Association of Zoological Horticulture Newsletter

Eye on the Rainforest's Conservation Endeavors in Puerto Rico

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 18:04:28 GMT

Reprinted from BGCI Cultivate #121 October 2023

In an era marked by global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and habitat degradation, the conservation of endangered endemic plants has become a pressing concern. Eye on the Rainforest, an organization in Puerto Rico, has joined forces with Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) to address this issue. Their collaborative efforts are focused on the preservation of precious endemic plant species found in Puerto Rico. Eye on the Rainforest plays a vital role in connecting visitors with nature, while highlighting their collaboration with BGCI in the conservation of these botanical treasures.

Connecting Visitors with Nature: Eye on the Rainforest, though not officially certified as a botanical garden, stands as an enchanting haven for visitors, captivating them with its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The organization’s immersive trails and cultivated gardens provide a unique opportunity for individuals to establish a profound connection with Puerto Rico’s exceptional endemic plant species. By showcasing the remarkable diversity of the island’s flora, Eye on the Rainforest nurtures a deep-seated understanding and appreciation for Puerto Rico’s ecological heritage.

Educational Outreach and Interpretation: To effectively convey the urgency of conserving endemic plants, Eye on the Rainforest employs a comprehensive array of educational outreach and interpretation strategies. Workshops, lectures, and informative signage serve as powerful tools to enlighten visitors about the ecological significance of plant species and the challenges they face. Collaborating with BGCI provides Eye on the Rainforest access to invaluable resources, online info, and global expertise, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is shared with visitors. Invitation to speak at botanical conferences has helped to highlight the work being done, and helped generate confidence that it matters. By promoting awareness and understanding, the organization empowers visitors to actively contribute to the preservation of Puerto Rico’s unique botanical heritage.

Endangered Endemics Nursery

Experiential Learning: Recognizing the transformative power of experiential learning, Eye on the Rainforest engages visitors in hands-on activities such as seed or seedling collection, propagation, plant awareness workshops, nursery-work, and habitat restoration projects. Currently volunteers have been working on a landslide mitigation project, understanding the power of the volume of water that flowed over the land in 2022 Hurricane Fiona and for 5 weeks after. They have been actively handling and planting Vetiver, (Chrysopogon zizanioides), a deep-rooted grass plant, on slope edges and sun-tolerant seedlings of tree species such as Tabebuia heterophylla, (that also has deep taproots), directly into the open gash of the landslide. These tangible experiences allow individuals to become active participants in the conservation efforts on land with plants. By immersing visitors in these authentic encounters, Eye on the Rainforest fosters a sense of ownership and stewardship, inspiring visitors to become advocates for the protection of Puerto Rico’s exceptional forests and plant life.

Landslide mitigation, planting vetiver and trees

Conservation Partnerships: The collaborative efforts between Eye on the Rainforest and BGCI exemplify the pivotal role played by partnerships in addressing complex conservation challenges. Through this alliance, the organizations synergistically leverage their collective resources, expertise, and networks. Collaborative research initiatives, exchange of conservation strategies, and pooling of efforts bolster the long-term survival prospects of endangered endemic plants in Puerto Rico. This partnership not only strengthens the conservation efforts directed towards these plant species but also serves as a model for global cooperation in safeguarding any botanical treasures confronting the threat of extinction.

Processing the seeds from collected fruits of endangered endemic Ravenia urbanii.

Promoting Sustainable Gardening Practices: Eye on the Rainforest recognizes the significance of promoting sustainable gardening practices beyond the boundaries of its premises. By engaging visitors and local communities through workshops and demonstrations focused on organic gardening, native plant landscaping, and sustainable water management, the organization encourages individuals to create green spaces that support local biodiversity. This holistic approach not only contributes to the conservation of endemic plants but also builds a culture of environmental stewardship.

Creating a Botanical Team for Surveys: One noteworthy aspect of Eye on the Rainforest’s conservation efforts is the creation of a dedicated team who embark on surveys together, developing not only scientific collaboration but also cultivating enduring friendships that stretch across disciplines. These botanists, armed with their collective expertise and passion for plants, venture into the rich landscapes of Puerto Rico to document and study endemic species, including the remarkable Ravenia urbanii and Garcinia portoricensis.

The team’s expertise crosses fields of botany, ecology, mycology, silviculture, forestry, dendrology, horticulture, plant taxonomy, farming, agronomy, botany, tropical ecology, taxonomy, bryology, arboriculture, herpetology, biology, sociology, orchidology activism, lepidopterology, lichenology, and pteridology. The arts are included as several team members are also artists and architects.

Through their shared experiences in the field, enduring challenges, and witnessing the beauty of Puerto Rico’s flora firsthand, this team of botanists develops deep bonds of camaraderie and mutual respect. This collaborative approach not only strengthens scientific research but also promotes a sense of pride, community, and shared responsibility in safeguarding the invaluable plant biodiversity of Puerto Rico. Social media has become an important tool in drawing the public into discussion and understanding of the work being done.

Eye on the Rainforest’s collaboration with BGCI in the conservation of endemic plant species showcases the organization’s commitment to nurturing Puerto Rico’s unique flora. The project has developed enchanting trails and gardens, promoted educational outreach, offered experiential learning opportunities, and promotion of sustainable practices. Eye on the Rainforest inspires visitors to develop an enduring affection and reverence for the island’s botanical treasures. The partnership with BGCI magnifies the impact of their conservation endeavors and reinforces the imperativeness of protecting Puerto Rico’s biodiversity; by developing profound connections between individuals and nature, Eye on the Rainforest and BGCI pave the way for a sustainable future, wherein endemic plants thrive, and the botanical heritage of Puerto Rico endures for generations to come.

All photos By 3t Vakil, Sept 2023.

Written by Thrity Vakil – President of Eye On The Rainforest (Las Casas de la Selva, Puerto Rico)

An Orchid Oasis In The Heart Of San Diego - from CPC October newsletter

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:27:24 GMT

From Center for Plant Conservation October 2023 Newsletter:

Based on an Interview with Heinfried Block, Senior Plant Propagator & Adam Graves, Director of Horticulture

Nestled between the baboons and meerkats of Africa Rocks and the gentle giants of the Elephant Odyssey, visitors of the San Diego Zoo find a haven for a different type of wildlife in the Orchid Greenhouse. Established nearly 50 years ago to celebrate orchids and their beauty, the Orchid Greenhouse has since taken an active role in global orchid conservation. With over 900 species of orchids, the Zoo’s collection is the seventh largest in North America by taxonomic diversity and the fifteenth largest in the whole world—an impressive feat!

The Zoo’s horticulture team shows off the orchids every month at Plant Day events, inviting guests to see the world-class collection and connect with threatened plants. Every plant has a story to tell! Some of the orchids in the greenhouse came to the Zoo in an intriguing kind of rescue. Poaching is a major threat to orchids in their native habitats, where they are removed from their habitat for a variety of reasons, including ornamental use.

Paphiopedilum armeniacum, a plant which fell prey to poachers due to its beautiful, bright yellow flower color and spectacular flowers. Seedlings of this rare plant are successfully growing in vitro at SDZWA. Photo courtesy of SDZWA.

Orchids are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, meaning international transportation without a permit is completely illegal—but this doesn’t always stop poachers. Fortunately, as a designated Plant Rescue Center, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) is able to provide a safe environment for plants confiscated in the illegal orchid trade.

When plants are confiscated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the country of origin is contacted to determine if they should be sent back. If the country of origin declines, the Zoo becomes caretaker for the confiscated orchids, either displaying them in the greenhouse or sending them to other Plant Rescue Centers for safekeeping. SDZWA orchid specialists propagate and grow subsequent generations of the poached orchids, which can be given to other botanical gardens for ex situ display and conservation—or, if appropriate, sold in plant sales on site. This process provides an opportunity to share a story that engages visitors with plant conservation and the plight of threatened plants. Sometimes, the plant material in the Zoo’s care may come from the last known population of a species! In the safety of the Zoo’s ex situ collection, surrounded by brilliant conservationists, material can be preserved and cared for to ensure ex situ survival, contributing towards conservation in the wild.

Since 2015, the SDZWA horticulture team has been working on in situ conservation in orchid biodiversity hotspots. One of these is the western Pacific island country of Palau, where 80 species of native orchids can be found. Last year, SDZWA orchid experts worked with local partners to collect seed and pollen from orchids in Palau. This project, a collaborative effort with the U.S. Forest Service and the North American Orchid Conservation Center, focuses on building up local capacity for orchid conservation in Palau through micropropagation training, providing nursery supplies, and building facilities at community colleges. SDZWA hopes to become involved with IUCN conservation assessments in the region in the future to help drive conservation efforts and interest. Another region of focus for in situ work is the southwestern U.S. – a Conservation Hub, or priority region, for SDZWA. In the Southwest, SDZWA collects pollen, seed, and other biological material from native orchids like Epipactis gigantea.

Orchids occur on every continent except Antarctica, and the SDZWA collection represents the family’s global diversity well. Heinfried Block, an orchid expert and Senior Plant Propagator at the Zoo, masterfully tackles the challenge of caring for such a vast array of orchids and enjoys taking on the more difficult-to-grow species. Propagation of orchids ex situ is a complex task, with in vitro growth demanding much expertise, knowledge, and specialized laboratory space. The SDZWA horticulture team has been remarkably successful at growing species from far and wide in the lab, covering many genera of orchids. One particularly challenging species to grow in the lab is Phragmipedium kovachii, a critically endangered Peruvian species subjected to rampant poaching in its wild populations. After receiving donated specimens of P. kovachii, SDZWA was able to successfully grow this plant from seed in the lab—an important accomplishment in the species’ conservation.

Back at home, the Zoo’s horticulture team engages the public with yet another popular event: Plant Days. On Plant Days, horticulture staff give Botanical Bus Tours of the Zoo’s flora and give talks by their Carnivorous Plant Greenhouse. Plant sales are held outside the Orchid Greenhouse to attract the attention of visitors.

Critically endangered Peruvian orchid Phragmipedium kovachii, one of the most sought after and prized orchids in the orchid world, resulting in population decline due to poaching. Photo courtesy of SDZWA.

These events allow the Zoo to share about plant conservation and the Zoo’s global and local efforts. According to Adam Graves, Director of Horticulture, “When we talk about the conservation status of a lot of these plants, it’s really an eye opener for a lot of people…it’s a gateway conversation to get them more familiar with the need for plant conservation.” Plant Days help draw visitors in to learn about threatened plants. While many guests are surprised to learn about the Zoo’s vast horticultural collections, their orchid collection provides yet another surprise in the form of U.S. native orchids.

SDZWA’s efforts to engage the public with plant conservation help visitors understand how each of them can make a positive impact. The horticulture team’s expertise with exceptional species, such as orchids, cycads, and oaks, makes this conservation niche an important focus. Future directions for the horticulture team and orchid experts include expanding further into long-term cryopreservation, ecosystem-level stories involving all species in a system, and more public-focused education programs. This broad-ranging work with threatened orchids provides a stellar example of SDZWA’s global leadership in conservation.

https://saveplants.org/save-plants-october-2023-newsletter/?mc_cid=c4b5764299&mc_eid=e6b5e03a7e

AZH Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant project report from Mesker Park Zoo

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 15:25:32 GMT

In 2019, we began working with Signature School, a local charter school who’s mission is to meet the needs of self-motivated learners in a progressive environment driven by global concerns. They emphasize rigor and excellence in academics, the arts, integrated technologies and community services. Signature has become an integral part of the Zoo, as our botanic team engages students with horticulture projects and education that develop hands on skills and conservation knowledge. The aim is to involve students in zoological horticulture, as it relates to conserving and preserving habitats, and lessoning the impact of climate change. Each class does a day of service work each year and we have been able to work with the Freshman class for three different years on conservation and other projects here at the zoo.

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden received the AZH Wendy Andrews Cultivation Grant in 2020-21. After delays due to COVID, we were able to move forward with this project. We impacted 100 kids and teachers with the conservation projects planned around the zoo using the grant money. These projects included building mason bee houses, planting 30 native trees and shrubs and adding to our browse gardens for the animals. Several other smaller conservation projects were included to keep everyone busy. We had a great day with the group and appreciate the opportunity given to do this project using AZH WACG funds!

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden’s mission is to foster the preservation of the Earth’s diverse species and living systems through an active role in education and conservation in our regional and professional community. The Zoo connects people with the natural world by providing quality experiences that promote understanding and celebrate the rich tapestry of life. From educational programming such as field trips, volunteer projects, and summer camps, to hosting family reunions, corporate events, and weddings, the Zoo connects with people in countless ways. The Evansville Zoological Society supports the Zoo through leadership, education, fund development, and volunteer services for the benefit of the people, plants and animals it serves.

Misty Minar, Horticulture Manager

The Art of Zooticulture - Lisa Philander, Ph.D. Director of Horticulture at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 15:54:44 GMT

After 20 years’ experience in public gardens, my love of plants continues to astound me. There’s always something new and unexpected to learn about the ways that plants, animals, and people are connected. That’s especially true in the world of zooticulture—the art of horticulture in a zoo—a discipline that’s become my latest passion after beginning a new position at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota. I have that wonderful, familiar feeling of being excited about a new aspect of horticulture that’s taken me by surprise.

My job is to create inviting landscapes, gardens, and habitats that the Zoo’s more than 1,000 animals will thrive in, and that over 2 million annual visitors will love. Over the past year, it’s been a steep learning curve. I’ve spent hours with my zookeeping colleagues learning the differences between mountain lions and snow leopards, orangutans, and spider monkeys; all to understand the unique habitats the animals come from and the varied plant life they depend on. I’ve learned the value of a bobo ball (a seal-training toy), what vegetables gorillas prefer (pumpkins), and what to do if a thousand - pound polar bear escapes (hiding under your desk is not the correct answer).

Visiting other zoos and botanical gardens has been particularly helpful during my zooticulture endeavor. To seek inspiration as the Como Park Zoo plans for a renovation of its large cat habitat, I visited the Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens to see their stunning new lion exhibit. With the elevated rocks featured in the exhibit, the lions can sit above the heads of visitors and look out at the horizon like they would do in the savannah, giving the cats an even more impressive stature. As I thought about our resident lion Mumford, who serenades the neighbors with a mid-morning growl around 10 a.m., I wondered what we can do to make his Minnesota home look more like a grassy savannah. While our lion exhibit has majestic mature oaks and a platform built for the lion’s viewing ease, we’re working on how we can make his home look more like the natural habitat of a lion. To that end, we’ve decided on adding some honey locust, Gleditsia tricanthos, which resemble the Acacia trees native to Mumford’s ancestral African home.

Planning our exhibit upgrades brings me to another question--how does a zoo keep its exhibits looking fresh with 1,000-pound animals rolling and running around in the space? One amazing tip I learned from a visit to the Oregon Zoo, nestled into a massive redwood forest, is to have keepers—not horticulturists—bring new plants to a habitat. If a keeper does the planting, the animals who know the keeper’s scent, will be less likely to dig up the plant.

Finally, there is the question of “browse,” the term zookeepers use for fresh plant material for the animals to eat. As a conservation-focused institution, we work hard to eliminate waste and make use of all the natural resources we have on site. Fortunately, our animals love to eat all the invasive species that we’re removing from our display gardens. Weeds like mulberry, Morus alba, are such a scrumptious treat for our giraffes, and our keepers call dibs on who gets the most freshly cut invasives! Now we’re working on finding an area on our campus to create a “browse forest” for our animals. While the neighbors might need some convincing, as a new zooticulturist, I can see that a cultivated weed patch could actually be a thing of beauty. If we spray pesticides inside the Conservatory, can we still feed the banana leaves we trim to the animals in the zoo? What about after two weeks, when the chemicals have cycled out of the plant? Does it depend upon the chemical, or the animal? These are the questions we have to consider in every corner of the zoo, and it’s no wonder I’m finding zooticulture to be the most challenging and fascinating horticulture I’ve ever practiced.

Lisa Philander, Ph.D. Director of Horticulture at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Zoo Tales Blog: Gardening for Gorillas – Trials, tricks, and triumphs of a zoo horticulturalist

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:11:30 GMT

https://biaza.org.uk/news/detail/zoo-tales-blog-gardening-for-gorillas-trials-tricks-and-triumphs-of-a-zoo-horticulturalist?mc_cid=387ce66bb4&mc_eid=e572fa14fc

Zoo Tales Blog: Gardening for Gorillas – Trials, tricks, and triumphs of a zoo horticulturalist

Posted: 25th February, 2023

For Zoo Tales week, Stephen Butler, Curator of Horticulture at Dublin Zoo, introduces Gardening for Gorillas and the symbiotic significance of plants in the animal world...

I love plants. Pure and simple. A zoo is for animals, isn’t it? Yes, but animals need plants need animals, so many links. Plants are the physical structure of many natural habitats, and of course are at the bottom of almost all food chains. So, in a zoo, plants can be very useful in many ways.

Plants contribute, naturally, to the five freedoms of animal welfare. Carefully chosen, plants provide enrichment, natural feeding, or play. Plants provide shade and shelter. Plants allow normal behaviour, food gathering and climbing. Plants provide screening from other animals (and, dare I say, visitors).

Plants add immensely to the ambience of the zoo, creating, with careful plant choice, a unique character to different areas. Being surrounded by plants is beneficial to our feelings and health, and surely the animals feel better too. Plus, all the benefits of carbon storage and rain absorption in planted areas. Plants can also be an incredible educational resource.

I spent 37 years increasing the planted aspect of Dublin Zoo. The Victorian fence lines slowly disappeared, and some animal areas were planted too. Each animal has their own challenges though! Geese ruled the lake edges, finding plants to resist their beaks – and feet – was indeed a long, drawn-out contest but the plants ultimately won. At the opposite end of the scale, I found plants that elephants would not touch!

On retiring I considered writing about my experiences. There is, to my knowledge, no other book that details planting with zoo animals and the unique challenges presented. The combination of possible soil damage from feet, damage from teeth, lips, or trunks, and the physical breaking or pulling up of plants can at times be hard to beat.

But, and it’s a very useful, and big, but, zoo horticulturalists are beating the animals – in the nicest possible way of course! Designing a new exhibit for animals must include the horticultural team from day one – design planted areas that allow the plants to grow, enough soil depth and root area especially, adequate light, and irrigation if needed – protected in such a way that the animals cannot access and damage, or maybe not access too much. Information about the animal behaviour, and dietary preferences, is key to the horticultural team succeeding on the plant side. If plants are not palatable they may be left alone, the trick is not to have anything actually toxic….

Even better, the zoo horticulturalists have become organised, with regular conferences, newsletters, and articles. More importantly, they have developed a website www.zooplants.net. This lists hundreds of plants used in hundreds of exhibits. So, for any new exhibit/habitat being planned, the horticulturalists can refer to the website and see examples of plant use in other zoos – what worked, or maybe didn’t – an incredible resource.

There are two examples from the book Gardening for Gorillas that I refer to often. Purple willow Salix purpurea with the gorillas. The animal team reckoned all planting would be pulled up in days. The gorillas sampled the willow the first day – and spat it out in disgust! Full of salicylic acid, harmless but incredibly bitter. Completely ignored, the willows flowered in spring after 4 years….and the gorillas then ate them – but only the probably acid-free catkins, so much so that they had green chins from the pollen. Perfect temporary enrichment. The orangutan new island was very heavily planted with shrubs trialled and left alone by the gorillas. The mix included cardoons, Cynara cardunculus, with very large felty leaves. Left alone at first, the orangutan then started stripping the leaves off. Laid in a neat pile they were insulation from cold or wet ground. Again, great enrichment and no real harm to the plant.

The book has chapters on different habitats, and information about the horticultural input in the design process, problems encountered and solutions found. A chapter on soil compaction caused by animals, using urban soil and perhaps grass reinforcement mesh, is extremely useful – muddy conditions are not good for staff or animals! A much larger chapter details the educational aspects of some of the plants used around Dublin Zoo. The Education Team were keen to use the resource that grew all around them, but didn’t know enough about the plants. A spreadsheet was developed by the horticulture team listing the plants that could be used, in different seasons, as examples – pollination or medicinal use say – information that is being uploaded to www.zooplants.net too.

If my book helps encourage more zoos to use more plants, for the animals’ benefit, and for the visitors as a pleasant background, with educational tours that include plants too, I’ll feel the effort was well worth it.

www.gardeningforgorillas.com

Stephen Butler Dip Hort Kew, Editor for ZooLex

Curator of Horticulture, Dublin Zoo, 1981-2018

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not a reflection of BIAZA's positions.

AZH announces 2022 Plant Conservation Grant awards

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:05:44 GMT

Zoo horticulture involves more than enhancing the landscape for its resident animal populations as evidenced by the thousands of dollars used to protect and conserve the natural environment within our zoos and around the world. One of the core values of the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH) is conservation of rare plants and plant diversity. This commitment to plant conservation through the AZH Plant Conservation Grant program began in 1992 and has awarded over $500,000 to projects spanning the country and the globe.

AZH plant conservation grants encourage plant conservation activities and partnerships within and between AZH members, member zoos and member zoo partners. Grant monies are provided through the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF), AZH member donations, and auction proceeds from annual conferences. The focus for these grants should be plant conservation activities that tie to habitat conservation, biological diversity preservation, germplasm preservation, environmental education. AZH Plant Conservation Grants are awarded for both in-situ and ex-situ plant conservation work.

The Association of Zoological Horticulture is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the advancement of zoo horticulture in zoological parks, gardens, and aquariums. AZH works to highlight the importance of plants within zoos and aquariums, and seeks to support the horticulturists who work in a zoological setting.

2022 AZH Plant Conservation Grant recipients

Working towards safeguarding four endangered species endemic to the Sierra Bermeja region of Puerto Rico,

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

The project would further safeguard four endangered and endemic species native to the Sierra Bermeja region in southwestern Puerto Rico, in continuation of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s (FTBG) previous work in this area. This project will focus on four species: Aristida chaseae, Aristida portoricensis, Lepidaploa proctorii and Lyonia truncata var. proctorii. All four species are known from six or fewer populations in the wild of which several are threatened by habitat loss through development on unprotected land and competition by invasive species (Flickinger et al. 2022).

Evaluating tree guards and biochar/wood chipping-enriched top dressing to improve survival and growth of young native trees planted in challenging conditions at Parc Ivoloina, Madagascar,

Naples Zoo/Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group with Missouri Botanical Garden

The goal of the project is to provide a science-based evaluation of the impact of tree guards and the
use of biochar/wood chip-enriched top-dressing in promoting the survival and increasing growth rate in of young native Malagasy trees out-planted on impoverished soil in exposed locations in Parc Ivoloina. More specifically our objective in this project is to compare average (N = 50) 12-month mortality and growth of out-planted seedlings of ten native tree species in each of four treatments: a) tree guard + top dressing; b) tree guard; c) top dressing; and d) control.

Cultivating Cross-border Collaborations towards Conserving Threatened Oaks,

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The purpose of this grant is to support the conservation of two priority, threatened oaks (Quercus cedrosensis and Quercus dumosa) through cross-border partnerships in southern California and Baja California, Mexico. We request support to conduct a surveying trip to collect more information for two threatened oaks, Quercus cedrosensis and Q. dumosa, locally rare species, so as to gain a better understanding of the populations’ status in Baja California, build relationships with the local partners, to identify and prioritize collaborations to further conserve the populations, as well as, gather material to conserve the species in ex situ living collections; the seed grown from the ex situ individuals can be used for future restoration efforts. Additionally, we request support to host a workshop to exchange tools, information and foster new partnerships to work together on the priority actions identified in the conservation action plan, to continue to make progress on conserving the full native range of each of the species, and that we have the tools and resources to share more
broadly to further engage more partners outside of the workshop to leverage further support in this important work.

Enhancing conservation of Piñuelo ( Pelliciera benthamii) to support integrated mangrove ecosystem and
species conservation efforts,

Naples Botanical Garden/Cartagena Botanical Garden

This project aims to expand conservation efforts for Piñuelo (Pelliciera benthamii), a segregated species from Pelliciera rhizophorae (Duke, 2020). Piñuelo is a mangrove plant species restricted to small populations in the Panamanian Pacific and the Colombian Caribbean. P. rhizophorae was listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to isolated populations, reduced range, and decline in habitat quality. We are re-assessing P. benthamii, and its conservation status will most likely change from vulnerable to endangered. This project will build on an existing project targeting the collection and propagation of P. benthamii and supports the recommended conservation action for the species identified by Blanco-Libreros and Ramirez-Ruiz (2021). The project will be initiated at the beginning of 2023 and completed by the end of the same year.

