disasters and human activity continue to impact biodiversity and wildlife habitat, it is becoming increasingly important
Meet the Endemic Rocky Mountain Monkeyflower
Last August I spent a day scrambling up steep granite outcroppings perched high above a popular hiking trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Colleagues and I were searching for patches of Rocky
Protecting Rare Plants with Science
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is the primary law protecting rare and imperiled species and their habitats in the United States. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is responsible for adding or
High Line Heroes at Work
Denver Botanic Gardens’ scientists embarked on their third season of research this summer in partnership with the High Line Canal Conservancy to survey plant communities along the 71-mile trail. I was
Join the Colorado Pollinator Summit on Nov. 9
I am immensely proud that Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting the 2022 Colorado Pollinator Summit on Wednesday, November 9. Open to the public, the theme is “Scaling Pollinator Conservation for a New
The Largest Berry in the World May Not Be What You Think It Is
As the days shorten and we head into autumn, we start seeing pumpkins everywhere – they are used as decorations on stoops and inside houses; they flavor various culinary specialties from pies and