Stop Bugging Me!

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:58:06 GMT

In an effort to care for our plants and animals the best way possible while minimizing any negative impact on the environment, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden applies integrated pest management practices wherever possible. Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a five-step plan that starts with identifying the pest.

Once you know what you are dealing with, monitoring pest activity is the next step to help determine the action needed for each situation. Every pest has a life cycle; understanding it is critical to establish control measures. We follow a handy flow chart to help determine the best action and choose the controls that work best for the situation. Controls include physical/mechanical, cultural, chemical or biological methods. Sometimes all are used in order to handle the task at hand, but we start with those that have the least potential impacts. At MPZ&BG, we tend to use chemical controls as a last resort once other measures have been exhausted.

The botanical department uses all measures of IPM. In the 10,000-square-foot Amazonia rainforest, taking care of plant pests such as mealy bugs and scale can be a challenge. In order to keep animals and people safe, we do not use insecticide sprays inside Amazonia. Physical controls involve keeping leaf litter cleaned up to minimize hiding spots and breeding grounds. Cultural controls include providing plants with optimal conditions, including proper humidity, lighting, and water. Maintaining plant health is vital because pests tend to attack stressed plants the most. Our biological controls involve releasing beneficial insects. One of our favorites is the Cryptolaemus montrouzieri or mealy bug destroyer. As their common name suggests, these beetles lay their eggs in the cottony masses of mealy bug nests. Once they hatch, the larvae voraciously eat mealy bugs. Crytomleamus beetles are beneficial in both adult and larval stages and are great to use in Amazonia as well as the three support greenhouses on zoo property. Aphytis melinus are tiny wasps used for scale control and lacewing larvae are employed for other soft bodied insects including aphids.

While the use of beneficial insects doesn’t always eradicate the pest problems, it maintains a healthy balance for plants to thrive as well as keeping our staff, visitors, and animals safe from pesticide exposure.

The addition of Amazonia in 2008 created the perfect environment for the creatures intended to live there and some that were not—including roaches! Animal food and lots of hiding spots were big attractions to several roach species. Again, we followed the steps to identify and decide which control methods would work best for the situation, then got to work to keep roaches in check. Early on, we implemented a control program that consisted of monitoring and assessing numbers, then releasing a parasitic wasp, Aprostocetus hagenowii, biweekly. The wasp will seek out roach egg cases and lay its eggs inside. Once the wasp eggs hatch, the larvae eat the contents of the roach egg case. The adults then emerge to find more roach eggs to parasitize. Once established, the wasps help to control roach populations. Nearly 14 years later, we think they may still be at work. Another release is planned this year to continue the process. While this doesn’t eliminate roaches completely, it works in tandem with other control methods to keep them in check.

Another cool IPM program we use is to control filth flies that tend to attack the ears of animals such as wolves and tigers. The horticulture and animal departments work together to release another type of predatory wasp that helps control filth flies. Every other week from April until September, fly egg cases parasitized by wasps arrive and are distributed to different areas of the zoo. The horticulture staff fill and leave bottles for each animal area at the commissary to be picked up along with animal diets. Zookeepers and staff then add them to the proper release containers in the animal and compost areas. With these two departments working together, we help to reduce the number of annoying flies that can spread bacteria and disease and are a nuisance to animals.

When adding new animal habitats like Penguins of Patagonia, IPM is factored in from the beginning. Mosquitos can carry West Nile virus which is a primary health concern for our precious birds. Many IPM measures have been put in to place to keep them safe. Physical control includes oscillating fans to create air movement as mosquitos dislike turbulence. Culture controls involve assuring that gutters and other areas are clear of standing water. Biological controls include planting plants that deter mosquitos in the landscaping around the habitat as well as installing bat boxes and releasing native mosquito fish to surrounding ponds. Chemical controls are available, but we are confident that by controlling breeding conditions for mosquitos, we will successfully control the population.

IPM is a responsible and environmentally friendly way to control pest populations. This method can be used to control flies, plant-sucking insects, roaches, and many other undesirables. While pests are always challenging, it’s fun to be creative with management methods on zoo grounds. IPM encourages collaboration between departments and promotes a well-rounded way to keep our plants, animals, staff, and visitors safe.

Misty Minar, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

Grow Love, in the Garden

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 17:20:13 GMT

By AZH member Andrew Lyell, Senior Gardener, Los Angeles Zoo

The path of Cupid's arrow is straight and true: the target is a lover's heart. But some of us need a little extra assistance, which can be found abundantly in the garden. The gift flowers to your beloved is ancient and very effective. But there are other ways of expressing love with plants. In addition to the classic bouquet of roses, champagne, perfumes, and chocolate are common gifts to lovers. All are plant based...

The common names of some of the plants we grow are full of romance. Love-in-a-Mist, Nigella damascena, is one of my all-time favorites. It is a small annual grown for its light-blue or white flowers and also for the dried seed pods that follow the blooms. Their complex shape is fascinating and both are beautiful.

Nigella damascena, Love-in-a-Mist

Bleeding Heart, Lamprocapnis spectabilis, is a rhizomatous perennial that produces inflorescences that look like strings of small hearts held aloft and dangling in the breeze. Love-Lies-Bleeding, Amaranthus caudatus, is another wonderfully named plant that will easily establish itself in many gardens, but can become weedy if not kept in check. The genus name comes from the Greek word for “unfading”: amarantos. The long red, tassel-like flower sprays add splashes of color followed by seeds that are edible.

Lamprocapnis spectabilis, Bleeding Heart

Forget-Me-Not, Myosotis, is a small plant commonly used as a groundcover with clusters of pretty blue flowers. As the name implies, its traditional meaning is remembrance. There are dozens of Myosotis species, several of which are native to the Americas. The sassy Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) is a medium sized plant native to Africa that is grown for its tall flower spikes of red, orange, and yellow. It’s also known as Torch Lily, in case you are still carrying a torch for someone.

Myosotis, Forget-Me-Not,

One of the many common names for yarrow (Achillea) is "devil's plaything" because it was used for fortunetelling and spell casting. In the past, people also believed that placing yarrow under their pillows would make them dream of matters of love.

Many plants have heart-shaped leaves that also serve nicely as symbols of love. Cyclamen is sometimes used as an annual bedding plant. Its heart-shaped leaves enhance beautiful blooms of red or pink, common colors for Valentine’s Day. Redbud trees (Cercis) also produce heart-shaped leaves, which on some cultivars such as ‘Forest Pansy’ are dark purple, adding eye-catching color to the landscape. In early spring when the tree is still leafless the whole tree explodes with light purple flowers. It is a stunning sight to see several of them flowering en masse.

There are several Sweetheart Plants. Heart-Leaf Philodendron is is an easy to grow houseplant, and maybe the best example of a heart shaped leaf is Hoya kerrii. The cute little hearts are planted in small pots and sold at supermarket florists as Valentine's Day gifts. (Though the leaves alone will root, they won’t develop into vines unless a stem node is included. These singles are “blind leaves.”) And for steadfast streamers of Valentines, Ceropegia woodii, string of hearts, is another sweet selection.

Many of us like to celebrate our Day of Love by enjoying a meal at a nice restaurant with a bottle of champagne or good wine. Or maybe a cocktail or two. These drinks wouldn't exist if it wasn't for plants. Grapes, Agaves, hops, cereal grains such as barley, wheat, and rice, plus many types of fruit including elderberries, apples, peaches, and cherries have all been used for hundreds of years to produce intoxicating beverages, which have long been used as aphrodisiacs. Nutmeg, saffron, and ginseng, among many other plant products have shown to be effective in improving the amorous reactions for some people.

Fragrant plants can also evoke feelings of affection and more. The seductive scent of lavender (Lavandula) can induce a sense of ultra-relaxation. It is also used in sachets to perfume clothing drawers and garments worn close to the skin. Romans considered basil (Ocimum) the herb of love. Its aromatic leaves are used in many cultures and during food preparation, when sweet smells can fill the kitchen and adjacent rooms—perhaps even the bedroom. ;-)

A powerful way to show you love someone is to cook a favorite dish using herbs and vegetables from your garden. The sacred act of nourishing our bodies with food we have grown and raised ourselves from our gardens is always a joy.

Harvest some love from the plants you grow in your garden. Then share your love. Show your love for AZH by reaching out to fellow members to say hello and to rekindle acquaintances.

Photo credit: Andrew Lyell, Sandy Masuo

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to Host Conserving Exceptional Plants: Cryobiotechnology and the Model of Oaks Virtual Symposium, October 19-21, 2021

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 12:01:38 GMT

2020 AZH Plant Conservation Grant recipient Valerie Pence and Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden have put together a free symposium and workshop on using cryotechnology in plant conservation programs.

Join the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s free three-day symposium and workshop October 19-21, 2021. You’ll hear from leading experts in the field of exceptional plant conservation and cryopreservation. Using oaks as a sample species, attendees will learn about the potentials of cryotechnologies and how they can be applied to a wide range of exceptional species. This event is free, but registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Eagle Passage at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Wins National Exhibit Award

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:29:41 GMT

Submitted by Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Eagle Passage isn’t just a forever home for rescued, injured bald eagles, or an immersive experience that inspires visitors with a conservation success story. Now, the unique habitat at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park has also been nationally recognized with top honors in the 2021 Exhibit Award category from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

The award was presented online at the AZA Virtual Annual Conference on Wednesday, September 22.

“Receiving this award is a high honor for Northwest Trek,” said Alan Varsik, director of Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. “Our visitors know how special Northwest Trek is, and it’s wonderful to have national recognition of the work we do. Eagle Passage is the result of our staff’s creativity and commitment to conservation, and the generous support of the Northwest Trek Foundation. This award recognizes that on a national level.”

Eagle Passage opened to the public on August 3, 2019 as both a way to tell the bald eagle conservation story and as a home for rescued bald eagles injured in the wild. Enclosed with high airy netting, it utilizes many existing old-growth Douglas firs, with cables and mesh attached to the forest giants via a unique, bolt-free block-and-collar system that allows the trees free growth. A walkway through the center allows visitors to see majestic bald eagles close-up while giving the birds – all of whom have some degree of long-term wing injury – a safe passage between habitat sections.

In addition, Northwest Trek operations staff created safe perches for the injured eagles using 100-year-old dead tree snags repurposed from where they had fallen in other areas of the park. Cheveyo, an eagle with a completely amputated wing, was given her own exclusive area with low perches and branches covered with anti-slip material to help her balance.

To complete the experience for visitors, interactive displays tell the timeline story of how this iconic American species was saved from extinction by community action, as well as giving children a chance to “measure their wings” against a life-size graphic and climb inside a life-size concrete “nest.” Northwest native plantings, including 30-year-old sword ferns salvaged from construction sites, fill out both the habitat and the bigger ecological story.

“My goal was to make Eagle Passage look and feel like where you would find bald eagles in the wild – up at Mount Rainier or on the Olympic Peninsula,” said wildlife park horticulturist Jake Pool.

Eagle Passage cost a total of $578,474, which was raised by the nonprofit Northwest Trek Foundation from community donations. Key donors are recognized with bronze “feathers” on a low outside wall which surrounds a majestic bronze eagle statue by local artist Ed Kroupa.

Native to North America and once plentiful across the United States, bald eagles were close to extinction in the Lower 48 states by the middle of the 20th century. The Endangered Species Act and other laws, such as a ban on the pesticide DDT, afforded them the ability to safely reproduce. The species is no longer endangered and is more than a national symbol; it is an example of how people working together can help protect wild animals and wild places.

“Eagle Passage was designed to tell the recovery story of the bald eagle, reinforce our vital conservation mission and, most importantly, offer a message of hope to our guests and community about what we can do if we all care together,” added Varsik. “This award recognizes Northwest Trek’s cultural relevance, as well as our commitment to animal welfare.”

The Eagle Passage habitat can be found in the main walking area of Northwest Trek, every day that the wildlife park is open. For more information, see the website.

Zoo New England joins Center for Plant Conservation network

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:22:51 GMT

Welcome To CPC: Zoo New England

Based on CPC Application

Our network is growing, and with it grows our ability to save rare and endangered plants from extinction. Zoo New England (ZNE), located in Boston, Massachusetts, has a mission “to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.” To that end, ZNE has been developing new organizational practices, weaving conservation into their onsite visitor experiences, and spearheading plant conservation projects to advocate for plants and biodiversity. These efforts made ZNE an excellent candidate for the CPC network, and the CPC Board of Trustees voted to approve their admission to the network in February 2021.

In recent years, ZNE has placed strategic focus on honing their expertise in plant conservation to equally emphasize both plant and wildlife conservation in their work and onsite experiences. They have led small-scale reintroductions of a rare plant species in the Metro Boston area, the state-listed species, New England blazing star (Liatris novae-angliae), and they have worked with regulatory agencies to monitor populations of threatened Britton’s violet (Viola brittoniana) and the related Viola pectinata. ZNE’s robust plant collection – a highlight of their onsite visitor experience – includes pollinator plants in their butterfly exhibit, an organic garden, and a rain garden. To strategically expand existing plant collections, ZNE recruited horticulturists who collaborate with conservation staff in developing curated plant collections that reflect the geographic regions their animal collections are endemic to and also educate visitors about the role of plants in an animal’s ecosystem. Additionally, their team is developing new collections of native plants, succulents, carnivorous plants, and more.

On an broad scale, ZNE has partnered with Dr. Bryan Connolly of Eastern Connecticut State University to conserve several species of rare Solanum native to the Caribbean. Utilizing ZNE greenhouses, the team has established captive populations of Solanum conocarpum from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Solanum ensifolium from Puerto Rico. Both species are critically endangered, with Solanum ensifolium believed to be nearly extinct in the wild. ZNE staff members have traveled to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, to assist with local reintroduction projects for Solanum conocarpum. ZNE hopes to eventually assist with reintroduction projects of two additional critically endangered Virgin Islands species, Erythrina eggersii and Eugenia earhardtii.

As they continue in this crucial work, Zoo New England is eager to connect and collaborate with other Participating Institutions and to contribute to our collective efforts to Save Plants. Their team’s dedication to plant conservation and educating the public on the critical importance of biodiversity for all life on Earth makes them an exciting addition to the CPC network.

Congratulations to the 2020-2021 AZH Plant Conservation grant recipients

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:04:02 GMT

Association of Zoological Horticulture

2020-2021 Commitment to Plant Conservation

One of the core values of the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH) is conservation of rare plants and plant diversity. This commitment to plant conservation through the AZH Plant Conservation Grant program began in 1992 and has awarded over $475,000 to projects spanning the country and the globe.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2020-2021 AZH Plant Conservation grant program!

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Establishment of a community-based tree nursery for landscape enrichment and community engagement in the buffer zone of a newly established 2000-acre reserve in the Guatemalan Dry Forest

San Diego Zoo

California Native Oak Conservation

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Seedbanking Georgia’s critically imperiled native plant species on the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

Naples Botanical Garden

Building Capacity for Conservation of Native Trees and Shrubs in Puerto Rico

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Advancing Cryobiotechnology Research, Networking, and Information Sharing for Oak Conservation

The Association of Zoological Horticulture is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the advancement of zoo horticulture in zoological parks, gardens, and aquariums. AZH works to highlight the importance of plants within zoos and aquariums, and seeks to support the horticulturists who work in a zoological setting.

Fungus Among-us!

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 16:40:18 GMT

Halloween may be over, but common fungal diseases on tropical plants ensure that spooky season never ends in our interior exhibits. According to the Ohio State University fact sheet on the topic, fungal diseases wreak more havoc on plants than any other group of plant pest or pathogen. Estimates hover around 85% of plant diseases are caused by fungal agents. The spores and hyphae of these mysterious, understudied organisms are lurking in your water, soil and air, waiting to strike like the masked psycho in a horror movie.

The very lack of what we understand about the Kingdom Fungi can make management difficult, however. They obtain nutrients by sending thread-like filaments throughout their food sources – you, me, a loaf of bread, your favorite plants, your jack o’lantern. They often hang around dead and decaying things (spooooky!) but not always. Sometimes they are straight-up evil parasites of living things. But, of course, evil is in the eye of the beholder – in this case, the beholder is the zoo horticulturist attempting to protect their tropical collections from the undead fungal hordes. Nevertheless, we should never forget the beneficial fungi that collaborate in vast mycorrhizal support systems for plant communities, as well as the yeasts that make sourdough bread and beer possible.

But we are here today to discuss the villains! Below are some of the common symptoms of fungal infections in interior plantscapes:

Leaf spots – Leaf spots are indicative of several different fungal species. Look for roughly circular tan/ reddish brown spots, concentric rings and small black fruiting bodies. If infection progresses, lesions may join together, killing off the growing tip or spread to branches of plants.

Powdery mildew – Powdery mildew is not just one but several fungal species. What starts as powdery spots on upper leaf surface can join together to cover the entire leaf. Powdery mildew is often found in temperate, humid climate conditions - temperatures above 86 do not support powdery mildew.

Stem canker – This infection is similar to an abscess- dark and mushy spots on stem. If an infection gets this far, the plant is usually not salvageable.

Black sooty mold – This fungus looks as grimy as a Victorian street urchin. Black sooty mold grows on the honeydew exudate of aphids, scale, and other sap-suckers. That high sugar content encourages the growth of black sooty mold. If the mold gets heavy enough, it can shade out the plant and stunt its growth. The horticulturist’s first response is to take care of the insect pest, which removes the source of the problem.

If fungal infections were like a horror movie, they would be like “The Thing”, starting off with small, seemingly innocuous symptoms but slowly infiltrating the plant completely and consuming it from the inside out. But unlike “The Thing”, the wise horticulturist does not need to blow up an entire Antarctic field station to contain the damage. Prevention and speedy diagnosis, as always, are going to be the most effective way to keep your plants healthy. Keep in mind that spores can live a long time and be carried by air currents, water, soil, tools and clothing, so our mantra for fungi should be “CONSTANT VIGILANCE” (shout-out to Mad-Eye Moody!).

• Include fungal symptoms in scouting regimen
• Check new plants for symptoms before installation
• Sanitize tools and containers regularly
• Eliminate cracks/ drafts if you suspect diseases are coming in from outer environment
• If fungal diseases are a significant and ongoing issue in your exhibit, consider resistant plant varieties
• May need lab analysis to pinpoint exact pathogen – most symptoms can be caused by wide array of fungal species

The next best way to manage fungal infections is to focus on plant health care and adjusting conditions to be better for plants, but worse for fungi. In the horror movie realm, this would be analogous to if you never build a summer camp, you are less likely to get a masked murderer hanging around.

• Reduce overall humidity
• Water early in the day to allow plant surfaces to dry
• Water to avoid wetness on surface of leaves, reduce overhead watering – dry leaves are less supportive of fungi. At Butterfly Pavilion, we often syringe our tropical exhibit for pest management, but we’ve gotten more focused over the years, so that we aren’t indiscriminately wetting leaf surfaces.
• Increase air circulation through strategic pruning and thinning.
• Remove debris from the ground regularly.
• Follow a balanced fertility program to avoid too much or too little of key plant nutrients
• Avoid wounding or stressing plant material as much as possible.

If cultural methods are not effective, you may want to consider the ultimate in physical methods – removing the infected plant entirely from the exhibit before it can be a source of new infections. Fortunately, you’ll have better luck with plants than in most horror movie franchises; those monsters just keep returning and returning!

Chemical controls can used to protect new tissue, but keep in mind that nothing can be done about the old infected tissue. Chemical fungicides, just like any chemical tool, require caution. Different fungicides are effective against different species of fungus, so checking the label is key. Fungicides can be irritating to skin, eyes and respiratory system, while chronic exposure may lead to negative health effects on the nervous system. Also, runoff and contamination, if it reaches the outside world, can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems and other organisms. For example, copper sulfate has been shown to have a negative effect on bees. Now that’s the real horror story!

Amy Yarger, Horticulture Director at Butterfly Pavilion

AZH Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant Update - Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 19:45:11 GMT

Honoring an accomplished person whose passion for life reflects ours.

All too often in everyday life as horticulturists we experience the philosophical mindset of people who view plants as an inferior form of life to animals and/or the inability to appreciate the unique features or aesthetics of plants. We are focused on changing this mindset.

In this regard, the Horticulture Team at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens would like to thank AZH for selecting us as a recipient of the 2020 Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant. Despite being the “Covid-19” year, we were eager to share with the public our role in the Zoo and Garden dynamic.

Choosing and planting a Southern live Oak (Quercus virginiana) was a conscious choice among our group because of the declining oaks in that area and the majesty of the mature tree.

I personally started from seed (basically at no cost to the zoo during the pandemic) the Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) and Verbena speciosa 'Imagination' to use as colorful, bee and butterfly attracting undercover plantings!

We eagerly await a recognition sign that’s design is currently in progress and I am personally excited to see the finished result. Once the sign is installed we will send an updated photo.

A lot of time and hard work went into this project and I hope you agree that we accomplished the respect it deserves.

Thank you for this opportunity and for your support,

Robin Vancil

Horticulture Technician II Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

State of the World's Plants and Fungi Virtual Symposium

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 16:11:46 GMT

Join international experts on 13 – 15 October 2020 to discuss actions for protecting and sustainably using the world’s plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of people and the planet.

https://www.kew.org/science/engage/get-involved/conferences/state-of-the-worlds-plants-and-fungi-symposium

This online symposium brings together experts to discuss findings presented in the report and to motivate actions for protecting and sustainably using the world’s plant and fungal diversity. The outcomes of the discussions will be used to inform policies and research aimed at exploring and sharing knowledge and benefits associated with plants and fungi around the world.

By holding it online, we’re able to bring together even more people globally – representing a diverse range of skills, experience and ethnic backgrounds.

Programme

The programme is based around six themed sessions in which invited experts will address a topical question through presentations and a Q&A panel discussion:

Session 1 – Collections
Why are they important for averting biodiversity loss? What should we do to help them evolve to enable us to address future challenges?

Session 2 – Biodiversity loss
What is driving the extinction rates?

Session 3 – Plant and fungal uses
How can we maximise the use of plant and fungal diversity to meet global challenges?

Session 4 – Genomics
How do we embrace novel approaches to studying plant and fungal biodiversity?

Session 5 – Commercialisation
How do we optimise the economic benefits of plant and fungal biodiversity in recognition of different stakeholders’ needs?

Session 6 – Policies
How can we work globally to respect and enable Access and Benefit Sharing and CITES regulations, while increasing the diversity of plants and fungi being studied?

Wild Population Conservation of Rare Plants – Then and Now

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 16:05:14 GMT

Based on information from Hong Liu, Ph.D., Florida International University

It was nearly 20 years ago that Hong Liu, Ph.D., was awarded the Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship. Working toward her Ph.D. at Florida International University (FIU), Hong used the fellowship funds to support her investigation of the impact of fire dynamics on a rare Florida keys endemic, narrowpod sensitive pea (Chamaecrista lineata var. keyensis). The fellowship, as well as her research, were important steps on her path to becoming a plant conservationist.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) supported Hong’s research on how rare plant species were being impacted by a fire management program designed to provide forage for the endangered Key deer, an endangered species. Though the pine rockland habitat supported many species adapted to fire and shallow limestone soils, Hong found that not all fires are created equal. In early summer, the sensitive pea sinks its resources into flowering and is most vulnerable. Fires occurring in this season prevented the plants from reproducing and were more likely to outright kill them. In contrast, late August fires allowed for the survival of plants and the recently matured seed. When the narrowpod sensitive pea was eventually listed through the Endangered Species Act, Hong’s dissertation (five years of field work and simulation modelling) became part of the backbone of the USFWS’s management plan on the refuge where she conducted her fieldwork.

This fieldwork was central to the project’s success, and the Beattie funds helped get the fieldwork done. With freedom to use the funds as needed, Hong was able to buy needed field supplies and hire undergraduate assistants to help her collect data at her numerous plots. Perhaps more importantly, the Beattie Fellowship was a confidence boost for Hong: “To have my idea endorsed by a national plant conservation organization made me very proud.”

In some ways, things have not changed much for Dr. Hong Liu since her Beattie Fellowship. She still conducts plant conservation research through FIU – only now as an associate professor in the Department of Earth and Environment and researcher in the FIU Institute of Environment. Her many research projects have focused on wild populations of endangered species. They include examining the impacts – and ways to reduce the impacts – of collecting pressure on wild orchids, the role of climate change on species, and the impact of biotic interactions on population persistence and expansion. In a current project, Hong is comparing populations of orchids that are rare in Florida (their northern distribution limit) to more populous communities of the same species in Cuba. She continues to work with pine rockland species, extending her studies to other rare plant species in this dwindling habitat type.

South Florida pine rockland forest.

But Hong hasn’t forgotten the plight of narrowpod sensitive pea. She is presently seeking support for a restoration project that will help the species become established on higher-elevation islands in the Keys, to enable the plant to survive rising sea levels. Her forward-thinking work continues to make a significant contribution to the long-term survival of endemic species in Florida.

Source - September 2020 Save Plants

President of Cameroon Suspends Logging Concessions in Ebo Forest

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 12:23:03 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 17, 2020

CONTACT: Devin Murphy Global Wildlife Conservation
                    dmurphy@globalwildlife.org 845-598-8092

                   Lindsay Renick Mayer Global Wildlife Conservation                    lrenickmayer@globalwildlife.org 202-422-4671 San Diego Zoo Global
                   Public Relations
                   619-685-3291

WEBSITE: SanDiegoZooGlobal.org

MULTIMEDIA NEWS RELEASE

President of Cameroon Suspends Logging Concessions

in Ebo Forest

Conservationists Urge an Inclusive

Land-use Planning Process to Determine Ebo’s Future

Nearly three weeks after the government of Cameroon approved a forestry management unit that would destroy Ebo Forest in the country’s Littoral Region, on Aug. 11 President Paul Biya withdrew the decree establishing a logging concession and suspended the process for a second concession. Conservationists welcomed the news and are hopeful that the government will embark on an inclusive land-use planning process with local communities to determine the future of Ebo Forest.

Ebo Forest is the ancestral land of more than 40 communities. The local Banen communities depend on Ebo Forest for food and traditional medicines. Any non-consensual development of the forest would heavily affect them. Before Cameroon’s independence in 1960, many communities lived in the forest, and their patriarchs and matriarchs are buried there.

Chief Victor Yetina of Ndikbassogog and a representative of the Association Munen Retour aux Sources, and Ekwoge Abwe, manager of the San Diego Zoo Central Africa Program’s Ebo Forest Research Project, issued a joint statement following the news of the suspension of the logging concession:

“We welcome the suspension, for now, of logging plans in Ebo Forest, but are concerned that its fate remains unclear,” the statement read. “This decision must be the first step toward recognition of Banen’s rights and forest protection. We call on the government of Cameroon to adhere to its international commitments, and to promote participatory mapping and land-use planning with local communities. Land tenure reform must have, at its core, the full recognition of communities’ rights. We also call on international donors and NGOs to support these processes with technical expertise and resources, both in Ebo Forest and across the Congo Basin.”

Ebo Forest is a hotspot for conservation research and discoveries. The forest provides critical habitat for many species of endangered primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys. Researchers believe that the small population of gorillas in Ebo may be a new subspecies, because they are geographically distinct from other populations of western lowland and cross river gorillas. In 2005, researchers discovered that the tool-wielding Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees in Ebo Forest are culturally distinct from any other group of chimpanzees in Africa. They are the only chimpanzees to use tools to both fish for termites and crack hard-shelled nuts.

The Cameroonian government had signed an international agreement to protect gorillas and their habitats on July 20, but two days later, it issued a decree establishing a logging concession in Ebo Forest.

“The president’s intervention to halt the imminent destruction of this unique forest is hugely welcome,” said Bethan Morgan, San Diego Zoo Global’s Central Africa Program head, who has been working to conserve the great apes of Ebo since she first observed gorillas there in 2002. “We hope that the international community will seize this opportunity to work with the government of Cameroon to make Ebo a showcase for long-term conservation, in harmony with very challenged communities. These communities have been responsible for the preservation of the treasures of Ebo to date, and an inclusive land-use planning process is now needed to fully share information, in order to make clear and calculated judgements about the future of the forest and its people.”

Ebo Forest makes up half of the Yabassi Key Biodiversity Area, making it a site of global importance to the planet’s overall health and the persistence of biodiversity. It sequesters 35 million tons of carbon. Botanical survey efforts, supported by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with Herbier National Camerounais, have resulted in the discovery of 29 species new to science, and the area is known to contain 52 globally threatened species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Ebo is a proposed tropical Important Plant Area.

“We are hugely happy with this positive news for Ebo,” said Martin Cheek, head of the team working on African Important Plant Areas at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. “Not only is Ebo of incredible global importance for its documented plant diversity, but it is the most exciting forest in Cameroon in terms of the high numbers of new scientific discoveries of species still being found.”

Cameroon’s Minister of Forestry signed two orders Feb. 4, proposing the classification of two forestry management units for timber extraction in Ebo Forest. The units would have destroyed the entire gorilla habitat and would have leveled the western part of the forest. The orders were posted publicly March 9, but that did not give the local communities living around Ebo sufficient time and opportunity to provide their input.

“Ebo Forest is such an important site for primate conservation,” said Dirck Byler, great ape conservation director at Global Wildlife Conservation and vice chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission’s (SSC) Primate Specialist Group. “With their habitat shrinking across Africa, it’s especially good news that Ebo can continue to provide a home for gorillas and chimpanzees. Hopefully it will be protected from any unsustainable development in the future."

In April, more than 60 conservationists, including experts from the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group and Global Wildlife Conservation, signed a letter to Cameroon’s Prime Minister Joseph Ngute, asking that the plans for the logging concessions be put on hold and the government work with local communities to develop a sustainable land-use plan. They argued that adopting a more inclusive process would signal to Cameroon’s international partners during this critical year for biodiversity that the government intends to honor its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

About Global Wildlife Conservation

Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) conserves the diversity of life on Earth by safeguarding wildlands, protecting wildlife and supporting guardians. The organization maximizes its impact through scientific research, biodiversity exploration, habitat conservation, protected area management, wildlife crime prevention, endangered species recovery and conservation leadership cultivation. Learn more at globalwildlife.org.

About San Diego Zoo Global

Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is made accessible to over 1 billion people annually, reaching 150 countries via social media, our websites and the San Diego Zoo Kids network in children’s hospitals in 12 countries. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible with support from our incredible donors committed to saving species from the brink of extinction. To learn more, visit SanDiegoZooGlobal.org or connect with us on Facebook.

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Link includes: Photo: A field camera photo of a gorilla in Ebo Forest in Cameroon. Ebo Forest is home to a small population of gorillas that may be a new subspecies. The gorillas live about 200 kilometers away from any other groups of western lowland or cross river gorillas. (San Diego Zoo Global)

AZH funding supports published study

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 13:48:58 GMT

2014 AZH Plant Conservation grant recipient Dr Murphy Westwood recently published results from study partially funded by AZH for "In situ and ex situ genetic diversity of the endangered Georgia oak, Quercus georgiana"

Effectively conserving biodiversity with limited resources requires scientifically informed and efficient strategies. Guidance is particularly needed on how many living plants are necessary to conserve a threshold level of genetic diversity in ex situ collections. We investigated this question for 11 taxa across five genera. In this first study analysing and optimizing ex situ genetic diversity across multiple genera, we found that the percentage of extant genetic diversity currently conserved varies among taxa from 40% to 95%. Most taxa are well below genetic conservation targets. Resampling datasets showed that ideal collection sizes vary widely even within a genus: one taxon typically required at least 50% more individuals than another (though Quercus was an exception). Still, across taxa, the minimum collection size to achieve genetic conservation goals is within one order of magnitude. Current collections are also suboptimal: they could remain the same size yet capture twice the genetic diversity with an improved sampling design. We term this deficiency the ‘genetic conservation gap’. Lastly, we show that minimum collection sizes are influenced by collection priorities regarding the genetic diversity target. In summary, current collections are insufficient (not reaching targets) and suboptimal (not efficiently designed), and we show how improvements can be made.

Read more about this exciting project...https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.0102

2019 AZH conservation grant update - Unlocking the secrets to germinating seeds of the more challenging rare species of South Florida’s pine rocklands

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:07:10 GMT

One goal of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s conservation team is to increase the availability of plants that are native to our imperiled pine rockland habitat in South Florida. However, some species prove to be especially tricky to grow from seed and with the support of AZH we are now working towards unlocking the secret to their germination. Once we are successful, we will be able to grow these species in greater quantities, which will allow us to distribute them more widely through our outreach program the Connect to Protect Network as well as in habitat restoration projects in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.

The pine rockland is a fire dependent habitat and many species germinate abundantly after a fire, especially those growing in the herbaceous understory. Therefore, it is likely that at least some pine rockland species will produce seed whose germination is triggered by chemical signals from smoke.

Navy Wells Preserve in Miami-Dade County three months after a fire in 2013 (photo by Jennifer Possley)

By creating a smoke solution, we were able to bring the effect of fire into our seed lab. To catch all the water-soluble compounds of smoke we burned pine straw in a bee smoker and guided the smoke through a heater hose into a side-arm flask filled with water.

Setup to create a smoke solution that can be used to test the effect of fire on seed germination.

So far, we can report that using this smoke solution has improved germination in two species that were previously difficult to grow from seed. The most dramatic effect was in Blodgett’s silverbush (Argythamnia blodgettii) a federally listed species endemic to South Florida. But also, the germination of Pineland croton seeds (Croton linearis) improved significantly after the smoke solution treatment.

Germination of Blodgett’s silverbush seeds without treatment (left) and after soaking in smoke solution for 24h (right).

Besides testing how chemical signals from smoke can increase germination of pine rockland species we are now working to improve germination of additional species with different seed dormancy breaking methods, such as scarification, desiccation, and gibberellic acid.

We are very grateful for the support of this project from AZH!

Sabine Wintergerst, Seed Lab Manager, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Creation of biological corridors utilizing family plots, for the conservation of Abronia campbelli

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 13:23:03 GMT

The alligator lizard Abronia campbelli is considered the most threatened Abronia species in Guatemala. Campbell’s alligator lizard is critically endangered due to habitat degradation and destruction. Habitat loss affects many species around the globe, but the impact can be especially drastic for an arboreal species with a naturally restricted distribution as A. campbelli. Local land-use change has originated from three different fronts: livestock and agriculture on private farms, firewood consumption from surrounding communities and subsistence farming from local families. Based on this, our strategies include the creation of biological corridors on private farms, accompanied by the creation of community forests to remove pressure on habitat restoration areas.

With this project we begin to tackle the third component that drives habitat loss in the area: subsistence farming. We teamed up with 100 local families and turned a threat into a conservation opportunity. Now each smallholding used to grow food for a family will also serve to house biodiversity, reconciling local means of support with conservation. We believe that successful conservation is voluntary and locally driven, so our project focuses on making livelihoods compatible with the protection of biodiversity, resulting in long-term sustainable conservation strategies.

THIS IS WHAT WE ARE DOING

Progress

Our plan of action started with nursery maintenance actions designed to provide the native key forest species needed for the creation of the biological corridors. These activities consisted of seed collection, soil preparation, seed sowing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control and daily oversight to ensure general and ongoing care of the seedlings. Thanks to the support of Association of Zoological Horticulturists Conservation Fund and from the local community our nursery will produce approximately 15,000 seedlings exceeding the original project goal by more than 3 times.

We have completed the 8 Site Planning sessions with each of the families participating in our project. We visited the plot to plan and map the reforestation areas. During these activities we noted that family plots varied greatly in size, because of this the number of trees was customized to each family according to the size of the land and reforestation strategy.

Families responded to the project with great enthusiasm, wanting to participate with a wide variety of family owned plot sizes ranging from small yards at home (0.03 ha) to considerable land extensions (9 ha) within mountainous areas. Many families also had the desire to reforest their entire plot not just the edges, in order to create small forest patches.

We knew we had to rise to the occasion and harness the level of participation that we obtained from the community. We multiplied our efforts in the nursery, which resulted in an unexpected but satisfactory expansion of the objectives and goals of the project. This new goal will not only meet the level of local participation but also the necessary scope of actions necessary to ensure the resilience of A. campbelli.

Our habitat focused conservation work is accompanied by species reintroduction efforts through our captive breeding program. Right now, we are waiting for females to give birth, for families to liberate neonate A. campbelli in habitat remnants and in our previously reforested areas.

What is next

Build key allies in local communities through awareness-raising activities that culminate in tangible conservation actions, this is the foundation and key to the success of our conservation projects. However, the Conservation sessions, Nursery sessions and Conservation presentations in schools (all awareness activities in this project), are on hold since March due to the preventive measures against COVID - 19 imposed by the government of Guatemala. Social meetings are not allowed, schools are suspended, department borders are blocked, the country is under curfew and lockdown. We are in contact with families and local leaders to carry out the activities as soon as the situation changes. Due to the great progress in the other aspects of the project, we feel completely confident that when the restrictions in the country are lifted, we will achieve the project's goals and that the only change to the original plan will be in the scheduling of the activities.

We are also waiting for the start of rainy season in order to begin reforestation activities with the families. I addition we already have established alternative methodologies to be prepared in case the reforestation is carried out under restrictions due to COVID - 19.

Brad Lock, Oklahoma City Zoo

2019 AZH conservation grant report on Florida Mangrove Conservation project

Tue, 26 May 2020 15:38:51 GMT

Our Mangrove propagules are well on their way, happy and healthy, and ready for transplanting. There are over 1000, all from propagules collected here at The Florida Aquarium. We were scheduled for a planting at Veterans Park in St. Petersburg, Florida this month in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful and St. Pete College.

Also a second planting was tentative for mid May with the City of Tampa and Tree Inc. Both are on hold, with no set date for a definite reschedule. The St. Pete event is holding July 11^th as a possibility only at this point. The Florida Aquarium did have to suspend our most recent internship program as well during this current Covid 19 situation. Our Horticulture intern was slated to have this as part of her required project, and she hopes to return as an Aquarium volunteer when things are back to normal to help continue this project.

Mangrove propagule propagation area

To date we have spent: $1046.42 of the $2000 grant. We do not plan to spend more until or unless this project is confirmed that is can be completed as intended. We will look for alternatives if needed. That being said, is the Committee assessing current Zoological circumstances and allowing for alternatives to the utilization of funds, or a facilities ability to complete their projects as intended?

Thank you again for the opportunity of receiving this grant.

Stephen Schwanebeck

2019 AZH conservation grant recipient report from Missouri Botanical Garden, on behalf of the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group

Thu, 21 May 2020 15:48:30 GMT

Ex-situ conservation of four ‘new’ and unprotected plant species at Parc Ivoloina, central-eastern Madagascar

Summary Progress report for the Association of Zoological Horticulture

May 2020

In January 2020, Missouri Botanical Garden, on behalf of the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, was awarded $7470 for a project that aimed to conserve ex-situ, as growing plants at Parc Ivoloina, four newly discovered Malagasy plants known only from unprotected forests that are high threatened. The four target species include: a species of Polyscias (Araliaceae), a species of Astrocassine (Celastraceae), a species of Rhopalocarpus (Sphaerosepalaceae), and a species of Vitex (Lamiaceae). These plants were located during previous fieldwork in the Ivoloina and Ifontsy River valleys, close to Parc Ivoloina, but, at that time, seeds were not available and the plants were not propagated. To achieve the stated objective we will implement four main activities: 1) relocation and flagging of the target species in the wild by an experienced botanist; 2) identification of reliable local people who will be trained to monitor the phenology of the target species and to collect vouchered samples of mature seeds as these became available for dispatch to Parc Ivoloina; 3) accession and propagation of the seed samples at the native plant nursery at Parc Ivoloina; 4) plantation of the resultant plants within the Parc ensuring each plant is permanently tagged with its accession number.

The field botanist identified for the first of these tasks was Patrice Antilahimena. He was selected because he had been part of the team that had originally discovered these plants and thus knew them well. Patrice has been working for 2 years in this area, is known and trusted by local people and knows which people could be reliably tasked to monitor phenology of the target plants and to collect seed samples. Unfortunately, Patrice did not become available for this work until February 2020 and therefore his first fieldtrip for this project was in March 2020. This trip coincided with the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in Madagascar but despite this Patrice was able to relocate the first of the target species: the presumed Astrocassine. Patrice also selected a local person to monitor the phenology of the plant and collect mature seeds. On 15th May 2020, Platini, the nurserymen at Parc Ivoloina received a seed sample consisting of 206 seeds of this species. These seeds have now been sown.

Unfortunately, the end of Patrice’s fieldtrip coincided with restrictions on movement imposed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Madagascar, and consequently he was forced to delay his return home for a few days – leading to some extra expenditure on hotels and meals. The situation in Madagascar with respect to the pandemic is obscure: until recently the State reported few cases and no deaths but, at the time of writing, many more cases are being reported and there have been two COVID-19 related deaths. Many of the newly reported cases are Tamatave, the major town close to Parc Ivoloina and therefore travel in this part of the country have been severely restricted. Consequently, at the moment, there can be no fieldwork in this area until the pandemic is under control and travel restrictions within Madagascar are lifted. It is not possible to predict when these conditions will exist. Whatever is next, it is certain that the implementation of this project will be much delayed.

In conclusion to date this project has successfully sampled seeds from one of the four target species, but the timetable for work on the other species is uncertain.

Young fruit of the possible “new” species of Astrocassine

Seed sample of the supposed new species of Astrocassine received at Parc Ivoloina 15 May 2020

The how-to & not-to-do of SDS/MSDS sheets!

Tue, 05 May 2020 16:38:09 GMT

With our upcoming AZA accreditation, I took it upon myself to review and update our Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/Safety Data Sheet (SDS) paperwork for the Horticulture department. I have had some really good ideas in my life, but this was not one of them. In reviewing the existing books, I found chemicals that we no longer use, found SDSs dating back in the ’90s and found more than a few roach egg casings. We had more than 250 SDSs to review. This was looking like an incredibly dumb idea. But who better to organize these than the OCD curator? Again, not my best idea.

So, my first move was to rip (literally) the pages out of the book. And I gotta tell you that it felt really really good. We hadn’t used some of those papers in three decades. I then started printing out all new SDSs.

After I printed out all new and updated SDSs, I noticed that not all SDSs are the same. My question is, why the heck not? We put men on the moon and can’t use one format for SDSs? So, I am going to review my process and let you know what I learned from this “project.” This is for your own good. Pay attention.

1. Never volunteer for this project.
2. If you are volunteered for this, say no, unless it is under threat of firing.
3. If you volunteer for this project, you are insane and deserve what you get.
4. Make sure you have an updated chemical list in your chemical shed (or locker, shoebox, trunk of your car, etc.).
5. Also keep a digital copy safe in the 10,000 files you are already keeping safe.
6. Make sure the SDS you are searching for matches the actual chemical you have. A lot of different companies make horticultural oil but match it to what you have (a huge pain in the buttocks).
7. Cross reference the EPA # and make sure they match.
8. Try to find the most updated copy (harder than it sounds and, again, buttocks are involved).
9. Don’t do what I did, which was print out more than 200 SDSs only to be told by my administrative assistant that she also needs a complete copy for her office AND I needed to download those copies onto a jump drive so she can update our online SDS database which was out of date.
10. Remember all those sheets I ripped out of the book with wild abandon? Well, now OSHA requires you to keep SDSs for 30 years. Who the heck knew that!? If you raise your hand, I will smack you at the next conference.
11. Keep all outdated SDSs, fool.

12. Keep a table of contents.
13. So, not only do I have two notebooks (A–L and M–Z).

I also have an obsolete notebook of chemicals we no longer use, per OSHA—although I think I will have to change the title.

That is actually a good idea, I just wished I had known that in paragraph two.

So, it took me two weeks to do this project and I have aged five years. There is a ton of online data about keeping records and MSDSs. I Googled “saving MSDSs”

and there were 3,690,000 documents. I read four. I recommend www.msdsonline.com/. It’s the rule, guys. Catch it before they catch you!

So, this month’s word of advice: don’t volunteer, but if you do get stuck with this project, find someone on light duty… Good luck!

’Til next time.

Denise Rogers

Asian Giant Hornet: New pest discovered in Washington State

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 12:11:40 GMT

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has issued an alert to a new pest recently discovered near Bellingham, Washington: the Asian giant hornet. It is not yet known how widely this introduce species has spread. Please take extra care when working outdoors this year.

Asian giant hornets are the world’s largest hornet species. They attack most insects, but prefer honeybees and can kill entire hives. A few hornets can destroy a hive in a matter of hours by entering a "slaughter phase" where they kill bees by decapitating them. They then defend the hive as their own, taking the brood to feed their own young. They also attack other insects but are not known to destroy entire populations of those insects. They have also been known to feed on fruit.

Unlike most wasps and hornets, the Asian giant hornet nests in the ground. This species also poses a human health threat because their venom is more toxic than that of any local bees or wasps and can be deadly if one is stung more than once. Learn more about them at agr.wa.gov/hornets.

Special precautions for pesticide applicators and pest control companies:

• When working outdoors, keep an eye out for Asian giant hornets. If you see any, please report them (with a photograph if you can get one safely) at agr.wa.gov/hornets. or your state agriculture department.

• DO NOT approach Asian giant hornets if you see them. They can sting through normal clothing as well as typical beekeeping attire.

• Take extra care not to step on an Asian giant hornet nest. Asian giant hornets prefer nesting in wooded locations in the ground, but also have been known to nest in rotted tree trunks near the ground and—rarely—in human habitations.

• Repeated stings from an Asian giant hornet can kill you. If you receive multiple Asian giant hornet stings, seek medical attention immediately.

• If you are contacted by the public to remove an Asian giant hornet nest, contact your state department of agriculture. The WSDA has obtained special equipment for the safe removal of Asian giant hornet nests. Attempting to remove an Asian giant hornet nest without proper safety equipment could prove deadly.

Report Asian giant hornet sightings at:

• agr.wa.gov/hornets

• PestProgram@agr.wa.gov

• 800/443-6684

The original version of this article was sent to pesticide operators in Washington state. It has been edited it for the AZH Blog. Additional information about the Asian giant hornet and descriptions of more common hornets can be found at agr.wa.gov/hornets.

Katrina Lindahl, Woodland Park Zoo

Letter from the President - Winter 2020

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:49:01 GMT

I hope that the new year and decade has brought a renewed declaration for the passion we all feel for our work and institutions. What about AZH? I am excited to share the large amount of work that has been happening over the last 5 months and how these efforts can offer you helpful resources, opportunities to get involved, and ways to impact your own zoo and aquarium horticulture programs.

Planning for the 2020 AZH “Art in the Garden” conference in Denver is well underway. Denver Zoo is thrilled to host this year’s event and we are working hard, together with several of the committees, to offer a robust and thought provoking experience! Not to mention…having some fun in the Mile High city while we’re at it. The Call for Presentations is live on the website. Presenting is great way of sharing your challenges and insights relating to your world inside zoos and aquariums. Our program is only as good as the presenters who make it!

Look for updates throughout the next few months: https://azh.org/Conference

During last year’s conference, I presented the drafted 2020-2025 strategic plan for the association. Attendees participated in live action survey during the sessions to offer feedback to the board on the plan and the requested priority of focus and importance. We have used that feedback to adjust the plan a bit and the board has approved the plan! We will be working with every committee to implement the new plan over the next 5 years through a variety of action items for improved and new programs to offer. This is an exciting plan and underscores the need for increased participation from our members so that we may better support each by reaching the goals of the plan.

There have also been a large amount of board member changes and motions carried recently. The offices of the Vice President and the Treasurer are currently vacant. For reasons of career shifts, we received resignations from the past serving officers, but I am excited for both of them in their new endeavors. I would like to thank both Kaaren Pearce and John Murgel for their commitment and service to this organization!! They will be missed. Please contact the Nominations Committee with your interest in running for the board this year. Serving on the AZH Board of Directors is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience!

Happy Upcoming Spring!

Update from 2019 AZH Internship Award recipient - Columbus Zoo

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 17:43:08 GMT

2019 AZH Internship Grant Project

Intro

The 2019 AZH internship program fund was used in support of the Project and Site Design Internship at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It funded a special project that represented a joint effort between the intern and several departments of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - including Planning & Design, Horticulture, Animal Nutrition (Browse Program), Animal Health, and Animal Care.

Project Background

The Columbus Zoo is structured such that Capital Improvement Projects are managed by the Planning and Design Department. Once a project is completed, installed landscapes are managed by the Horticulture Department. The Horticulture Department maintains all existing landscapes both within and outside of the animal habitats throughout the Zoo. The Browse Program utilizes these landscapes as well as browse collected off-site and the program is based within the Animal Nutrition Department. These three departments (Planning and Design, Horticulture, and Animal Nutrition) all communicate with the Animal Health Department to gain approval to add new plants to the Browse List or to install landscape plants not yet reviewed for toxicity. While all four of these departments communicate with one another on daily needs, the rapid growth of the zoo and daily demands have offered little overlap in shared resources. In the few times a plant has been suspect in an Animal Health concern, the four departments have scrambled to collect relevant landscape history. This project was designed in part to help streamline the action response process in the event of a plant-based Animal Health concern.

Project Statement

The purpose of the project was threefold: First, to identify and consolidate historical planting information for every region of the zoo and document it in a single place. Second, to compare these findings to current plant selection and plant toxicity policies. And third, to outline a new policy governing plant specification and selection for internal use, but also for design consultant use.

Project Outcome

The final outcome of the project resulted in a working document that will be used as a resource for select members of the involved departments. The document is designed to be a common resource in the event of a plant related question or incident. It was decided that while this document should be easily accessible, the information should not be made public to all zoo employees, given the nuances of plant identification and plant toxicity, in addition to the variable influx of new scientific knowledge. Because of the fluctuating nature of scientific discoveries and the quasi-temporary nature of the zoological landscape, the document will stay in a “working” form to assimilate the ever-changing information that drives zoological and horticulture best practices.

The document categorizes and lists past plantings by zoo region. In addition to the historical and current species lists, there is an approved browse list and a “Do Not Plant” list. The browse list is overseen and periodically updated by Animal Nutrition. The “Do Not Plant” list includes plants that are known to be toxic and/or invasive species in the State of Ohio. The list also notes species that are considered to be undesirable by the zoo’s standards due to their maintenance needs or performance issues. An example of an undesirable plant type is running bamboo. Its inclusion is based on its aggressive spreading habits which have caused maintenance issues in the past.

Further Insights

Interdepartmental discourse played a key role during the course of the project. The project generated discussion about implementing a biannual meeting between the departments to share new knowledge related to browse and plant toxicity. This meeting would serve to insure that the document would be revisited and updated.

While reviewing the historical plant lists it was interesting but not surprising to find species such as Lonicera maackii (honeysuckle) and Berberis thunbergii (Barberry) included in plans drafted during the 1990s. This discovery generated further discussion about the role that invasive plants play in the zoo. It can be a challenging task to balance the zoo’s aesthetic, browse, and animal health needs in regards to horticulture.

The tension between plant performance and ecological standards is well documented and presents a conundrum for zoo design and maintenance. When undesirable species play functional roles well, addressing this paradox is a complex task. For example, in the mid-west, the invasive plant ~~such as~~ bush honeysuckle (L. maackii) leafs out early and holds its leaves late into autumn, and grows well in shady conditions. Due to these characteristics, it performs as an optimal screening plant. While not intentionally planted in the past 20 years, local wildlife disperses its seeds, and we find honey suckle growing up under evergreen trees planted with the intention to hide views. Keeping these plants in check throughout the zoo’s buffer areas is not always easy due to the size of the grounds and the availability of resources and staff. While the removal of these plants is a priority (due to their invasive status), many times they play critical roles in screening both undesirable views and back of house areas (adding to the experiential nature of the zoo), as well as acting as a buffer between animal habitats contributing to the animals health through sense of safety and privacy. Eradicating honey suckle often means an equally strong performing screening plant must be purchased to continue to screen unwanted views.

Another example of this issue is the presence of thistle in the lion habitat. Part of the habitat is defined by steep earthen slopes which are eroding due to original plant failure. Thistle has established itself on the slopes and its root systems are now acting as slope stabilizers. This mitigates erosion and also prevents the zoo from having to replace the slopes with an expensive and undesirable concrete wall. Management plans are in place to prevent the thistle from spreading, but full-on removal would compromise the slope’s integrity. An untraditional management plan is being discussed to manage thistle (do not permit to go to flower) until other more desirable plants can be established and the thistle removed.

These issues, while not the focus of the project, are brought forward to illustrate the complexity of horticulture within the zoo, as well as the importance of communication between departments in an effort to work more collaboratively.

Conclusion

We are very grateful to the AZH for funding this project. The document that was produced will greatly benefit multiple departments at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The working document, when deployed in conjunction with other sources and staff expertise, will serve to further improve interdepartmental connection - something we believe to be a priority and an asset. Overall the project created healthy discussions centered around practical horticulture and design policy. More specifically, the project illuminated the benefit of cross departmental dialogue in respect to horticultural practice.

If you have any questions related to the project, we welcome you to reach out to us. It is our hope that the collaborative nature of this undertaking will extend to other zoos as well.

Stoyan Iordanov - Horticulture Manager

Karen Schenk - Director of Project and Site Design, Landscape Architect -Karen.Schenk@columbuszoo.org

Jonathan Stechschulte - Project Intern

Demon Spawn (Two-Spotted Spider Mites)

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 13:56:27 GMT

Spider mites, (Family Tetranychidae, Order Acari), are not insects; they are from insect hell and are very small arachnids closely related to spiders and ticks. Among plant pests, mites are among the most difficult to control, and are responsible for a significant portion of all pesticides used on ornamentals. Individual spider mites are almost microscopic, yet when they occur in large numbers, they can cause serious plant damage. Once present, spider mites are seldom eradicated, and are almost undetectable even by the best of scouts.

Spider mites that commonly cause damage on ornamental plants include the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. There are other speices, but I want to pick on this little beast.

The life cycle of the two-spotted spider mite is typical of warm weather spider mites, including the tumid spider mite. At 85–90 degrees F, complete development from egg to adult can occur in as little as seven to eight days. That is a lot of young’uns. All life stages may be present throughout the year, depending on the weather. When temperatures are cooler, development may proceed more slowly, requiring up to four weeks for completion. Still, that is still a lot of young’uns. Host plant species, plant nutrition, leaf age, and moisture stress also influence development. Many generations occur each year, depending on the species of spider mite. For those of us who have temperature-controlled greenhouses or conservatories, the spider mite can be a year-round problem. On a scale of 1 to 10, I find managing these little monsters about a 9.9. The problem is scouting. Young eyes, old eyes, it doesn’t matter.

Adult female two-spotted spider mites are about 0.5 mm long, light green with two brownish black spots on either side of the abdomen. Color will vary according to diet and environmental conditions. Males have pointed abdomens and are more slender than the rounded and plump females. Now, personally, I have never been able to tell the girls from the boys, they are equally hateful. Females lay between 90 and 110 eggs during their lifetime. Eggs hatch into six-legged larvae, which then develop into protonymphs, followed by the deutonymph stage prior to adulthood. Yada, yada, yada. Now, personally, I can locate mites or damage easily with or without a hand lens. Yet, I can show the exact same leaf to someone else and I get the look like… “What?!”

Know your bugs fool. It may be the difference in this:

To this:

I mean really guys; how do you not see this?

Under hot, dry conditions, two-spotted spider mites thrive: more eggs are laid, development is at a higher rate, and survival of adults is extended. Conditions of high moisture are known to slow the dispersal of mites.

So, what to do about this pesky critter? The problem is, there is never just one. One day you see nothing and the next day your plant is covered in webbing and you stand there wondering what the heck just happened and contemplating a new job. Been there, done that. I know bugs, but how did you sneak in?

Growth is slowed with higher humidity, so syringing is a great option. I love to blast those devils, and, in my case, I find it fairly successful. I use little to no chemicals, so scouting is a must. Hand picking leaves, syringing, applying beneficials (I like Phytoseiulus persimilis), culling, praying, cussing are all valuable tools in controlling these creatures.

And believe me, if you can survive a greenhouse covered in webbing and mites and live to tell the tale, you can handle anything! Well, maybe not thrips.

Until next time...

By Denise Rogers, Curator of Horticutlure, North Carolina Zoo

2020 Southeastern Partners in Plant Conservation Conference

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:58:18 GMT

SePPCon 2020 will be held at The Southeastern Center for Conservation at Atlanta Botanical Garden the week of March 2 – 6, 2020.

Southeastern Partners in Plant Conservation will bring together government agencies, land managers, botanical gardens, university programs, experts, professionals, and other interested parties to build capacity and promote novel partnerships for plant conservation in the Southeast. Working with a wide range of stakeholders that represent diverse interests and perspectives, this effort seeks to stimulate collective successes in local, state, and regional plant conservation.

SePPCon 2020 sets the stage for success by promoting models of success and creative solutions to conservation challenges and builds on the success of the inaugural SePPCon 2016 Conference. For more information and to register, visit - https://atlantabg.org/conservation-research/outreach-education-and-training/southeastern-partners-in-plant-conservation/

A HISTORY of the Association of Zoological Horticulture

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 15:44:08 GMT

A HISTORY OF AZH, ASSOCIATION OF ZOOLOGICAL HORTICULTURE

Original printing in 1988

by Chuck Rogers Curator of Horticulture (Retired)

Zoological Society of Philadelphia

"What's a nice horticulturist like you doing in a zoo?" might be a subtitle for this paper about zoos and zoo horticulture. For many years, the zoo gardener was thought of as a person who cut grass, trimmed hedges, and pulled weeds whether employed by the zoo or the Public Parks Department. Their role was only cosmetic to make the appearance of the zoo acceptable.

As zoos shifted their approach from barred, bare cages to exhibits and natural living habitats, the need for more landscape design, especially within habitats, changed the role of the gardener from merely maintenance to an active participant in the exhibit and natural habitat process. Where were the resources for this new horticultural direction? Few, if any, books or articles were available in the 1960's and 1970's. Rarely was zoo horticulture a topic at zoo conferences and no network of professional zoo gardeners was in place. Some form of communication between zoo gardeners and horticulturists was needed to exchange success in the use of plant material in habitats; to compare what plants do well in tropical habitats; and to discuss toxic plants. The only communication between zoo horticulturists was developed among several friends over the years. The big question among zoos and zoo horticulturists was where to get information and from whom.

Recognizing the need, the Philadelphia Zoo organized and sponsored a conference to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in August 1980 to address the growing importance of horticulture in zoos. The title chosen was the 1st International Conference for Zoo Horticulture and the intended purpose was as follows: The purpose of the Conference for Zoo Horticulture is to explore ways that a more enlightened approach can be planned to promote the necessary partnership of horticulture and zoology. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and knowledge in a gathering of persons of like training and interest is one of the most effective ways to communicate these ideas.

The conference was convened with 30 full-time delegates and 15 part-time delegates. Participants came from 18 American zoos, Kuwait, and Nigeria; truly an international conference from the beginning. Paper sessions included topics on grasses and bamboo, native American plants, tropical plants, plants for animal habitats, browse programs, and a most enlightening one on plant toxicity. Field trips to rare botanical institutions included the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, Henry Foundation, and Longwood Gardens; introducing delegates to new plants and new ideas for landscape design. The conference was a great success with many lasting friendships developed through the experience and knowledge gained during the conference.

The conference would not have been as successful without the support of Ernie Chew of San Diego Zoo, Steve Wachter of Minnesota State Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, and others. Thursday evening's session was listed on the program as, "Wrap-Up Session Where Does Zoo Horticulture Go From Here?" Results of that evening session was the formation of the Association of Zoological Horticulture, an organization dedicated to the promotion of horticulture as an integral part of zoo design; to support and promote the conservation of endangered species as well as endangered habitats; to hold an international conference annually for the sharing of new ideas and information about plants and their role in zoos; to publish a newsletter; and to promote zoo horticulture as a profession.

Selected to form an organizing committee responsible for the direction and management of the Association until the next conference when the first election of officers would be held and the bylaws enacted were Chuck Rogers, Philadelphia Zoo conference host; Craig Carpenter, North Carolina State Zoo; and Steve Wachter, Minnesota State Zoo.

In the ensuing ten years since the Philadelphia Conference, the Association has prospered holding annual conferences in the United States, Canada, and England. Individual membership has grown to more than ZOO members from 10 countries; institutional and professional membership categories have been included; summer internships have been sponsored; conference proceedings, research studies, and surveys have been published; a seeds and source exchange program has been very popular; and a newsletter is published regularly.

Perhaps the most important and lasting results of the AZH is the lasting personal contacts. Networking is the phrase that best sums it up. A network of friends of like training and interests. A friend you can call for a new plant material or seed sources, for advice on which plants and under what conditions they have grown in an animal exhibit, or what techniques are used to protect trees from the claws of lions and tigers or the chewing of hoofed stock. A network is a place where you can talk out your frustrations, complain, celebrate, or just relax knowing you have others who know and understand your problems.

Mark Fleming, past treasurer and president of AZH, said in his closing remarks at the Tucson conference, "I am tired from a busy season, worn out from the drought, weary of the problems associated .with zoo horticulture, just sort of down. Then comes the AZH conference. A time and place for learning, sharing information, and relaxing with friends. Why do I come? I come to get pumped up, to renew my enthusiasm, and to get ready for the next year." What better testimonial can an organization have? AZH is a network, a group of friends, a source of information and encouragement, and a group dedicated to conserving endangered species and habitats.

After many years of practicing horticulture as a profession, I can safely say, "A nice horticulturist like you does belong in a zoo." May I end by paraphrasing a favorite poem (with proper apologies to Joyce Kilmer, of course).

"ZOO TREES"

Of all the things that I might be,

I had to be a lousy tree.

A tree that grows out in the yard

With little lions 'round my feet.

I lift my leafy arms to pray,

Go 'way little lions, go 'way.

Nest of birds I must wear

And what they do gets in my hair.

I'm nothing else but this, alas,

A comfort station in the grass.

Of all the things that I might be

I had to be a damned zoo tree.

AZH Announces 2019 Plant Conservation Grant Recipients

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 20:39:34 GMT

Zoo horticulture involves more than enhancing the landscape for its resident animal populations as evidenced by the thousands of dollars used to protect and conserve the natural environment within our zoos and around the world. One of the core values of the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH) is conservation of rare plants and plant diversity. This commitment to plant conservation through the AZH Plant Conservation Grant program began in 1992 and has awarded over $450,000 to projects spanning the country and the globe.

2019 AZH Plant Conservation grant recipients:

Creation of biological corridors utiliziing family plots, for the conservation of Abronia campbelli - Oklahoma City Zoo

The Foundation for the Conservation of Endangered species of Guatemala (FUNDESQUA) now in partnership with the Oklahoma City Zoo and International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF), began a long-term conservation program in 2001 called “Conservation Heloderma” and in 2009 “Conservation Abronia”. Both programs incorporate field research, public education, local community capacity building and habitat protection and restoration.

Campbell’s alligator lizard (Abronia campbelli) which is considered the most threatened Abronia species in Guatemala and thus the world. Campbell’s alligator lizard is critically endangered due to the decline in extent and quality of habitat, as a direct result of land-use change for agriculture and livestock. We believe that the most successful conservation programs are voluntary and locally driven, so our project focuses on the intertwining and compatibility of biodiversity protection, with the livelihoods of the local populace; resulting in long-term sustainable conservation.

This projects main goals and objectives are to protect and extend the habitat available for A. campbelli, with the creation of biological corridors utilizing privately owned, small land-holdings (currently used for subsistence agriculture) of 100 families. These corridors will be developed by planting live fences with key forest species. To achieve this goal, we will have community-based activities within the habitat of A. campbelli and in our nursery, to not only develop the technical skills needed by the community but also to develop a new way of interacting with nature that culminates in a culture oriented towards the conservation of biodiversity.

Unlocking the secrets to germinating our more challenging rare species of South Florida’s Pine Rocklands and sharing this information with the conservation community - Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

The Pine Rocklands of South Florida are a critically imperiled habitat due to rapid urban expansion. Only 2% of the original habitat remain today outside of Everglades National Park, and it is heavily fragmented. To safeguard genetic diversity and for use in future restoration projects, seeds from a variety of species are regularly collected and stored at the seed lab of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (FTBG). There, we conduct germination trials to assess seed viability, dormancy breaking methods, and the potential for long-term storage of seeds. Additionally, FTBG’s Connect to Protect Network (CTPN) aims to increase the connectivity of this fragmented habitat by distributing plants to private homeowners and public lands. With membership numbers rising, the demand of plants is growing proportionately. CTPN members and FTBG partners increasingly request information about how to best propagate Pine Rockland species.

Goals for this project include:1.) Develop and optimize seed propagation methods for five of the following species (depending on seed availability) to increase production numbers and make them available for CTPN members and the public: Bourreria cassinifolia, Guettarda scabra, Centrosema virginianum, Ipomoea tenuissima, Melanthera parvifolia, Metastelma blodgettii, Dalea carnea, Croton linearis, and Koanophyllon villosum. 2.) Write propagation protocols for at least 20 Pine Rockland plants and a how-to guide explaining the different seed dormancy breaking methods. Both will be made publicly available, particularly for AZH and CTPN members. 3.) Compile seed storage behavior information based on data from the seed lab of FTBG and make it available for other institutions.

Expand capacity and programming for Florida Mangrove Conservation – The Florida Aquarium

Since 2016, we have provided around about 2000 established Red Mangrove seedlings to environmental conservation efforts and shared them with other AZH and AZA membership institutions. Our goal now is to expand our efforts and provide White and Black Mangrove seedlings.

Mangroves are a keystone species for ocean shorelines. They are vital to our ecosystem by providing habitat at every level; from fish nurseries and shoreline erosion control with their root system, midlevel habitat to crabs, snails, and even the mangrove snake, and their canopy providing nesting for many species of shoreline birds and many significances beyond this.

Staff will collect seed from established mangroves near our Aquarium property in areas that we provide volunteer clean-up efforts to then grow in seed trays and or / purchase started White and Black Mangrove seedlings from Sandhill Growers to grow out further to a size suitable for transplanting in to the environment. We will raise them in our Aquarium nursery and then transport them to restoration events where we will also provide the volunteer labor to plant them.

Ex-situ conservation of four ‘new’ and unprotected plant species at Parc Ivoloina - Naples Zoo/Madagascar Flora and Fauna Group

The purpose is to prevent the extinction of four newly discovered Malagasy plants and conserve them ex-situ as 100 growing plants in Parc Ivoloina. These species are currently known only from small, unprotected forest fragments that are likely to be destroyed in the next decade. The four are a species of Polyscias (Araliaceae), Astrocassine (Celastraceae), Rhopalocarpus (Sphaerosepalaceae), and Vitex (Lamiaceae). Chris Birkinshaw, Missouri Botanical Garden’s technical advisor in Madagascar, will lead the work. He has a Doctorate in tropical ecology, is based full-time in Madagascar where he has worked for MBG since 1996.

Project activities include: Apply for permits to collect vouchered seed samples, field trips to relocate and flag individuals and to train local assistants to monitor and collect ripe seeds, local assistants track phenology of target species, collect ripe seeds when they occur, and dispatch seed samples to Parc Ivoloina, propagation of seeds at Parc Ivoloina, label seedlings and plant out into Parc Ivoloina at locations where they can grow to maturity. Some plants will be planted in association with the captive lemur collections and here they will be provided with an interpretive sign, nurture and monitor plants and ultimately use in forest restoration endeavors.

2019 BIAZA Plant Working Group Conference

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 16:41:13 GMT

2019 BIAZA Plant Working Group Conference

Chester Zoo

16 – 18 October 2019

Conference Programme (Draft – titles of presentations to be confirmed)

Tuesday 15^th October 2019
19:00	21:00	Icebreaker at The Royal Oak, Faulkner St, Chester

Day 1 – Wednesday 16^th October 2019 Involvement of Zoo Horticulture in Conservation Projects
08:30	09:00	Registration
09:00	09:30	Welcome/BIAZA PWG Update Sven Seiffert, Chair BIAZA Plant Working Group, Phil Esseen, Chester Zoo
09:30	10:00	Delivering Horticultural Workshops in Nepal Anna Furse, Chester Zoo
10:00	10:30	Site Management for Butterflies at ZSL, London Zoo Ben Camps, ZSL
10:30	11:00	Break
11:00	11:30	The North West Rare Plants Initiative – A conservation programme for North-west England Josh Styles, NWRPI
11:30	12:00	Conservation Risks and Opportunities in Fodder Production Eddie Mole, Bristol Zoological Society
12:00	12:30	Grassland management for Conservation Andrew Harrison, Bristol Zoological Society
12:30	13:30	Lunch
13:30 - 17:00 Tour of the main Chester Zoo site, including recent developments (Asiatic Lions, Madagascar, Islands)

19:30		Conference Dinner at Chez Jules, Northgate St, Chester

Day 2 – Thursday, 17^th October 2019 Designing and Implementing Zoo Landscaping on a Small Budget
09:00	09:30	Redevelopment of Red panda exhibit at Marwell Zoo Lance Ingram, Marwell Zoo
09:30	10:00	Title TBC Jonathan McLoughlin, Gillespie
10:00	10:30	Designing and Planting the Bumblebee Garden at Chester Zoo Liz Young, Clive Roe, Chester Zoo
10:30	11:00	Break
11:00	11:30	Undertaking Project Work In-house Mark Hargreaves, Chester Zoo
11:30	12:00	Use of Plants to meet animal welfare requirements Sven Seiffert, ZSL
12:00	13:00	Lunch
Tours of the wider Chester Zoo site
13:00	14:00	Visit to Chester Zoo’s Nature Reserve Sarah Bird, Helen Bradshaw, Chester Zoo
14:00	15:15	Visit to the Plant Project, Nursery and Plant Collections at Chester Zoo
15:15	16:30	Visit to Woodside Farm, Chester Zoo’s Green waste recycling centre and browse plantations

19:00		Chester city walk and drink

Day 3 – Friday 18^th October 2019
Workshop: Practical Exhibit Theming
9:00	09:30	Workshop 1 introduction – Working with concrete to theme animal exhibits.
09:30	11:00	Practical session – Constructing a themed concrete termite mound
11:00	11:30	Break
11:30	12:00	Workshop 2 introduction – Working with recycled materials to construct informal barriers and fences
12:00	13:30	Practical session – constructing a brushwood boma fence and barrier.
13:30	14:30	Lunch

(Please note that this session will be take place outdoors. Workshop participants should bring suitable clothing and footwear).

Booking

To book your place on the conference, please click on the following link…

https://shop.chesterzoo.org/events/eventdetails.aspx?pid=721

Accommodation

We have secured a favourable rate for conference attendees at Chester Court Hotel, on Hoole Road, from £46.80 for a single room and £64.80 for a twin room (per night, bed and breakfast). Contact Chester Court Hotel (info@chestercourthotel.com )

If you have any queries, please contact Phil Esseen, Curator of Botany and Horticulture at Chester Zoo (p.esseen@chesterzoo.org).

Pollinator Partnership Cheo Rodriguez, Senior Horticulturist Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Sun, 11 Aug 2019 16:12:00 GMT

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (JZG) supports a variety of different conservation-related initiatives. In addition to donating a portion of zoo ticket sales directly to conservation-related projects, zoo staff are encouraged to actively engage in the conservation of native species and ecosystems. In our case, this meant collaborating with the University of Florida in the hope of helping the 300-plus drastically declining wild bee species native to northern Florida.

After some research, we were able to come up with a project that fit within our guidelines. The next step was to fill out a conservation proposal application and get the process rolling. The detailed description focused on how this conservation project benefited both institutions and what we hoped it would accomplish. Finally, funds were requested and granted. We began by focusing on the attractiveness of different plant species to native bees in Florida, including plants being sold in big box stores as “pollinator friendly."

Our research focuses on the bee species found within JZG property. We wanted to record the frequency with which native pollinators visited groups of native and non-native flowers. We then opened the door for staff involvement, no matter what department they worked in, at a level where they could jump right in. This was crucial to the project’s overall success. Participants were excited and eager to help with local conservation. We set up a training meeting and showed them how to monitor species, what to look for, and how to use a Quadrat to record findings within a three-foot-by-three-foot area. Our results will be documented in University of Florida extension publications on the attractiveness of different plant species to native bees in Florida.

Our results on bee species found within JZG property will be distributed to our staff, and possibly incorporated into signage. This project will provide data specific to JZG that can be used to educate visitors about bee diversity and the plants found on grounds that support these pollinators. The University of Florida will work with the JZG staff to create educational materials that will help visitors learn about the importance of bees and ways that they can support, conserve, or enhance bee populations. Furthermore, this project will provide planting recommendations for the gardens, including any current or future pollinator gardens.

2019 BGCI/ARBNET PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME FUNDING OPPORTUNITY IS OPEN!

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 12:51:54 GMT

The call for funding applications for the 2019 BGCI/ArbNet Partnership Program is open! This is a funding opportunity to support the development of international collaborations between gardens and arboreta for the purpose of exchanging skills, resources and expertise to advance tree conservation efforts. Botanical gardens and arboreta play a vital role in studying, collecting and protecting threatened tree diversity around the world. The Partnership Program provides funding (up to $2,500) for collaborative tree conservation projects, with priority given to projects that target biodiversity hotspots and/or capacity building in developing countries. Grant applications must satisfy the following conditions:

Focus on tree conservation
Involve an international partnership between two botanical institutions
Both partners are BGCI members
At least one of the two partners is an ArbNet accredited arboretum (accreditation applications will be accepted up to the funding deadline to be considered for this opportunity)

Partners may apply for BGCI membership and ArbNet accreditation concurrently with submitting a funding proposal. Proposals must be submitted through the BGCI Global Botanic Garden Fund application. Proposals will be reviewed by the ArbNet and BGCI staff.

Deadline for funding proposals (and accreditation applications, if applicable) is September 13, 2019

This is the 3rd Phase of the BGCI/ArbNet Partnership Programme. Learn more about past funded projects here.

Please email, Amy Byrne, Global Trees Conservation Assistant, with any questions. abyrne@mortonarb.org

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Gardens Receive International Accreditation

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 17:13:59 GMT

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) has granted accreditation to San Diego Zoo Global for its gardens at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and the plant conservation work they support at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. The certification recognizes San Diego Zoo Global’s important conservation contribution to the efforts to preserve plant species.

“We are tremendously honored to be included among the other notable gardens around the world that are preserving endangered plant species for the future,” said Bob Wiese Ph.D., chief life sciences officer, San Diego Zoo Global. “Although our work with endangered animal species often receives more public attention, the incredible dedication of our team of horticulturists is making a difference in our battle to end extinction.”

BGCI’s certification recognizes not only the beauty and diversity of the curated plant collections of the Zoo and Safari Park but also the tremendous effort that goes into conserving plant species. San Diego Zoo Global’s ongoing plant research programs work to preserve and understand the natural history and genetic diversity of rare plants. San Diego Zoo Global’s restoration of local habitats in San Diego County and seed banking of endangered native California species are a testament to its commitment to conserve critically endangered plant populations, like the torrey pine and San Diego thornmint.

“Botanic gardens across the world are documenting, understanding, growing and conserving plant diversity,” said Brian Lainoff, Head of Membership Strategy and Services for BGCI. “They are not, however, sufficiently recognised by policymakers and funders. BGCI’s Accreditation Scheme assesses, places a high value, and sets international standards on the unique skills, knowledge and conservation action in botanic gardens.”

With nearly two million plants cared for at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park combined, San Diego Zoo Global joins other world-class botanical gardens that are accredited by both BGCI and the American Association of Museums (AAM). San Diego Zoo Global’s beautiful and unique gardens display collections of aloes, coral trees, bamboo, acacias, ficus, conifers, palms, cycads, orchids and California native plant species. The botanical collection not only augments the habitats of the animals but also provides an important nutritional resource for them. Additionally, the Zoo and Safari Park also act as “rescue centers” for rare and endangered plant species that have been confiscated from wildlife trafficking, receiving specimens from a variety of sources.

“When people walk into the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, they are immediately struck by the beauty of our gardens and natural spaces,” said Stephanie Shigematsu, curator of horticulture for the San Diego Zoo. “Although most people come to our parks to see animals, the plants add a richness and depth to their experience. There are plant species all over the world that are critically endangered and facing extinction—we participate in plant species survival plans, research, and educational outreach that help preserve that botanical wealth for future generations.”

San Diego Zoo plant collections are highlighted each month on Plant Day, which takes place on the third Friday of each month. On these days, the Zoo offers a number of free plant presentations with horticulture experts.

The San Diego Zoo is globally recognized and a San Diego icon, hosting more than 4 million guests each year. At the San Diego Zoo, visitors can watch penguins and sharks swim, observe the behavior of century-old Galápagos tortoises, enjoy the beauty of exotic orchids, marvel at koalas, explore walk-through aviaries filled with the songs and colors of rare birds, and appreciate the power of leopards and jaguars. The San Diego Zoo is also accredited by the American Association of Museums and the Botanic Gardens Conservation International as a Botanical Garden. As visitors discover the rare and endangered species at the San Diego Zoo, they are directly contributing, through admission and on-grounds sales, to the efforts of San Diego Zoo Global, an international nonprofit conservation organization that works to fight extinction through recovery efforts for plants and animals worldwide. To learn more, visitsandiegozoo.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.

National Children & Youth Garden Symposium By Amanda Shull, Manager, Programs & National Partnerships, American Horticultural Society Article

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 13:23:26 GMT

The American Horticultural Society’s National Children & Youth Garden Symposium (www.ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/youth-gardening/ncygs/2019-ncygs/overview) is a three-day long conference for educators, nonprofit professionals, designers, horticulturalists, and others working directly with children and youth in garden-based settings that will take place on the campus of the University of Wisconsin, Madison in Madison, Wisconsin from July 10 through 13 this year. Partners for the event include Community Groundworks, the Wisconsin School Garden Network, and the UW Madison Environmental Design Laboratory.

This year’s symposium will explore “green” career resources and innovative sustainable gardening curriculum and practices, and highlight model partnerships for attracting the human, financial, and intellectual capital needed to sustain youth gardening endeavors.

Attendees at the Symposium will have the opportunity to:

• participate in almost 50 peer-led educational sessions, including six Seed Your Future-dedicated sessions.

• hear thought-provoking speakers including Detroit Dirt’s Pashon Murray and Soul Fire Farm’s Amani Olugbala present on current topics including closed-loop waste management and food justice.

• tour outstanding local sites such as the Madison Children's Museum, Allen Centennial Garden, and the Troy Kids' Garden.

• meet and connect with colleagues and peers working in the youth gardening sector.

Registration is available in person at the Pyle Center of the University of Wisconsin, Madison on July 11, 12, and 13: www.ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/youth-gardening/ncygs/2019-registration-rates. View a detailed schedule: www.ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/youth-gardening/ncygs/2019-schedule

A Tale of Two Quercus: A report by John F. Wiens (Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum) and Tim Thibault (Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens)

Sun, 16 Jun 2019 15:56:30 GMT

Quercus ajoensis (Ajo oak) and Q. toumeyi (Toumey oak) are native to the southwestern U.S. and both are included on the IUCN Red List; Q. ajoensis is vulnerable, while data about Q. toumeyi are insufficient. For this project, which took place in April 2018, both were assessed for extinction risk. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens (HTN) in San Marino, California, obtained a grant from American Public Gardens Association (APGA) to study these two species in collaboration with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (ASDM) in Tucson, Arizona. The objectives were to scout localities where these species had been observed in the past, confirm or deny their presence in several mountain ranges which are poorly documented, collect acorns or material for micropropagation, and voucher the species at each location. GPS locations of all plants and populations encountered were recorded, measurements and field descriptions of trees were taken, and habitat and associated species were noted. Vouchers were deposited in herbaria at HNT, ASDM, and the U.S. National Arboretum (NA), with Morton Arboretum (MOR) slated to receive a set. Permitting involved the Coronado National Forest (CNF), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Quercus ajoensis, a form with smaller leaves, Alamo Canyon © Julie H. Wiens

Acorns from both species were collected and sent for propagation to HNT, ASDM, Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Superior, Arizona), and Starhill Forest Arboretum in Petersburg, Illinois. The Q. ajoensis acorns, however, began germinating in the collection bags. These were sent to ASDM and sown; seedlings have been distributed to the other three institutions.

It appears that the U.S. range of pure Q. ajoensis is contracting to just three canyons in the Ajo Mountains in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Oaks from other known locations were either not found or proved to be hybrids with Q. turbinella. Fortunately, the remaining U.S. populations are relatively well protected on public lands. However, recent wildfires and other disasters highlight the vulnerability of being constrained to a small geographic area and underscore the value of collecting and distributing material for ex situ conservation. Unfortunately, oaks are masting species. With improved understanding of the phenology of the species and collaborations with land managers developed through this grant, our capacity to capture acorns during the next masting event is greatly improved. There is a need for similar projects on the Mexican side of the border. An online search of herbarium records lists five localities on the Baja Peninsula, with only two collections this century.

Our study found Q. toumeyi in ten different mountain ranges throughout Arizona and New Mexico. Populations occur mostly at elevations of 1,500–1,800 m, with lower and upper extremes of 1,207 m and 2,149 m, respectively. In addition, populations of the species exist on protected land in nine of those ranges and these accessions were acquired from each of those ranges. Frequently, it is locally common where it occurs. Although mostly found on volcanics, it seems to not be specific to a single type of substrate. Despite some seed predation, one or two species of gall wasps, and a parasitic plant found attacking Q. toumeyi, no significant threat was found to any current population on public land. Of concern for both species are studies (Brusca et al. 2013, Nolan et al. 2018) showing that many plant ranges have already been observed to be shifting in response to climate change.

Of the several species mistakenly identified as Q. toumeyi, the most interesting is Q. grisea. In the Red List of U.S. Oaks, the two come out as sister taxa. Their ranges approach each other in southern New Mexico and may overlap in the Animas, Burro, or Cookes ranges.

Matt Jevnikar and Tim Thibault with Quercus toumeyi at Upper Walker Tank in the Santa Rita Mountains © John F. Wiens

The recent publication of Q. barrancana (Spellenberg 2014) casts doubt about the extent of the range into Mexico, and surveying for Q. toumeyi in Mexico would be valuable. As for the U.S. side, monitoring of populations to ensure that they are stable would be beneficial.

Q. toumeyi seems very well adapted to the bimodal rainfall of its native range. Plants in the Rincon Mountains were observed with flowers, early fruit, and mature fruit, both in January and July of 2018. It would be interesting to see if this is a weather anomaly for this particular year, or if the species in fact flowers and fruits twice yearly. Q. toumeyi deserves further horticultural evaluation. It may prove a valuable foundation plant or informal hedge for dry climates.

Authors’ Contact Information:

John F. Wiens (Organizer and Senior Collector), Nursery Horticulturist, Botany Department, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ, 85743, jwiens@desertmuseum.org

Tim Thibault (Organizer and Senior Collector), Curator, Woody Plant Materials, Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, CA, 91108, tthibault@huntington.org

The original version of this report appeared in the February 8, 2019 edition of the journal Dendrology.

Edited by Sandy Masuo, AZH editor

Hort for Herps: Restoring Dry Forests to Help Save Beaded Lizards

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 13:03:09 GMT

Last year, the AZH provided $7,000 for the International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF) to implement a community-based habitat restoration project to support the Guatemalan beaded lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti). Building on past success, the IRCF will use AZH funding this year to create habitat for these critically endangered reptiles by re-establishing oak forest on abandoned agricultural plots. This will be the first ecological restoration project in the dry forests of Guatemala. The project objectives are:

1. Assess and document tree species composition in well-preserved areas of forest habitat.

2. Engage local communities in direct conservation actions such as tree seed collection and reforestation.

3. Establish a local nursery to propagate tree seedlings large enough to withstand dry seasons.

4. Restore up to 100 hectares of habitat with 10,000 native trees.

5. Determine survival and growth rates of newly planted trees.

6. Develop scalable techniques for dry forest ecosystem restoration in the Matagua Valley.

Initial documentation of the tree species that occur in well-preserved forested areas has taken place, along with collection of seeds whenever possible. Twenty-five species have already been germinated, however, only a few of these were selected for the first stage of the reforestation program.

A large-scale nursery has been established, complete with water tanks, a water pump, shade cloth, and fencing; re-purposed soda bottles serve as nursery pots. A cost-effective, community-based method for propagating trees in large numbers was developed, transferring capacities to long-term community, school, and volunteer stakeholders who will be able to continue the project indefinitely. Thanks to timely problem solving in overseeing the operation of the nursery, we are on track to surpass our goal of 10,000 trees annually. The program so far includes about 20 volunteers continually taking care of different aspects of the project. Additionally, about 200 people have participated in reforestation events.

Initiating planting of trees in the field coincided with the beginning of rainy season. So far, 5,000 trees have been planted and further reforestation events will soon take place. Monitoring of the trees planted in the field has determined that the survival rate is near 100 percent due to the abundant precipitation.

The main goal of this project was to develop and test scalable techniques for the reforestation of the Guatemalan beaded lizard habitat. If we continue to nurture and coordinate these alliances, the Motagua Valley dry forest future looks promising. — Darryl Windham

Giraffes in the Front-yard, Cactus Wren in the Back

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 12:00:00 GMT

San Diego Zoo Global

Contributed by Carlos de la Rosa, Ph.D., Natural Lands Manager

San Diego Zoo Global is committed to conserving rare plants and animals both abroad and in their own backyard. At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, this commitment is literal, with half of the Safari Park developed to exhibit and support exotic animals and the backyard is a natural coastal sage scrub reserve. The newly minted Natural Lands Program is taking on the challenges associated with stewarding this important piece of Southern California habitat.
Situated in the San Pasqual Valley of San Diego’s North County, the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park is world-famous, attracting over a million visitors a year. Looking out over the African plains, visitors can observe herds of Thompson’s gazelles, scimitar-horned oryx, reticulated giraffes, and white rhinoceros. Though most may have never seen a Kenyan savanna in person, the view is a rare but familiar sight, reinforced in our minds by picture books and nature documentaries.

Past the rhinos and just over the hill to the east is an equally wild landscape, one that, paradoxically, every visitor walking through the gates has seen, but perhaps fewer can identify with precision: California’s coastal sage scrub. Adjacent to the Safari Park but still within the Zoo lease, the Safari Park Biodiversity Reserve is an 800-acre protected area consisting mostly of coastal sage scrub and subtypes like cactus scrub. Like the Safari Park, the Biodiversity Reserve is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals; unlike the Park, though, they are not on display, usually only noticed by the handful of researchers and students conducting work there.

Rosy boas (Lichanura trivirgata) are a cryptic but spectacular resident of the Safari Park Biodiversity Reserve. Photo: Carlos de la Rosa, courtesy of San Diego Zoo Global.

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)are a common sight in the coastal sage scrub of the San Pasqual Valley in San Diego’s North County. Photo: Carlos de la Rosa, courtesy of San Diego Zoo Global.

Cactus scrub and the surrounding coastal sage scrub habitats are home to many plant and animal species. Photo: Christa Horn, courtesy of San Diego Zoo Global.

Rare local species, such as coastal cactus wren, can be found adjacent to exotic hoofstock kept for breeding, both species supported by the conservation efforts of San Diego Zoo Global. Photo: Demi Debrino, courtesy of San Diego Zoo Global.

California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) and Parry’s phacelia (Phacelia parryi) blanket a slope in the Biodiversity Reserve adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Photo: Carlos de la Rosa, courtesy of San Diego Zoo Global.

In the summer, the hills are a patchwork of browns and greys, a drab tapestry that gives no indication of the spectacular colors that come with spring. At the first rains, bush rue (Cneoridium dumosum) and four o’clock (Mirabilis laevis) flowers begin to brighten the landscape; if precipitation continues, the orange and yellow of California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), and bush sunflower (Encelia californica) will mix with the purple tints of Parry’s phacelia (Phacelia parryi), caterpillar phacelia (Phacelia cicutaria), and blue fiestaflower (Pholistoma auritum). Later in the season, as the days become warmer and longer, more color emerges: purple chia (Salvia columbariae), pink tomcat clover (Trifolium willdenovii), violet showy penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis), magenta owl’s clover (Castilleja densiflora), to name a few of the species. Under a stand of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), you may even find Campo Clarkia (Clarkia delicata), an annual recognized as threatened or endangered in California.

San Diego County is noteworthy for its biological diversity, as well as high numbers of rare and threatened species. Habitat destruction, wildfire, and invasive species are highest on the list of likely drivers of local biological extinctions. Recently, San Diego Zoo Global created the Natural Lands Program to begin taking a more hands on and comprehensive approach to managing the habitat on our lands. In the Biodiversity Reserve, mitigating wildfire and invasive species are the highest priorities; if unchecked, either could cause sensitive species of concern, such as the coastal cactus wren, to lose precious habitat.

Our goals for the Biodiversity Reserve fall into two categories. First, we aim to manage the natural lands in such a way that native species thrive, and are resilient to changing climate, wildfire, drought, and invasive species. This year, we treated 18 acres of stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum), an annual weed and emerging threat in the area, gaining a foothold in our south-facing slopes. These same slopes support an extensive patch of prickly pear cactus, vital habitat for the coastal cactus wren. By removing stinknet, we are improving habitat for cactus wrens and the many other species that call coastal sage scrub home. The weed removal also helps protect the habitat from wildfire by reducing fine fuels that could increase the frequency of fires. An early task of the Natural Lands Program will be to develop a management plan to help guide and prioritize management activities.

Second, we are working to build a robust research and monitoring program that feeds back into our management plan. To know our baselines and historical populations of sensitive species, we are pulling together data and findings from previous research in the Biodiversity Reserve; likewise, we are planning new research projects designed to help us chart a path forward. Later this spring, we will conduct a thorough inventory of locations likely to contain rare plants. After a decade of drought in Southern California, the robust rains this year have us excited to see what species have been lying dormant in the seed bank. We are also designing experiments to test the response of snakes and lizards to habitat restoration, and to understand how species will survive as our climate changes.

Though both management and research activities have occurred on the conserved land for decades, the new Natural Lands Program is an opportunity to place them in the context of a comprehensive management plan. SDZG’s commitment to this program also demonstrates its commitment to conservation, not only of the giraffes, elephants, and other exotic species in their care and abroad, but to the species found in their own backyard.

CPC Save Plants newsletter - April 2019

SDZG Academy Develops Online Contractor Employee Safety Training

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 15:47:19 GMT

By Gary Priest, Curator of Animal Care Training, San Diego Zoo Global Academy

Zoos and aquariums regularly revitalize their facilities with new construction projects. If you are responsible for construction at a zoo or aquarium—or know a co-worker who is—this column is for you.

A few months ago, I was contacted by Erika Kohler and Michael Ahlering, directors of operation for the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, respectively. Erika and Michael had a request: Does the Academy have a solution for training our construction contractors' employees on our rules for safely working on site at the Zoo and/or Safari Park? These contractor employees might be working on site for months, or for only a day or two. The goal for our two operations directors was to ensure that each employee of every construction contractor knows our organization's rules for working safely at the San Diego Zoo or the Safari Park. The directors wondered:

Could we help them build a short safety training course?
Could the Academy figure out a way to create and organize a list of applicable contractors and their employees for this training?
Could the training be accessible on a smartphone or tablet?
Could the training reside on a special dedicated site, specifically for San Diego Zoo Global vendors?
Could the training include a short quiz?
And, perhaps most important, in the event of an accident at a construction site, could the Academy be a source of reporting for improved compliance tracking?

My tentative answer was "maybe." It was a tall order, and this was new territory. However today, I can report the answer is a definite "yes"—a brand-new program to do all of those things is now being rolled out at both of our facilities, just as they envisioned.

The first order of business was to build a short, 10-minute safety course for on-site workers who are not our own employees. For course creation, we relied on an existing document that all our contractors must sign that spells out our organization's expectations for their employees' conduct while working at any of our facilities.

Construction of the short course was not difficult. But, the review process involving the heads of other departments proved more challenging. Many good suggestions were proposed for including additional information, however the operation directors needed to remind our reviewers that the initial goal was to create a 10-minute training course, not an exhaustive legal document. In the end, with that understanding, only a few simple modifications were required to satisfy everyone.

The course is now accessible via smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. With help from our partners at CypherWorx, we were able to create a special Vendor Academy site that is uniquely set up for our contractors and their employees. For the initial rollout and testing, we enlisted the help of two longtime contractors. Each contractor provided us with a list of their employees who would need this training. We created a group under each contractor company name and entered their employees in this folder. During the final phase of testing, we successfully worked out the operational details—including developing a solution for contractor employees who didn't have an email account or a smartphone.

Your organization can benefit from this effort, because this contractor training concept is now available for all of the Academy community. Our contractor training course could be the starting point for your own customized training module. You can use our contractor training course as a template, customize it for your own operation (working with CypherWorx), and load it in your own Vendor Academy site. This allows everyone to go from "hoping" that contractors conduct themselves a certain way while working on grounds, to managing the outcome of this important aspect of operations with the right tool for the job—and that tool is training.

To view a sample of our Contractor Employee Safety Training course, click here.

What's great about the collaborative Academy community is that we can develop new programs like this one together, in real time. If this idea interests you—or if you have questions, or are interested in finding out the cost to develop a customized contractor module for your institution—contact Linda Duca at lduca@cypherworx.com.

Family Trees at Lincoln Park Zoo

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 12:25:57 GMT

Tallying the zoo’s trees chronicles historic and current landscape and shapes plantings for the future.

Massive branches that arch overhead, bright flowers in spring, cooling green shade on a summer day: So much of the pleasure of a stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo comes from the majesty and grace of its trees.

Along a path, you may pass new saplings and grand old giants. Near the Helen Brach Primate House is one huge bur oak estimated to be 220 years old; the trunk is so wide that “it would take three people to hug it,” says Joe Rothleutner, director of horticulture. The tree was already broad and shady when the zoo was founded 150 years ago.

When this and other nearby oaks were young, they sprouted from acorns in dunes along the wild shoreline of Lake Michigan. By the time upstart Chicago decided it needed a park and a zoo, these trees were large enough to be valued features of the landscape. Around them, dunes became lawns, new animal noises filled the air, buildings rose, paths were paved, and hundreds more trees were planted.

The zoo now has about 1,500 trees of 300 types, according to a new tree inventory conducted by the horticulture staff. They include nine kinds of oaks, seven of them Chicago-area native species.

“We wanted to understand all the different kinds of trees we have and what we need to do for them,” says Rothleutner. Reliable plant records only go back to 2009, so every tree from Nature Boardwalk to Walter Family Arctic Tundra had to be visited, identified, and measured.

Now there’s a database where the lives and health of the trees can be monitored, in much the same way that the zoo tracks its animals. “Some of these trees will still be living in 100 or 150 years,” Rothleutner says. “And preventative care is important.”

He and Abby Lorenz, manager of plant records and horticulture programs, are using the data to guide a greater investment in science-based care for existing trees and planting for the future. Preserving the zoo’s historic trees requires extra measures such as pruning to remove dead or damaged limbs and fungicide treatments to hold off disease. “Medical bills tend to go up for all of us as we get older,” he says.

The inventory also helps them plan what trees to plant. No tree lives forever, and young trees must be added to continuously renew the tree canopy. But they need to be carefully chosen.

It’s critical not to plant too many of one kind, like the American elms that once lined parks and streets, easy prey for the Dutch elm disease that nearly annihilated them. To avoid that, the zoo plants many different species in the hope that no matter what challenges its trees face in the future, some will survive.

The historic oaks on the South Lawn have already seen the world’s climate change. Trees planted today will live to see even more changes—hotter summers, more drought, bigger storms, invasive insects, diseases, and new hazards. “It’s hard to anticipate what’s going to happen,” Rothleutner says. “Our only real safeguard is to plant a wide variety of trees.”

A northern catalpa tree stands just east of the zoo parking lot.

New plantings include not only native species but hardy trees from around the world, such as katsura, zelkova, and ginkgo trees from Asia. More flowering trees are being added to enrich the spring display.

Where possible, Rothleutner and his staff choose trees that suggest the stories of nearby animals. No African tree could survive a Chicago winter, but near Regenstein African Journey there’s a tropical feeling in the huge leaves of an umbrella magnolia, a tree from the Appalachian Mountains.

Trees live long, and in a century the umbrella magnolia may still stand while the zoo continues to grow and evolve. One thing is sure: With foresight and care for its trees, the zoo will still be green.

posted from Lincoln Park Zoo news

AZH participates in Seed Your Future networking event at Philadelphia Flower Show

Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:35:49 GMT

AZH board member and Denver Zoo Horticulture Manager John Murgel participated in this Seed Your Future networking event in Philadelphia last week. Read about this great event to connect professionals to students and close the green collar workforce gap!

https://www.seedyourfuture.org/planting_the_seed_for_networking_events?utm_campaign=march_blog&utm_medium=email&utm_source=seedyourfuture

Opening a Can of Summer

Sun, 17 Feb 2019 12:33:57 GMT

At the 2018 AZH conference in Winnipeg, Zanis Valdmanis and Benjamin Martin from the Toronto Zoo gave a presentation on making silage. Dani Ferguson and I, from the Oregon Zoo, were paying close attention, as this was something we wanted to try here. With the knowledge gained at the conference and the help of Lance Swearengin from Oklahoma City Zoo, we ventured into the world of silage. Since we didn’t start until after the conference, we had a shortened season to collect browsable material, so our trials were somewhat limited. We ended up preparing 30 barrels of silage, using a variety of plant material and a couple different methods. After much anticipation, we finally opened our first barrel last week.

We were very excited to see that the instructions we received worked really well; the silage looked great and had the appetizing scent of cider, it was like opening a can of summer. Anxious to see if our efforts were worth it, we traveled around our zoo and asked keepers to feed out some of the silage to all our animals that eat browse. We were thrilled to see that every animal species we gave it to really took to the silage, with just a few individual exceptions, and those animals are known picky eaters anyway.

These efforts demonstrate the value of the AZH annual conference and membership for idea sharing. A big “Thank You” to those who shared their experiences with us so we could create browse to use during the winter season. We already are planning to prepare more silage for next year.

For those of you who are thinking of trying it, I encourage you to give it a shot, and add the Oregon Zoo to the list of resources who are willing to help guide you through the process. —Jeff Pera, Horticulturist Oregon Zoo

Jeff.Pera@oregonzoo.org

Center for Plant Conservation Best Practices to Support Species Survival in the Wild

(Past member) — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 12:15:53 GMT

One in five plant species are at risk of extinction worldwide. Growing concerns for the loss of plant genetic diversity and species’ extinctions, as well as advancing know how to make successful conservation collections, motivates Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) Network scientists to collect seeds from wild populations and bank them.

The great diversity of plants throughout the world helps define our sense of place and our cultural heritage. Plants have great economic value—providing food, shelter, medicine, and the basis of our livelihoods.

CPC Best Plant Conservation Practices to Support Species Survival in the Wild offer all of us targets we strive to hit in our plant conservation practice. We welcome you to join the conversation and to contribute to the science and to the stories about how practice improves through experience. Please contact the Center for Plant Conservation at info@saveplants.org."

Seed Your Future Launches Free Horticulture Career Exploration Tool

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:57:02 GMT

Features include requirements, salary information, educational links and videos of more than 90 careers working with plants.

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. (January 23, 2019) – Today, Seed Your Future, the horticulture industry-wide effort to promote horticulture and inspire more people to pursue careers working with plants, has launched its new free online horticulture career exploration resource. Much more than a basic alphabetical list of the almost 100 careers in the horticulture industry, the tool first asks site visitors to consider what they are interested in, and then lists careers in horticulture that might match their interests.

Every career page includes information about the job, the level of education required, links to where to study in the U.S., data about salaries, links to professional organizations supporting that career, and engaging videos of people in those careers. Meant to provide introductory information to each career across the art, science, technology and business of horticulture, the new resource will continue to grow as more careers are featured, and more videos selected to help users understand all of the diverse options in the horticulture industry.

“Seed Your Future is committed to providing quality, reputable information about all of the exciting careers available across the art, science, technology and business of plants,” said Susan E. Yoder, executive director of Seed Your Future. “Showing students, parents, mid-career changers, educators, and anyone else interested in plants that there are meaningful and rewarding careers working with plants is one of the goals of Seed Your Future. Whether this resource introduces site visitors to a fulfilling career, or a lifelong passion, one thing is clear — the more we know about plants, the more we can make a difference in the world today."

The site http://www.seedyourfuture.org/careers serves as a digital hub for all horticulture-career information in a concise, easy to read format with links to external resources, places to study and find scholarships, and videos of real people in each of the careers fields.

About Seed Your Future Seed Your Future is a national movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. Supported by more than 150 partner organizations, we envision a U.S. where everyone understands and values the importance of plants and the people who work in the art, science, technology and business of horticulture. For information, visit us at SeedYourFuture.org.

BGCI Botanical Garden Accreditation: A New Plant Conservation Standard – Lance Swearengin, Horticultural Curator, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 16:05:22 GMT

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden recently earned a prestigious accreditation from Botanical Garden Conservation International (BGCI). The Zoo’s botanical garden is a longtime member of BGCI, an organization created in 1987 to promote plant conservation by linking the botanical gardens of the world into a global network.

The botanical garden’s five-year accreditation means the facility is certified as an official BGCI botanical garden. This brings with it a new plant conservation standard for the Zoo and recognizes the garden as one that conforms to the highest international standards for plant collections and botanical research. The OKC Zoo is only the fifth botanical garden to receive this accreditation within the United States and the eleventh to do so internationally.

Botanical garden members can share their collections with each other for research purposes and conservation efforts whether the trade be in genetic material, seeds, or living plants.

BGCI offers three botanical garden accreditation categories that each require extensive documentation and follow high-quality criteria for attainment. The application process is quite lengthy and examples of documentation from several categories must be submitted, including peer-reviewed articles, plant research, conservation practices, and collection planning processes.

The Zoo’s botanical garden encompasses over 120 acres where exotic animals roam over the landscapes under a canopy of flowering trees, forested groves, and wildflower meadows. Come visit the largest collection of Oklahoma native plants nestled securely within the historic cross-timbers ecosystem. This remarkable ecosystem, where the eastern deciduous forest meets the tall grass prairie, is the cornerstone of the botanical garden and sets the tone for a purely unmatched native botanical experience. Our Oklahoma native plant collection contains more than 100 species, some of which are listed as rare or imperiled.

The botanical garden also hosts the largest outdoor butterfly garden in Oklahoma! The butterfly garden covers more than 21,000 square feet and showcases pollinator plants, nectar pants, and host plants which serve to educate our guests on the importance of pollinators and monarch migration. Plants displayed in our botanical collection include species from North America, Australia, Asia, Africa, and South America. The Zoo first achieved national accreditation as a botanical garden in 1998 through the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

Comparison of Plant Collection Database programs

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 14:32:27 GMT

Thinking of creating or upgrading your Plant Collection Database? There are a ton of options out there but ArbNet at Morton Arboretum has put together a comparison of three database programs to assist with making a choice that works for your organization.

https://community.publicgardens.org/HigherLogic/System/DownloadDocumentFile.ashx?DocumentFileKey=c5e1c451-6c01-4272-a877-14828385ca4e

Moody Gardens celebrate holidays with Bromeliad/Orchid tree – Donita Brannon

Sat, 08 Dec 2018 15:05:01 GMT

Every year we install a 30' tall poinsettia tree ( silk ) in our Visitor Center Lobby. But we wanted something more tropical for the RF Pyramid, so for the past several years we have put up a Bromeliad/ Orchid Tree. It begins with a metal frame. We then add rings to the frame & then plastic pots go in the rings.

We add assorted bromeliads in varying colors & sizes to the pots. ( Guzmanias & Neoregelias, mostly) The final finishing touch is big, beautiful white Phalenopsis Orchids.
Our guest love it!

Donita Brannon

AZH Conservation Grant Projects for 2018-2019

Sun, 02 Dec 2018 15:32:29 GMT

We have a new section on the AZH website detailing each of the 2018-2019 AZH Plant Conservation Grants. At the 2018 AZH annual conference in Winnipeg, a total of five grants were awarded for projects in Madagascar, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Colorado, and England. Check out the details of each project on the AZH conservation grant page - https://azh.org/azh-conservation-grant-project-updates/

Community based habitat restoration for the critically endangered Guatemalan beaded lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti)
International Reptile Conservation Foundation
$7,000

Continuing on their past success with habitat restoration for endangered Guatemalan lizards, the International Reptile Conservation Foundation will use AZH funding this year to create habitat for the Guatemalan beaded lizard by planting 100 hectares of oak forest on abandoned agricultural plots. This will be the first ecological restoration project in the dry forests of Guatemala.

The project aims to:

Assess and document forest tree species composition in well preserved areas of habitat
Engage local communities in direct conservation actions such as tree seed collection and reforestation
Establish a local tree nursery to propagate and grow large tree seedlings able to withstand dry seasons
Restore up to 100 ha of habitat with 10,000 native trees
Determine survival and growth rate of newly planted trees
Develop scalable techniques for dry forest ecosystem restoration in the Matagua Valley

2019 AZH CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS!

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 16:33:07 GMT

By Danielle Green

The AZH Program Committee is now accepting proposals for presentations at the 2019 AZH Annual Conference

hosted by Philadelphia Zoo August 25-28, 2019.

What makes an AZH Conference special is presentations from horticulture professionals like you! The challenges and obstacles that we face every day lead to solutions and success. Share these with your zoo horticulture colleagues by speaking in the program, creating a poster, or participating in a panel discussion.

Everything that you need to know to be an AZH presenter is here. 2019 AZH CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

Chris Dailey, AZH Program Chair

daileyc@jacksonvillezoo.org

How Spiders Increase Plant Diversity

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 19:17:09 GMT

If healthy ecosystems are what we desire, we must embrace predators. There is no way around it. Because of their meat-based diets, predators can have serious effects on plant diversity. Generally speaking, as plant diversity increases, so does the biodiversity of that region. It's not just large predators like wolves and bears either. Even predators as small as spiders can have considerable impacts on not only plant diversity, but ecosystem processes as well. Before we get to that, however, we should take a moment to review some of the background on this subject.

The way in which predators mediate plant diversity falls under a realm of an ecological science called top-down ecosystem controls. In a top-down system, predators mediate the populations of herbivores, which takes pressure off of the plant community. It makes a lot of sense as a numbers game. The fewer herbivores there are, the better the plants perform overall. However, ecology is never that simple. More and more we are realizing that top-down controls have less to do with fewer herbivores than they do with herbivore behavior.

Herbivores, like any organism on this planet, respond to changes in their environment. When predators are present, herbivores often become more cautious and change up their behavior as a result. Such is the case of grasshoppers living in fields. Grasshoppers are incredibly numerous and can do considerable amounts of damage to plant communities as they feed. Picture swarms of locusts and you kind of get the idea.

Given the choice, grasshoppers will preferentially feed on some plants more than others. Such was the case when researchers began observing grasshopper behavior in some old fields in Connecticut. The grasshoppers in this study really seemed to prefer grasses to all other plants. That is unless spiders were present. In this particular system lives a spider known as the nursery web spider (Pisaurina mira). The nursery web spider is an effective hunter and the fact does not seem to be lost on the grasshoppers.

In the presence of spiders, grasshoppers change up their feeding behavior quite a bit. Instead of feeding on grasses, they switch over to feeding on goldenrod (Solidago rugosa). Although the researchers are not entirely sure why they make this shift, they came up with three possible explanations. First is that the goldenrod is much more structurally complex than the grass and thus offers more places for the grasshopper to hide. Second is that goldenrod fills the grasshoppers stomach in less time thanks to the higher water content of the leaves. This would mean that grasshoppers had more time to watch for predators than they would if they were eating grass. Third is that the feeding behaviors of both arthropods allows the grasshopper to better keep track of where spiders might be lurking. It is very likely that all three hypotheses play a role in this shift.

It's the shift in diet itself that has ramifications throughout the entire ecosystem in question. Many goldenrod species are highly competitive when left to their own devices. If left untouched, abandoned fields can quickly become a monoculture of goldenrod. That is where the spiders come in. By causing a behavioral shift in their grasshopper prey, the spiders are having indirect effects on plant diversity in these habitats. Because grasshoppers spend more time feeding on goldenrods in the presence of spiders, they knock back some of the competitive advantages of these plants.

The researchers found that when spiders were present, overall plant diversity increased. This is not because the spiders ate more grasshoppers. Instead, it's because the grasshoppers shifted to a diet of goldenrod, which knocked the goldenrod back just enough to allow other plants to establish. It's not just plant diversity that changed either. Spiders also caused an increase in both solar radiation and nitrogen reaching the soils!

In knocking back the goldenrod, the habitat became slightly more open and patchy as various plant species of different shapes and sizes gradually established. This allowed more light to reach the soil, thus changing the environment for new seeds to germinate. Also, because goldenrod leaves tend to break down more slowly, they can have significant influences on nutrient cycles within the soil. As a more diverse set of plants establish in these field habitats, the type of leaf litter that falls to the ground changes as well. This resulted in an overall increase in the nitrogen supply to the soil, which also influences plant diversity.

In total, the mere presence of spiders was enough to set in motion these top-down ecosystem effects. It's not that spiders eat more grasshoppers, it's that they are changing the behavior of grasshoppers in a way that results in a more diverse plant community overall. This is a radically different narrative than what has been observed with examples such as the reintroduction of wolves to the greater Yellowstone ecosystem yet the conclusions are very much the same. Predators have innumerable ecosystem benefits that we simply can't afford to ignore.

Photo Credits: [1] [2] [3]

New from BIAZA – British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Sun, 23 Sep 2018 13:27:41 GMT

Date	Event (Click for Details)	Venue
18 – 22 Sept 2018	EAZA Annual Conference	Athens, Greece
27 Sept 2018	PlantNetwork: Betula identification and cultivation	Ness Botanic Gardens, Nr. Chester
29 Sept 2018	Wildlife Gardening Forum: New findings in Wildlife Gardening Science	Trinity Centre, Bristol
2 October 2018	Introduction to the Science of Algae	Cambridge University Botanic Garden
3 Oct 2018	Working and Designing with Trees	Barcham Trees, Cambridgeshire
12 Oct	Valuing and Managing Veteran Trees	Killerton House, Devon
16 Oct2018	Reinventing Pruning: Implementing the New North American Pruning Standards and Best Management Practices	Barcham Trees, Cambridgeshire
20 Oct 2018	Fungi Ecology and Identification part 1 (beginners)	Wildwood Trust, Herne Bay, Kent
24 Oct 2018	Valuing and Managing Veteran Trees	Warwickshire
31 Oct – 1 Nov 2018	SALTEX Trade Show	NEC, Birmingham
10 Nov 2018	Fungi Ecology and Identification part 2 (Intermediate)	Wildwood Trust, Herne Bay, Kent
20 Nov 2018	Tree Pests, Diseases and Fungi	Warwickshire
21 Nov 2018	Climate Change – Building Resilience in the Arboricultural Sector	Wokingham, Berkshire
21 – 22 Nov 2018	Identifying Conifers	Cambridge University Botanic Garden
17 – 18 May 2019	The Arb Show	Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
21 – 25 May 2019	RHS Chelsea Flower Show	Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London
9 – 10 June 2019	Open Garden Squares Weekend	Across London
2 – 7 July 2019	RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival	Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey
17 – 21 July 2019	RHS Flower Show Tatton Park	Tatton Park, near Knutsford, Cheshire
17 – 21 Sept 2019	EAZA Annual Conference	Bioparc Valencia, Spain

Making Horticulture COOL

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 13:57:46 GMT

Seed Your Future is helping more people see what we already know—horticulture is cool!!

https://safnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FM-Sept18-Feature2.pdf

Why aren’t you growing this?

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 16:21:12 GMT

Keeping plants merely alive in zoos is no small feat. Pressures of collection animals (including time-and-space pressure of browse production), non-collection animals, and the visiting public often make for sparser-than-hoped landscapes.

What’s a horticulturist charged with transporting visitors to far away places to do? In Denver, we’ve started growing specialty annuals and perennials for display in key places to help captivate visitors with as small an impact to staff resource as possible. Ideally, a chosen plant will be quick to grow and ostentatious in presentation. If the plant is available to purchase as seed, so much the better, as seeds are typically budget-friendly and provide greater flexibility in propagation timing. (Highly appreciated if you’ve ever had the joy of receiving a shipment of cuttings on a Friday afternoon.)

This year we introduced Puya mirabilis to our plant palette for the first time; it’s been well worth our efforts. Perhaps the fastest of bromeliads to grow from seed; the spiny rosettes of this Patagonian native produce flowers in their second year, allowing for a summer sowing to produce blossoms the following growing season—provided an overwintering spot of at least 20°F can be provided. We grew our plants in a 50–60°F greenhouse through the winter and they quickly achieved flowering size.

Upon setting them out in early spring (around March 15), they showed some signs of cold stress after a 22°F night but rallied brilliantly; and though tasted by rabbits they proved by-and-large pest resistant in the extreme. Their spiny (but not-too-spiny) leaf margins also made them unattractive to unwelcome human attention. They are tolerant of dry conditions; our specimens made a great addition to a garden with somewhat inhospitable southern exposure.

In early August, the rosettes produced dramatic 5-6 foot inflorescences from which dangle waxy green three-inch flowers offset by fuzzy bluish calyces. At least for some photographers, a more attractive subject than the nearby flamingos!

John Murgel, Denver Zoo

Update from Sacramento Zoo on 2018 Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant project

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 16:28:34 GMT

Sacramento Zoo Plant ID Signage Michaele Bergera, Sacramento Zoological Society

Background: In 2014, the Sacramento Zoo’s director passed away unexpectedly. The interim director requested that I replace the plant identification signs that were in place at the time and had them removed. Since then, I have been working to get them replaced. The cost of replacing the signs for our entire collection of plants and trees was too high for us to do all at once, so I was asked to prioritize the list. In the meantime, the zoo went through rebranding, another change of leadership, and unfortunately the project was put on hold during each transition. Thanks to the Wendy Andrews Cultivation Grant, in both 2017 and 2018, I was able to start labeling plants once more! The Sacramento Zoo has a new director, and I am happy to say that he seems very supportive of the horticulture department and our efforts to properly identify plants and educate the public!

The purpose of this project was to create and install identification signs to educate/inform zoo visitors about the plants and trees in our collection. By providing this signage, we hope to show our guests that the Sacramento Zoo values our plant collection as well as our animal collection. Plant Identification signs add to our guest experience by providing an additional educational opportunity. Thanks to the funding provided by the AZH Wendy Andrews Cultivation Grant, I have been able to label an entire garden area. The plant ID signs will be viewed by over 500,000 guests that visit the Sacramento Zoo annually.

The signs for this project were installed in early August, in an area that we refer to as the Zoo’s Backyard. It was originally designed to be a demonstration garden for “river-friendly” landscaping and consisted mainly of California native plants. I thought that the signs would have a greater impact if they were placed in one area as opposed to being spread out throughout the zoo. Since the installation of the signs, I have noticed visitors slowing down, taking pictures, and discussing the plants! The full amount of the grant was used to purchase seventy 2” x 4” signs, one 5” x 8” sign, and the stakes to mount them on. The total cost of the project was $1043.25. Thank you to the Association of Zoological Horticulture for your continued support.

Letter from AZH President

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 16:33:26 GMT

WINNIPEG, HERE WE COME

The time has arrived! I am packing my bags, placing meetings and lunches in my calendar, and emailing friends and members to see when and where we can find time to catch up over busy conference week. What a week it looks to be: The program committee has done an excellent job arranging some fabulous sounding presentations; The board is set to get down to business with an item-packed agenda; the committees have all submitted their reports to get ready for annual meetings; our host has put together an amazing, informative and action packed itinerary. I am officially excited to start the conference and cross Assiniboine Park off my bucket list!

Starting off the conference, the 2018 board members will meet together, some for the last time before the new members are on-boarded later in the conference. I would like to thank Nancy Tarver for her 5 years of service to AZH as a board member and officer. I would also like to congratulate and thank Lance Swearengin and Donita Brannon for their continued service as directors-at-large. Finally, please help me congratulate and welcome Dianne Weber as your newly elected director-at-large. I challenge and encourage all members to explore the possibilities of running for office or board assignment in next year’s election. It is an extremely rewarding experience and opportunity to enhance your commitment to the field.

I am also excited to meet our newest members and first time conference attendees. Conference is the forum for us all to learn from each other’s challenges and successes, share our knowledge and experiences that have the power to unify us together when it can feel a bit alone inside of your own organization, and to reinvigorate your passion for what you do.

YOU ARE A ZOO HORTICULTURIST! YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOU INSPIRE AWE!

When it comes to business; whether a zoo, an aquarium, an art or history museum, a Fortune 500 company, or a main street coffee shop, it’s about people. People, our guests, are our target market…our “brain capital”…the only way we change the world together. It’s people that you work to educate, to inspire, to create memories for. Our work and our landscapes have the power to do all of that. How do you tell your stories for conservation in your institutions? If your story does not include your flora with your fauna, then you might consider some editing. It is your passion and voice for plant science that engages a holistic message of conservation for zoos and other living museums. Collectively, through AZH, our voice is strong and loud! Do not forget about the other collectives that support you too; your animal care staff, your leadership, other hort organizations, your PEOPLE!

That about wraps up my rant for the quarter. Hopefully I got you thinking and anxious for some energetic conversations over conference. For those unable to attend this year, feel free to rant back over the Discussion Forum on the website. Also, don’t forget that the program committee works extremely hard to post the proceedings from each conference on the website, so if you miss the opportunity to be there in person, you are still able to have a glimpse on-line.

FAST FOOD: Greater carbon dioxide levels cause rapid plant growth that is bigger but not better.

Sun, 19 Aug 2018 16:36:32 GMT

For at least ten years, scientists have been noting changes in wild koala populations that appear to be linked to the quality of their only food source: eucalyptus. Increases in CO2 levels are causing eucalyptus to grow faster. But faster is not always better. This rapid growth produces foliage that is poorer in nutrients and higher in toxic tannins. Koalas have evolved to be able to process these compounds within certain ranges. These shifts in nutritional content are leading to cases of malnutrition in the animals, and secondarily to higher mortality due to predation and highway collisions as the animals seek out new food sources. Nearly ten years ago, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature published concerns over this phenomenon in 2009, and subsequent studies are underscoring the gravity of these circumstances. There are troublesome implications for many other plant–animal relationships including humans and our heavy global reliance on a small number of plant species. Recent studies suggest that rising CO2 levels are leading to nutritional changes in rice and wheat. —Sandy Masuo

Read more about climate change and nutritional changes in rice and wheat:

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/06/19/616098095/as-carbon-dioxide-levels-rise-major-crops-are-losing-nutrients

For more information about climate change and koalas:

https://phys.org/news/2016-02-climate-koalas-diet-inedible.html

https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/fact_sheet_red_list_koala_v2.pdf

2018 AZH Internship Program Award winner Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster, CO

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 16:37:50 GMT

AZH promotes the contributions made by horticulture to the success of zoos and the establishment of effective habitat exhibits. To support this mission, AZH established the "AZH Internship Program" to assist zoos in accomplishing projects that enhance the zoo experience and bring attention to the importance of horticulture. The $1500 stipend is to advance special horticulture related projects and introduce zoo horticulture to a new generation. The funds are not intended to be used for routine garden or grounds maintenance. More information about the program is found here - https://azh.org/azh-internship-program/

The 2018 AZH Internship Program Award was awarded to Amy Yarger at the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, CO. This is the second award for Amy and the Butterfly Pavilion from this program. Details on the program are below.

Plant Collections Internship 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the Plant Collections 2018 internship is to provide an undergraduate horticulture or museum studies student with a thorough training and hands-on practice in the field of planning, designing, and evaluating plant collections in a zoological setting. The Plant Collections intern will work closely with Butterfly Pavilion’s horticulture director to formalize and present the botanical collections plan for Butterfly Pavilion’s new facility, the Center for Invertebrate Research and Conservation (CIRC), which opens in 2021.

Goal of Project

The public plant collections at CIRC will offer immersive and engaging natural experiences for our guests and the community at large, while providing ample food and shelter for our captive invertebrates, as well as native invertebrate and vertebrate wildlife. The collections will focus on the flora of tropical, desert and Rocky Mountain environments. The plant collections plan will be updated in 2018 in order to prepare for the design of the new plantings, the acquisition of new species, the transplanting of existing specimens and best management practices. This plan will guide us in assessing risk, identifying sources for plants and evaluating the performance of plants in exhibits and the landscape.

Objectives for 2018 Plant Collections Internship

Butterfly Pavilion horticulture internships currently offer undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students in the plant sciences a semester’s opportunity to gain experience in public garden management, habitat restoration and greenhouse management. This new internship would be a 15-week program (August – December) with involvement in the planning process from the design phase to the acquisition phase.

The student will collect and analyze data about performance of the current collections and provide recommendations for transferring current holdings to the new facility.
The student will compile information for the propagation or acquisition of new plant specimens for the entire CIRC facility.
The student will collaborate with the horticulture director on creating planting layouts for the tropical, desert, Rocky Mountain biome and outdoor gardens and create management plans for each.
The intern will complete and present an independent project in the subject of plant collections during that time.

Schedule

Action Steps	Timeline	Staff
Work with planning team on concept and exhibit interpretation	January 1 – September 30 2018	Horticulture Director, Architects
Intern onboarding	August 20 – September 1, 2018	Volunteer Manager
Evaluation of current collections: tropical and pollinator gardens	August 20 – October 15, 2018	Plant Collections Intern w/ training and support from Horticulture Director
Concept and design of new exhibits and gardens: desert and Rocky Mountain	August 20 – October 15, 2018	Plant Collections Intern w/ training and support from Horticulture Director
Independent project proposal submitted	September 1. 2018	Plant Collections Intern w/ training and support from Horticulture Director

Compile best practices for transplantation, propagation, acquisition and management	October 1 – December 1, 2018	Plant Collections Intern w/ training and support from Horticulture Director
Intern midterm evaluation	October 15, 2018	Horticulture Director
Independent project presented to staff and volunteers	December 10, 2018	Plant Collections Intern
Final evaluation	December 15, 2018	Plant Collections Intern, Horticulture Director

AZH Responsible Water Use online course is live!

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 16:39:28 GMT

Did you know that AZH has produced online courses available through San Diego Zoo Global Academy?

Browse & Toxic Plants and Responsible Water Use are available online via this online learning platform. IPM course is still in construction but we hope to have that up and running soon. Instructions to access the courses (and many others) is found below.

The Association of Zoological Horticulture Collaborative Learning Environment^® provides an interactive peer-to-peer learning environment to allow you to communicate, spread ideas, share resources, discuss topics and learn in a safe environment.

Registration Instructions for AZH Courses

There are multiple ways to access the AZH courses. You may take the course through the AZH private academy (e-learning site), your institution’s private academy, or through San Diego Zoo Global Academy (SDZGA). Included below are instructions for each scenario. We diligently worked through each avenue, but complications may arise. You may contact the CollaborNation helpline (CypherWorx) at (888) 685- 4440.

For AZH members whose organizations have a private academy (elearning site): You can access the course through San Diego Zoo Global Academy. Once you join your private academy, you may need to request access to SDZGA from CypherWorx – (888) 685-4440.

Login to your Once in, click on the drop down tab in the top right corner of your screen titled “Select a Site.” You will see a drop down list – select the San Diego Zoo Global Academy.
On the top menu bar click on Course Catalog.
Scroll down to the “Browse by Category” menu on the right side. Click on the AZH category to pull up the course. You may also enter the course title into the Search Catalog
Click on the “Learn More”
Click on the “Add to Cart”
Enter the AZH member coupon code. AZHMEMBER50%
Continue the checkout process.

For AZH members who are not members of an academy (private elearning site): You can join the AZH Academy at https://collabornation.net/login/azh or through the link at http://azh.org/azh-course-registration/ (click on Registration Instructions)

Log in to your AZH account.
Register into the CollaborNation AZH eLearning site. There is a $25.00 joining
On the top menu bar click on Course Catalog.
Find the “Browse and Toxic Plants” course in the listing.
Click on the “Learn More”
Click on the “Add to Cart”
Enter the AZH member coupon code. AZHMEMBER50%
Continue the checkout process.

2018 WACG Recipients Progress Report

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 16:40:31 GMT

Hello AZH!

The 4 recipients of the 2018 Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant have been busy making great progress on their projects that we take great pride in being able to assist with funding. The following institutions have reported reaching positive milestones in their efforts:

Butterfly Pavilion—Browse Café

In late May, volunteers planted veggies, fruit, herbs and edible flowers for stick insects, beetles and roaches w/ volunteers (see list in Appendix) in northeast corner of Discovery Garden, which includes in-ground crops, raised beds and container plantings. These plantings are regularly cared for by horticulture staff and volunteers. Right now, we have primarily greens, herbs and flowers available to harvest. Horticulture staff and volunteers collect harvest and provides to animal care staff on a twice-weekly basis. Horticulture staff hand-painted labels for each crop, so that even self-guided visitors to the garden can identify the plants being grown as browse.

The summer season begins this week with our youth volunteering program orientation. These kids will work with homeschool students and summer campers to plant additional crops, water, weed and care for the food crops. Regular “garden safaris” also allow zoo guests to participate in growing food for our animals. It’s fun for the guests to learn that our animals enjoy many of the same foods that they do, even if they utilize different parts of the plants from humans. Horticulture staff worked closely with our educators to develop the appropriate curricula and buy the props and supplies needed to keep the program going all summer.

Rolling Hills Zoo—Bringing Bees Back to the Garden

The construction for the foundation of the bee hives was built April 12-13^th. This construction included a 2 x 6 wooden frame that was leveled from the grade and backfilled. The frame was then filled with crushed limestone followed by a 2 x 4 wood cedar frame that was placed and leveled on top of the limestone.

RHZ staff installed and prepared the brood boxes for the arrival of the bees on April 16, 2018. Then two of the three Nucs* arrived and were installed in the brood boxes on April 23^rd. The third Nuc will be installed at a later date. The Nucs, or nucleus colonies, are small honey bee colonies created from larger colonies. The term refers both to the smaller size box and the colony of honeybees within it. The name is derived from the fact that a nuc hive is centered on a queen, the nucleus of the honey bee colony.

To-date, the bee colonies are thriving and gathering pollen, thus lessening their reliance on the sugar water which was provided to the colonies when they arrived.

The equipment that we have purchased so far includes two bee suits plus gloves, three full bee hive box setups, and a bee brush. Other equipment will be purchased as needed.

At this time we are in the process of developing the wording and graphics for the signage leading up to and at the bee hives. This signage will talk about the decline in honeybee populations in the US, the importance of the bees to our ecosystem and the inter-relational importance of bees in our world, Signage will also talk about the bees themselves and the complexities of bee keeping.

Sacramento Zoo—Plant Identification/Signage

Location of signs (what area of the zoo) has been decided. Quotes have been obtained on the sizes/material of the signs. Preliminary selection of the plants to be labeled has been done, with the final list to be completed by May 31^st, 2018. Hope to have the signs ordered by the first week in June and installed by the end of July.

Zoo New England—Organic Garden

As of June 2018, we have received 100 sq. feet of lowbush blueberry bushes that will be planted behind the apiary in the organic garden at Franklin Park Zoo. We will be obtaining and planting gooseberry, paw paw, and ostrich ferns shortly.

Zoo New England Organic Garden

Longwood Gardens Fellows Program – Applications Now Open!

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 16:41:52 GMT

Do you see yourself in a senior role in public horticulture leadership? Are you goal oriented, naturally curious, and someone who produces results?

Longwood Gardens is now accepting applications for our 2019–2020 Fellows Program – a 13-month residential working and learning experience designed to further develop and refine high-potential individuals' leadership skills. Our tuition-free program offers a monthly stipend, housing, pragmatic and individualized leader development opportunities, and immersion into the business of public horticulture.

Program content is grounded in the disciplines of leadership, organizational behavior, and nonprofit management and begins with an introspective onboarding process that heightens participants' self-awareness. The program concludes with a two-month field placement assignment and the presentation of a final, collective cohort project that serves the needs of our industry.

The 2019–2020 Fellows Program begins in June 2019. Cohort applications remain open through October 1, 2018.

Apply Now

In-person interviews will be held December 5–7, 2018 (weather dependent). Longwood provides all airfare, lodging, and meals for interview weekend.

Take action for plant conservation! News from Center for Plant Conservation

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 16:50:19 GMT

Take action for plant conservation

Next month, Congress is on recess and your elected official will be working in their home district. August is the perfect time to contact your Representative and ask them to support plant conservation legislation. Please take this time to write to, email, phone, or visit your Representative in person and ask them to support the Botany Bill.

Background

Last week, Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, introduced the Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act (S.3240). The bill encourages federal land management agencies to hire botanists, conduct research on native plant materials, and incorporate native plants in projects on federal lands when feasible. In 2017 this bill, commonly called the Botany Bill, (H.R.1054) was introduced in the House of Representatives. More information on the House bill, including the list of 24 cosponsors to date. Track the progress of the Senate bill and to see if your Senator is a cosponsor. See Center for Plant Conservation position paper on the Botany Bill.

What to do

Find the contact info for your Representative.
Let your elected official know that plant conservation is important to you and ask them to support the House version of the Botany Bill. Here is a sample letter for you to send to your Representative by email, postal mail, or use the letter as talking points and phone or visit their office. If they have cosponsored the bill, thank them. If they have not, ask them to do so.
Tell your friends and family to contact their elected officials to support the Botany Bill and plant conservation.

Please help us all Save Plants by supporting this historic and forward-thinking legislation.

Free Plant Conservation Online Course

Sun, 22 Jul 2018 18:00:15 GMT

The San Diego Zoo Global and Center for Plant Conservation offer a free online training course on plant conservation.

The goal of this course is to lead the fight against extinction by taking a leadership role and collaborating with others to save species from extinction using science-based techniques and fostering collaboration and cooperation. This free, 2.5 hour, beginner’s course is great for new plant conservation hires or interns, students or anyone who wants to better understand the basics of why plants are important and the methods to conserve them.

Course Instructor(s): self paced

Cost: Free!

Launch the training@:
https://collabornation.net/login/sdzplantconservation

Jacksonville Zoo ‘African Forest’ construction continues with 42-foot tree installation

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 18:02:36 GMT

The Jacksonville Zoo’s African Forest build-out continues to make headway with the addition of support structures, walls and a spread of roots for the central tree.

It’s the one-of-a-kind central tree that is the crux of the project. Each of the ape exhibits in the African Forest will connect to the 42-foot-tall tree via overhead trails similar to the ones in the Land of the Tiger exhibit. The tree structure features an internal spiral staircase that will allow keepers to interact and provide enrichment for the apes in the mesh-enclosed “exhibit.” It will even have an enrichment station that will allow the apes to interact with a touch-screen app.

The African Forest, a $9 million, four-acre project, incorporates “wellness-inspired design” and will replace the former Great Apes Loop which opened in 1998. The renovation was largely spurred by the groundbreaking Range of the Jaguar exhibit in 2004 and Land of the Tiger in 2014, both of which won national awards for innovation and quality design.

At the end of January, the African Forest project sat funded to $7.3 million out of its $9 million price tag. Now, just $400,000 is left to be raised.

“When we had the zoo folks [from January’s ZACC conference] here, they were amazed at what we have been able to do with so little money,” said construction project manager Cullen Richart.

The Land of the Tiger exhibit alone cost $9.5 million, according to previous reporting. Range of the Jaguar cost $14.4 million.

Jacksonville Zoo Primate Update

The Jacksonville Business Journal got a behind the scenes update on the Jacksonville Zoo's new primate habitat. The centerpiece of the area will be a man made canopied tree that primates will be able to access and climb. There will even be an iPad for them to use, a practice that other zoos have… more

VIEW SLIDESHOW
9 photos

The new great apes loop will feature a new entry way, bonobo building, gorilla enclosure and lemur exhibit. Every concrete wall is being sculpted to resemble rock; every concrete beam is being sculpted to resemble wood branches stemming from the central tree. The bonobo building will feature a “bio-floor” that has never been implemented in a Florida zoo, and the central trees structure is one of a kind.

The biggest reason to change the exhibit, Richart said, is to better the environment for the wellness of the animals.

“With the trails, we can get out as many animal groups as possible, and with the bonobo enclosure having a canopy, they can be out at night,” Richart said, grinning. “They can see the stars. They’ve never been able to see the stars before.”

The construction of the project sees its own unique challenges, as cleaning systems must be installed and structures built strong enough to contain gorillas.

Rock climbers from the Edge Rock Gym in Jacksonville have visited the African Forest twice to test if gorillas would be able to scale the walls to escape the enclosure. The climbers have managed to get out both times, which means the rocky walls need to be adjusted so the gorillas can’t find handholds to climb out.

Some pieces of the exhibit, such as the trail structures and netting, are being constructed in Ohio. As long as those pieces arrive on time, the project should finish on time, said zoo director Tony Vecchio.

“Some of these key pieces are out of our hands,” Vecchio said, “but we should be open for Labor Day weekend.”

https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2018/04/22/jacksonville-zoo-african-forest-construction.html

Are you an accredited arboretum? You should be! It’s simple and here’s how…

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 18:12:04 GMT

ARBORETUM ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

ArbNet created its Arboretum Accreditation Program to establish and share a widely recognized set of industry standards for the purpose of unifying the arboretum community. No other international program of accreditation exists that is specific to arboreta. Any arboretum or public garden with a substantial focus on woody plants may apply. Accreditation is based on self-assessment and documentation of an arboretum’s level of achievement of accreditation standards, including planning, governance, number of species, staff or volunteer support, education and public programming, and tree science research and conservation. The entire program is free of charge.

Apply for Accreditation

The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program

Recognizes arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism
Fosters professionalism of arboreta worldwide
Enables collaboration in scientific, collections,
and conservation activities
Advances the planting, study, and consevation of trees.

Benefits of accreditation

Be recognized for achievement of specified levels
of professional practice.
Work toward higher levels of professional
standards once accredited.
Identify other organizations at similar or higher
levels of accreditation to provide comparative
benchmarks and models for further achievement.
Earn distinction in your community, university,
college, or government agency.
Exert leadership and influence by serving as a
model to encourage professional development in other organizations.
Identify opportunities for collaboration with other arboreta for scientific, collections, or conservation activities.

Examples of institutions that may be accredited arboreta

arboreta and botanic gardens
historic properties
college campuses
cemeteries
zoos
city tree collections
corporate campuses
school property
golf course
nature reserves
municipal parks

For specific information on which level to pursue, please visit the levels of accreditation page.

Free online course on aquatic horticulture courtesy of BGCI news

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 18:17:25 GMT

Everything About Aquatics
by Longwood Gardens

Available now through September 30, 2018

We’re excited to announce the release of our second free, fully online course, Everything About Aquatics. Designed to transport our spectacular Waterlily Display to wherever you and your web-enabled device happen to be, this comprehensive course is perfect for aquatic enthusiasts and experts.

With our self-paced course videos, discussion forums, fact sheets, and more, you can go behind the scenes and learn how we care for and propagate hundreds of day- and night-flowering waterlilies, iconic Victoria giant water-platters, and other stunning aquatic plants. Explore identification characteristics, cultural needs, and care of these plants, as well as learn basic design principles for creating your own aquatic garden. You can even share your own water gardening experiences with fellow enthusiasts.

Ready to get started? Broaden your world by learning in ours. Enroll here

APGA 2018 Garden Benchmarking Survey – Simple to Enter Data Seriously Powerful Results

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 18:19:15 GMT

2018 Garden Benchmarking

Simple to Enter Data
Seriously Powerful Results

"How to" webinar with Casey Sclar on July 13.

Report your 2016-17 Data by July 31.

The American Public Gardens Association Garden Benchmarking platform is now open for data entry for the most recent fiscal year. In order to make the results as useful as possible for you and your fellow garden professionals, we need all of our members to participate.

"The power of numbers is dramatic. You can talk to someone for two hours when one number can tell the whole story."
- Jane O. MacLeod, President and CEO, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Download the Data Entry Guide | Start Entering Data

WEBINAR FRIDAY

Intro videos
Log-In and Enter Data | Compare Your Garden | Generate Reports

Join Association Executive Director Casey Sclar for a Garden Benchmarking "How To" webinar on Friday, July 13 at 1:30 EDT.

Learn how to not just enter data but use it to benefit your garden.

Webinar will cover Garden Benchmarking and Compensation & Benefits.

Register Here

ENTER YOUR DATA

"Benchmarking shows not only what we're best at, but also where there's room for improvement to help the bottom line... Without Benchmarking, it's a lot more work for a lot more people."
- Stephanie Jutila, President and CEO, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Garden Benchmarking
Your garden's size, location, employees, volunteers and more!
Use the Data Entry Guide to help your staff compile information.

Compensation and Benefits Benchmarking
Compare your employees' compensation and benefits packages to your peer gardens
Please note that due to the sensitive nature of the results, only Garden Leaders (CEOs, Executive Directors, Presidents, etc.) and their designees will have access to this data.

Your garden's specific data is private and confidential -
it is never shared with anyone.
All shared results are shown as aggregate data and a minimum of five gardens are needed for any aggregate.

Coming Soon! - Plant Conservation and Biodiversity
Sustainability Index tools that can help your garden align with the North American Strategy for Plant Conservation and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.

USE THE RESULTS

"Click one button and you can have your own slide deck tailored to your garden."
- Brian Vogt, CEO, Denver Botanic Gardens

Specialized PDF, Excel, and PowerPoint Reports for your garden.

Three years of comprehensive information from hundreds of public gardens.

See where your garden compares to the 25th and 75th percentiles.

Filter your results by adjusting any of up to ten variables to match comparable gardens or create a specific peer group.

Your garden must have entered data to have access to benchmarking results.

START YOUR BENCHMARKING TODAY
Report your 2016-17 Data by July 31
Download the Data Entry Guide | Start Entering Data

Typeform data breach

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 18:21:16 GMT

AZH just received a message that Typeform (program used for surveys) experienced a data breach, which possibly affected one of the typeforms AZH created – Browse & Toxic Plant Course Survey. Typeform reports that an external attacker managed to get unauthorized access to respondent data and downloaded it. This survey has only three responses so if you have not taken this survey, your information is not affected.

The good news is that Typeform responded immediately and fixed the source of the breach to prevent any further intrusion.

If your name and email was downloaded by the attacker, then we recommend that you watch out for potential phishing scams, or spam emails. AZH collects no financial information from respondents so no financial information was compromised.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact AZH or Typeform.

From the Ground Up Keeping Horticulture Alive through Grounds and Infrastructure Management

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 18:22:26 GMT

From the Ground Up

Keeping Horticulture Alive through Grounds and Infrastructure Management

Horticulture, Greenhouses, & Facilities Community Symposium
October 9-12, 2018 | Tulsa, OK and Bentonville, AR
Hosted by: Tulsa Botanic Garden and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

REGISTER NOW | SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM | HOTEL INFORMATION

This year’s Horticulture, Greenhouses, & Facilities Community symposium, “From the Ground Up” is focused on practical approaches to resolving issues that all gardens, whether big, small, new or historic need to successfully address in order to achieve excellence in operations and displays. The presentations will highlight current trends, strategies, and philosophies addressing a wide range of topics such as organic gardening, parking, garden renovations, disaster response, gardening and educating with native plants, prescribed burning, new insect pests, and infrastructure maintenance. Gardens that can improve their operational systems and strategic approaches related to these topics can better deliver upon their mission statements and provide a more aesthetic, safe, educational, and pleasing experience for visitors.

Please note that the symposium will be taking place in 2 separate locations and we have discounted room blocks in Tulsa, OK the night of October 9 and in Bentonville, AR the nights of October 10 & 11.

Symposium attendees will receive a distinctive cultural experience and in-depth profile of two of the country’s newest public gardens: Tulsa Botanic Garden and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

REGISTER NOW | SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM | HOTEL INFORMATION

Pricing Information:
Member Registration: $299
Non-Member Registration: $399
Student Registration: $199Wednesday 1-day Registration: $189
(includes Tuesday night keynote)
Thursday 1-day Registration: $189

Professional Development Scholarship Opportunities are available - for more information click here.

REGISTER NOW | SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM | HOTEL INFORMATION

Tulsa, OK hotel deadline: September 9, 2018

Bentonville, AR hotel deadline: September 14, 2018

2018 AZH Plant Conservation Grant deadline is approaching…July 27, 2018!!!

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 18:26:45 GMT

The Association of Zoological Horticulture is committed to the conservation of our natural environment. AZH awards qualified plant conservation grants to AZH organizational and professional members on an annual basis. This program is supported by Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund and proceeds from silent and live auctions at the AZH annual conference.

AZH Conservation Grants are awarded for both in-situ and ex-situ plant conservation work. The deadline for 2018 grant application is July 27, 2018.

Applications must be submitted online at https://azh.org/about/grants/

Any questions can be directed to AZH Grant Facilitator, Darryl Windham.

2017 AZH Plant Conservation Grant award winners were:

"Sex and the single Zizuphus: pollinator behavior and the effect of Gopherus polyphemus on seed germination in the endangered shrub Ziziphus celata" Bok Tower Gardens- $5,300
"Strengthening our Ex situ Safety Net: Conservation workshop for globally unique collections", Botanic Gardens Conservation International. - $3,600
"Study the influence of microhabitat variables on the survival and growth of reintroduced epiphytic orchids at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park." International Center for Tropical Botany/Florida International University - $3,600
"Fruit Bats, habitat restoration and natural forest sustainable management in Eastern Madagascar" Naples Zoo and Caribbean Gardens - $4,970
"Hawaiian Fern Conservation" Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium - $5,384
"Neotropic Bamboo" San Diego Zoo Global/Bamboo of the Americas - $3,600
"The Urban Prairies Project" Butterfly Pavilion $7,500
"Conservation of the Critically Endangered alligator lizard Abronia campbelli in eastern Guatemala through Habitat Restoration and Community Forest Management- 2017-2018 International Reptile Conservation Foundation $6,000

IPM advice from NC Zoo – Denise Rogers, Natural Sciences Curator II, Horticulture, North Carolina Zoo

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 18:29:12 GMT

Season’s Greetings!

I hate March. In North Carolina, it’s that in-between month where we can a 70-degree day and then it can snow six hours later. And at the North Carolina Zoo, we are between a rock and a hard place. We showcase tropicals throughout our Africa region of the park in the warmer months but about half of those plants are not hardy. We can only display them April through November. So, when it starts to get chilly in November, our teams go through our annual ritual. Dig them up, clean them up, trim them up, put them in a greenhouse for the winter, and wait for spring.

When we first place plants in the greenhouse, they are small and clean. They are nice. As the winter progresses and the temperatures in the greenhouse stay in the low 70s, they start to green up more. We see shoots and new growth. Ah, how we love that. We water, we clean, and for good measure we monitor for insects weekly, because we are good little horticulturists. Never see an insect from November 1 to February 28. Then, on the first of March, it explodes. You walk into a greenhouse and suddenly there are aphids, spider mites, mealy bugs, thrips, scale, fungus gnats, mosquitoes, and, if you are located in the South and have a week of sun and warm greenhouse gravel: fire ants. I can’t tell you how many years I have managed a winter tropical house and thought I had beaten the odds, only to have a fungus gnat fly up my nose. How do they do that?! All the monitoring in the world and they still explode in the spring. So, what is a hardworking greenhouse person to do?

Honestly… I do very little. Now, I know this doesn’t sound like very practical IPM advice, but remember, managing the population in March is a lot different than managing the population in December. A quick round of an insecticidal soap, a little syringing, hand washing, and pray for April 15. Here in North Carolina, that’s typically our last frost date. We all have that date circled on the calendar and longingly glance at it daily (sometimes hourly). All the teams are prepping for spring and want their plants back. The native predators will take over once they leave the bug-infested greenhouse and they will live a happy spring and summer in the park.

Now, I admit a little exaggeration and embellishment, but if you can’t laugh at yourself, who can? Have a great spring and good luck!

Denise Rogers, Natural Sciences Curator II, Horticulture, North Carolina Zoo

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Prairies – from SavePlants, CPC June 2018 newsletter

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 18:32:24 GMT

Prairie Facts

In North America, you can find tallgrass prairie, mixed-grass prairie, or shortgrass prairie.

Tallgrass: Its main feature is tall grasses, such as indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).
Mixed-grass: A transition area between tallgrass prairies and shortgrass prairies.
Shortgrass: The two most dominant grasses are blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides); the two less dominant grasses are greasegrass (Tridens flavus) and sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula).

There are three types of prairies: wet, mesic, and dry.

Wet prairies have moist soil. Water drainage is usually poor. As a result, bogs and fens may form. The soil is excellent farming soil.
Mesic prairies have good soil and good drainage. They are endangered due to converting to agricultural use.
Dry prairies can have wet to very dry soil during growing season. They have good drainage and can be found on uplands and slopes.

More information on prairies:

“America’s Grasslands: A Threatened National Treasure”

“Preserving the Tallgrass Prairie”

“Last Stand of the Tallgrass Prairie (excerpt)”

“Karval Short Grass Prairie Center”

PHOTO: Meads milkweed

https://saveplants.org/2018/06/13/june-2018-news/

PROTECTING PLANTS – report from the Center for Plant Conservation Annual Meeting

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 18:35:01 GMT

By Danielle L. Green, Director of Gardens and Grounds, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend the annual meeting for the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) hosted by Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in Fort Worth, Texas. This meeting brought together botanists, horticulturists, ecologists, and researchers from all over the US to report on and discuss saving plants from extinction. Attendees included botanical gardens, universities, arboreta, state and federal agencies, and a few zoos.

The CPC was founded in 1984 and exists to ensure stewardship of imperiled native plants. Headquartered at San Diego Zoo Global, CPC provides guidelines and best practices to support species survival in the wild. Participating institutions have committed to support the National Collection of Endangered Plants through ex situ conservation, research to support the vision and mission of CPC. Additionally, CPC participating institutions work to promote ex situ conservation of plants, advocate for living collections as safeguards, and communicate scientific understanding of plants and their role in global health.

Network partners are organizations that support the work of CPC and promote plant conservation. The AZH board of directors was approached by CPC President and CEO John Clark last year about joining CPC as a network partner.

The two day meeting was packed with five minute “lightning” talks on research projects, web tools for plant conservation, long-term seed storage options, collection management, and many other topics. The break-out session I participated in focused on “10X thinking” to answer the question “How can CPC increase our ability to save plants?” Using this strategy to think bigger and outside the usual box was helpful to come up with some interesting strategies.

The tour of BRIT was amazing. BRIT holds over one million herbarium specimens in an LEED certified space that is open to the public. The library is home to a beautiful collection of old books and illustrations of plants dating back to the 1500s. It was a great experience to meet new professionals in plant conservation and reconnect with former colleagues and I am excited about the opportunities ahead to promote and save rare plants from extinction.

Seed Your Future Launches new YouTube Channel – Subscribe Today!

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 18:52:43 GMT

Hey Zoo Hort Heros!!!

SYF continues to make great progress in the social media world on awareness raising of how diverse and amazing our careers in science are. Check out and subscribe (it's easy, and not "spammy") the new YouTube channel for BLOOM! You will have a chance to view all of the latest media campaign videos, including the latest highlight of their 3rd Horticultural Hero of the Baltimore Orioles. AZH's very own Houston Snead of the Jacksonville is one too and he is...AMAZING!! If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out.

Adventures in Bird World By Kristen Sanders, Horticulture Coordinator, Denver Zoological Foundation

Sun, 10 Jun 2018 10:47:57 GMT

Some of you may have heard me talk about how as zoo horticulturists we respond to many problems others in our field typically would not. For example, when a Komodo dragon decides to eat the four-foot Agave americana that has been in the exhibit for over a year or when the hot grass goes down in an elephant yard and the resident pachyderms destroy an entire tree. You can try to scold the animal, yet I have found dragons to be quite unrepentant. I often say to friends when describing my day that I had “tapir problems” or “crocodile problems.”

Speaking from experience, I would say that bird problems are the worst. The plants are coated in bird feces, the soil is either drenched or too dry, and mechanical damage is a given. New plants are either picked apart by the birds or crushed by keeper hoses. Pruning is a harrowing experience as birds spontaneously freak out and fly into the wall. Light conditions are abysmal.

I have been responsible for the Bird World exhibits at the Denver Zoo for four and a half years and have found the small triumphs of growing plants in the exhibit to be both extremely satisfying and frustrating. What makes working around birds so amazing is when you win. When you find that right plant for the right place. The plant that was defeated in one area can thrive when placed in a different location. I have killed a lot of plants in Bird World—a lot. It took years of trials to figure out a workable palette to represent each ecosystem held in the building. Five habitats are presented:

Rainforest: a large room with several full-sized trees, multiple pools, and a waterfall. Anona squamosal, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Codiaeum variegatum, tree ferns, cycads. Very dark and in need of continuous pruning.
The Jungle: smaller with one large Ficus, Alpinia, and Trichelia dregeana (Natal mahogany). Too wet and too dry.
Tropics: black olive, Citrus mitus, Crinum lilies, Anthurium hookeri, Codiaeum variegatum. Was over-watered and trampled by previous keeper—now doing quite well!
Aquatics: Ficus nitidia (dying from white fly), Alocasia portora and ordata, Agalonema ‘Shamrock,’ Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India,’ Codiaeum variegatum, Trichelia dregeana. Constantly saturated.
Swamp: Ficus benjamina, Dracaena, Spathiphyllum, Zamia furfuracea, Spanish moss, assorted tillandsia. Ironically, the driest room of the building.

I have learned to manipulate classic mall plants such as Agalonema, Dieffenbachia, and Spathiphyllums to look somewhat natural. My favorite Agalonema to use in many of the exhibits is the cultivar ‘Shamrock.’ The leaves are solid dark green, not the typical plastic looking gray stripped. They work great as a filler and I have several that have thrived for years in the Aquatics room even though it is regularly blasted with a hose and in sitting water. There are also quite a few Dieffenbachias that do quite well and blend with the natural look ‘Camouflage’ and ‘Jungle Boogie’ are decent cultivars. Codiaeum and Cordylines are great for pops of color and do well if they can receive enough light.

The Ficus trees in the Aquatics room developed a white fly problem a few years ago that has yet to be fully controlled. We have used every tool in the IPM arsenal that has been approved by veterinary staff. The beneficial insect Encarsia formosa was released on multiple occasions with varied results. The material the eggs come on is difficult to keep in place and is also an eyesore. The paper tags would get wet and fall from the trees before the eggs could hatch. Delphastus pusillus has also been released in several exhibits, more successfully in the smaller rooms with less significant infestations. Averaging $500 per release, it is cost prohibitive to have a beneficial program that will truly control the problem in such a large building. Insecticidal soap was not approved as we have two Sloths and sensitive birds in the room. In a desperate attempt to save the trees, a low concentration Imidacloprid soil drench was applied and helped for a short time. We would like to avoid reapplication. Currently, we are consulting with Arborjet to find a formula that will be presented to vet staff for future use. A baby sloth was born a few months ago, so we may have to wait for some time. Sloth problems.

Three years ago I decided to give giant Alocasia a try. The first species planted was portora which has happily grown into an eight foot tall monster. We have also had great success with odora and macrorizos. After years of thriving untouched in the Aquatics room, one or both of the sloths decided to use the portora as a Slip-n-Slide, shredding the leaves with telltale two-toed gashes. Sloth problems.

Many of the original trees planted with the building’s inception are still doing well and have withstood continuous hard pruning and harsh growing conditions. Bucida buceras (black olive) tree continues to thrive in the Tropics room. It has shown resistance to white fly and other pests and has a lovely growth habit. Our arborist treats it yearly with Cambistat to slow growth and reduce the need for heavy pruning. I definitely recommend adding this tree to an existing exhibit or new design. Annona squamosa (a relative of cherimoya known as alligator apple) is doing well in the Rainforest exhibit and has even produced fruit. Natal mahogany, (Trichelia dregeana) works well as a filler in tight spots and can be cut back regularly. Although Ficus are famous for being the toughest of them all, I will not recommend them due to their susceptibility to white fly, especially in a closed environment.

We recently moved in two Cycas circinalis that were outside all summer and had received some cold damage in the fall. After losing the majority of their foliage, they were close to being removed when new shoots began to emerge from the crown and within weeks had grown several feet. They are doing well at this time.

While visiting the Houston Zoo with AZH in 2014 Corri White and I were impressed by the gravel mulch used in many of their bird exhibits. Upon our return to Denver, we introduced the idea to our bird staff. It was not met with much enthusiasm. After multiple negotiations they agreed to let us try it in the smaller Swamp exhibit. Then came the task of selecting the proper substrate. We presented them with multiple options from local purveyors as well as shipped in samples from around the country including what they use at the Houston Zoo. Every one of them was rejected for being too sharp, too round, too big, too small. Nearly a year had passed by with no progress when on a totally unrelated trip to a local hardscaping facility, I happened to see a bin of small-but-not-too-small gravel. I asked the rep what it was and he said it was just regular old squeegee! I took a sample back to the zoo and it was instantly approved. It had been hiding in plain sight the whole time. The installation was a success and we were asked to use it in the Tropics and Aquatics rooms. All was well until our female sloth decided to start eating it. We had to remove three tons of gravel by hand immediately. Sloth problems.

I will be handing over the building to a new horticulturist soon and although I will not say I will miss it, I had some interesting adventures and learned to never give up finding the right plant for the right place.

Letter from your AZH President – Corri Pfeiffenberger

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 10:51:42 GMT

Happy spring, fellow AZH members!

It is with much excitement that I write this letter and update for the first time as your President. I am truly honored to serve the membership and have been working with the board of directors on some very important initiatives for our organization—all based on feedback from you. Your voice matters and is the driving force for this organization!

Most of the board members were able to travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba back in February for the mid-year board meeting. These meeting are long but exciting and it is so much fun to be able to bring all of our passions together in order to strategize the upcoming imperatives for the organization. This year’s conference in Winnipeg is shaping up to be a truly robust program and memorable visit for us all. I can’t wait to see everyone in August! I registered—did you?

As the year shapes up for us all, a large focus is being placed on committees. Committees are the “bread and butter” of AZH and the most fun and effective way to get involved, be heard, affect change, and form meaningful professional ties among fellow members. We are working with committee chairs to update each committee’s mission statement and member roster. Each committee will also be assigned a board representative in order to facilitate communications.

Our website continues to be a focus as well. It is, after all, our primary representation and resource tool. The communications committee is working hard to keep the site up to date with information and get your expertise and knowledge in there. That info does not come out of thin air! We need YOU to do that. So start blogging, keep perusing the site, jump in on discussions, and PLEASE let us know what you want to see and read!

Lastly, a call for nominations was sent out to the membership at the beginning of April. Please give careful thought and consideration to your nominations and whether you think that your service as a board member is a good opportunity for you. Serving on the AZH board over the past three years has been an incredibly honorable and fun experience for me.

Corri Pfeiffenberger, AZH President

2018 AZH Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant winners announced!

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 10:49:35 GMT

Two years ago we said goodbye to a truly inspiring and great contributor to horticulture, zoo horticulture, and conservation. Wendy Andrew was a longtime AZH member, board member, served as president for two years, and hosted two AZH annual conferences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Wendy was passionate about horticulture and helping others as evidenced by her missionary work overseas and service on the board of ECHO Global Farm, a global Christian organization that equips people with agricultural resources and skills to reduce hunger and improve the lives of the poor. Her contribution to our organization was immense and AZH is a better organization because of her dedication.

Wendy’s work and memory are the foundation of the Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant The WACG has funded five projects for a total of $5,600 in the two years since its introduction to AZH. This year I am pleased to announce the following grant recipients:

Butterfly Pavilion—Browse Café

Rolling Hills Zoo—Bringing Bees Back to the Garden

Sacramento Zoo—Plant Identification/Signage

Zoo New England—Organic Garden

Congratulations to the winners!

These projects are perfectly aligned with the goal of the grant to support work that promotes zoo horticulture. Well done!

The AZH Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant seeks to support member projects that promote zoo horticulture and are outside the scope of the existing plant conservation grant program.

2018 Conference Program schedule is now available!!

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 10:53:18 GMT

The program committee has released the 2018 program schedule for our 2018 AZH conference in Winnipeg!

You can find the schedule on the Conference page of the website.

Thank you Chris Dailey and the Program Committee for all of your hard work pulling this together. Looks to be an amazing year!

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens horticulture professionals recognized by FNGLA…

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 10:54:08 GMT

Horticultural activities at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens was recognized in a recent article "Exotic Landscapes" (March 10, 2017, Florida Nursery Growers andLandscapers Association). Chris DaileyAZH member and the zoo’s horticulture manager, explains the role that horticulturists play in zoos today.

SURVEY SAYS…

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 11:58:55 GMT

By Joell Dunham, Sedgwick County Zoo

Several facilities have hosted traveling exhibits in order to boost attendance or to increase revenue. Last year, a survey was conducted by the Information and Survey Committee to help answer some of the questions about hosting a traveling exhibit. Here are the results: 20 AZH members representing 18 facilities responded. More than 55 percent said they have hosted a traveling exhibit; 25 percent said they had in the past, but not recently; and 15 percent said they had not hosted a traveling exhibit before.

Of those that hosted traveling exhibits before, 75 percent said that the traveling exhibit stayed 3–6 months. Most of the facilities sought out the exhibit that they wanted to host. Traveling exhibits that AZH facilities have hosted include: The Scoop on Poop; Penguin Landing; Komodo Dragon; Biomechanics: The Machine Inside; The World of Giant Insects; Crittercam; Lorikeets, Budgies & Cockatiels; Koalas; Reptiles: The Beautiful & the Deadly; Minotaur Mazes; Tarantulas & Bugs; Lego; Geico Gecko; Big Bugs; Washed Ashore; Extreme Bugs; Wooly Mammoth; Sustainable Seafood; Clyde Peeling’s Frogs: a Chorus of Color; and Dinosaurs.

Each exhibit required some preparation. In some cases additional electrical outlets or lights were needed. In others extra water and air lines had to be installed. Larger equipment had to be rented, platforms had to be built, and protected storage had to be set up for empty crates during the run of the exhibit. Each traveling exhibit differed with regard to who was responsible for the care of animals (if present), repair of equipment, and who was trained to maintain the exhibit.

The companies that proved easiest to work with demonstrated certain characteristics: it was easy to reach the company or the person in charge, questions were answered quickly, instructions were clear and concise, timelines were followed, and the public enjoyed the display. Almost all of the respondents said that talking with a facility that had hosted the same traveling exhibit before was very helpful. Close to 80 percent of the facilities that have hosted traveling exhibits in the past said that the goals for hosting the traveling exhibit were reached.

The Buzz About IPPM

Sun, 18 Feb 2018 12:09:11 GMT

By Amy Yarger, Butterfly Pavilion

If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably familiar with the tenets of integrated pest management (IPM) in your plant collections and landscape. Due to some recent alarming die-offs of both native and managed bees, as well as widespread declines in pollinator populations, agriculture scientists are promoting the benefits of an IPPM approach. The extra “p” is for pollinators, those small (and I think adorable) animals that play the role of Cupid in plant reproduction. Because of the zoo world’s emphasis on conservation and our role as highly visible models for sustainable landscaping, this model may be a good fit for zoo horticulture as well.

First of all, IPPM merely adds another lens through which to conduct regular pest management in the outdoor landscape; it does not require all new tools and processes. IPPM monitoring protocols track and document pests, but also investigate what pollinators are in the area and what plants they use for forage and shelter throughout the year. When pest management tactics are implemented, the tracking of pollinator populations before and after provides insights about potential harmful effects.

Thresholds may also shift under IPPM, especially in areas designated as “butterfly gardens”. After all, caterpillar is only another word for baby butterfly. If you can’t abide chewing on milkweed, a monarch habitat is probably not the garden for you! On the flip side, managing infestations while they are small and not established, may allow one to avoid extreme pest management measures. Plants that are “problem children” are disinvited from the garden party.

Many physical, cultural and biological methods are compatible with sustaining healthy pollinator populations. Not all, however – have you ever seen a praying mantis devour a butterfly? I have! It is important to note also that chemical pesticide use is not necessarily forbidden – a thorough examination of what, when and how a chemical is used is key. Also, the IPPM approach places emphasis on timing and prevention of contamination of the surrounding habitat. Chemicals that have not demonstrated negative effects on pollinators still must be used with every precaution to prevent collateral damage. Once you see a bee die-off, you never want to see one again!

In outdoor landscapes, IPPM focuses not only on plant health, but on biodiversity and ecosystem services, creating opportunities for pollinators as well as other beneficial insects and even vertebrates such as songbirds. Ecosystem gardens cultivate a livelier aesthetic that encourages exploration and discovery and allows connectivity for urban wildlife. If your zoo has expressed an interest in pollinator conservation or education, IPPM might be worth looking into!

Joint EAZA Zoo Horticulture/BIAZA Plant Working Group Conference 2018

Sun, 18 Feb 2018 12:02:48 GMT

Email from Stephen Butler, Curator of Horticulture, Dublin Zoo Phoenix Park, Dublin

Hello everyone, hope you are all well and looking forward to seeing Dublin Zoo this year, the weather will be wonderful, the company excellent, and the venue perfect!

Please find attached 3 files:

Registration Form, with costing. Please read carefully and return as early as possible, and before April 23rd.
Field Trip notes, on the gardens and nature reserve we are visiting.
Preliminary programme describing the speakers we have already booked, but please note we will have room for many of you to talk about any successful planting you would like to share, for any reason, animal, educational, decorative, or simply very useful

Please note, city centre hotels were far too expensive, we are instead a little outside Dublin, and will arrange transport to save everyone staying at the Springfield Hotel time and money getting to the zoo. The coach will also pass the second hotel listed and we should be able to collect from there too. Please do tell us if you are staying at either hotel!

Please note, for anyone travelling home on Friday 11^th, our last field trip is only 13kms from the airport, easy to get there for evening flights.

For enquiries about the conference please email Aoife at Aoife.Keegan@dublinzoo.ie

Stephen Butler Dip.Hort.Kew
Curator of Horticulture
Dublin Zoo
Phoenix Park, Dublin 8

E sbutler@dublinzoo.ie

W www.dublinzoo.ie

*Dates for the Diary*
Date	Event (Click for Details)	Venue
27 January 2018	Hedge Laying	RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon
2 February 2018	Winter Tree ID	Cambridge University Botanic Garden
3 February 2018	Winter Tree Identification	RBG Edinburgh
10 February 2018	Lichen Identification	RBG Edinburgh
21 February 2018	Mosses, Lichens and Liverworts	RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey
2 March 2018	Introduction to Tropical Ecology	Cambridge University Botanic Garden
16 March 2018	PlantNetwork: What you need to know about Access and Benefit Sharing and the Nagoya Protocol	Chester Zoo
18 – 19 April 2018	PlantNetwork Annual Conference	RBG Kew, London
9 – 11 May 2018	EAZA Zoo Horticulture/BIAZA Plant Working Group joint conference	Dublin Zoo, Ireland
10 May 2018	Introduction to Bee Identification & Diversity	Cambridge University Botanic Garden
12 – 13 May 2018	The Arb Show	Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
17 May 2018	PlantNetwork: Plant Records training day	Cambridge University Botanic Garden
20 May 2018	Wildflower Identification	RBG Edinburgh
22 – 26 May 2018	RHS Chelsea Flower Show	Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London
6 – 8 June 2018	BIAZA Annual Conference & AGM 2018	Shaldon Wildlife Park/ Living Coasts, Devon
12 June 2018	Tree Identification In Summer	RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey
3 – 8 July 2018	RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show	Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey
26 June 2018	PlantNetwork: The restoration and integration of natural habitats in a designed landscape	Wakehurst Place, West Sussex
28 – 29 June 2018	Ancient Tree Forum Summer Conference	Courtyard Theatre, Hereford
18 – 22 July 2018	RHS Flower Show Tatton Park	Tatton Park, near Knutsford, Cheshire
3 August 2018	Scything for Beginners	RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon
6 September 2018	Seeds - Collecting, Saving and Sowing	RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex
18 – 22 September 2018	EAZA Annual Conference	Athens, Greece
2 October 2018	Introduction to the Science of Algae	Cambridge University Botanic Garden
21 – 22 November 2018	Identifying conifers	Cambridge University Botanic Garden

2017 Conference: Ghosts and Gators

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 12:16:26 GMT

2017 Conference: Ghosts and Gators

By Andrew Lyell, Senior Gardener, Los Angeles Zoo

I’ve seen a ghost! No, not a spectral image from spooky tales, but a ghost orchid. This beautiful and unusual plant occurs naturally in swampy areas of Florida, which is where this year’s Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH) conference took place.

The beautiful and unusual ghost orchid occurs naturally in swampy areas of Florida. Though it wasn’t in bloom for the conference, I did see pale ghost orchid roots gripping a tree trunk at the Naples Botanical Garden. Photo by Andrew Lyell

It wasn’t in bloom at the time, but I did find its pale roots gripping a tree trunk at the Naples Botanical Garden, one of several wonderful sites we visited during the weeklong conference.

This year’s host was the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. The conference was originally scheduled for September, but due to storm damage from Hurricane Irma, it was postponed until December. By then, the roads were cleared, water drained, and all was safe for the attendees.

The conference program featured many presentations about successes and failures, both in zoos and natural areas. Topics ranged from disaster preparedness to how different types of equipment meet the diverse needs of parks. My Los Angeles Zoo colleague Sandy Masuo gave a very well received presentation about using succulents as ambassadors to engage guests with plants and help lead people to a better understanding of the role plants play in our lives and the health of our planet.

One presentation that caught my attention was by Houston Snead of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, who talked about getting involved with plant conservation at a grass roots level. He explained how he made connections with people who helped him along on his journey to protect declining populations of fringe orchids (Platanthera chapmanii) in Florida. Many individuals and organizations provided support, and he was ultimately able to secure protected status for this plant from the state of Florida. AZH also provides many types of support for plant conservation programs around the world including grant funding. Success stories like Houston’s inspire me to increase my own efforts at plant conservation. As Frank Pizzi, curator of horticulture at Pittsburgh Zoo, put it, “Sharpen your pruners and get going!”

One large ficus tree at Naples Zoo sheltered numerous birds and supported a variety of epiphytic plants. Photo by Sandy Masuo

Naples Zoo is home to many different animals, but I was there for the plants! Many tropicals accentuate the exhibits and provide a shady respite for visitors to escape from the Florida sun. It was under these trees that I enjoyed talking with fellow attendees and other zoo guests. We were particularly impressed with one large ficus tree that sheltered numerous birds and supported epiphytic plants, just like the ones I saw in the swamps.

Local people named many of the giant cypresses. “Asteenahoofa” was very impressive! Photo by Andrew Lyell

Naples lies on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and is surrounded by plenty of wetlands. We visited the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp, which is dominated by bald cypress trees. (These are featured around the tomistoma pools at the L.A. Zoo, though because they are growing on dry land, they do not form the characteristic “knees” that they develop in their natural habitat—an adaptation to help the trees breathe in watery conditions.) Some are so massive that they are virtually a habitat by themselves. Large strangler fig trees were enveloping some of the cypresses, Spanish moss draped languidly on the branches, and tillandsias (air plants) clung tenaciously with their aerial roots all over the trees. Various birds and reptiles and insects also took refuge in the trees as well as seeking food there. Many cypresses were named by the local people. One that left a big impression on me was a giant called “Asteenahoofa” by the Seminoles.

Swamps are amazing ecosystems. They are able to absorb the power of hurricanes practically unscathed, and any damage done is quickly “up-cycled” into other life forms. I saw two massive cypress trees that were downed during the recent hurricanes, but, as nature intended, other life forms were quickly colonizing the logs. Animals were sunning themselves on them or hiding in them. These trees also become “nurse logs” for many other types of plants.

Visiting the swamp, had visions of dodging alligators and running across their backs as in the ’80s video game, Pitfall. But the only gators I saw were sunning themselves near drainage canals—and at the Naples Zoo. Photo by Sandy Masuo

Since I hadn’t visited a swamp before, I expected to see alligators—lots of them. I had visions of dodging them and running across their backs as in the ’80s video game, Pitfall. But it wasn’t until we left the area and were traveling down the highway that I spied some gators hauled out on the bank of a drainage canal sunning themselves. And the mosquitoes that I was also expecting must have been blown away in Irma, because I didn’t encounter any during my stay—not even in the swamps, which I thought were infested with the wee beasts. I saw more mangrove crabs in the mangrove swamp than mosquitoes.

I encountered more mangrove crabs than mosquitoes. Photo by Sandy Masuo Naples Zoo staff performed miracles to make this meeting happen and the zoo looked amazing—kudos to former AZH President Danielle Green and her staff for hosting a great conference!

Meet the Beetles

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 12:20:51 GMT

By Sandy Masuo, Los Angeles Zoo

Characteristic holes in pine bark that was removed from a dead tree.

In November, many Los Angeles Zoo staffers arrived at work to find tree crews removing dead pines from the hillside around Zoo Grill—casualties of the ongoing bark beetle epidemic in Southern California. In addition to some 200 native species of bark beetle, 20 invasive species have been documented in California. Prolonged drought stresses trees, which, like animals, have immune systems that normally defend against pathogens and parasites. In their weakened state, trees are more susceptible to disease and infestation. So although these tiny beetles (only about 1/8^th inch long) are normal denizens of our California ecosystem, under the drought conditions of recent years, their populations have swelled, contributing (along with other factors) to mass die-offs of trees, which in turn contribute to catastrophic wildfire and erosion. Between 2012 and 2016, California lost some 100 million trees.

Bark beetles leave telltale holes in the external bark where adult insects have bored through to the phloem, or inner bark, where they lay their eggs. Both adults and larvae feed on the nutrients that flow there and disrupt circulation. A healthy tree can withstand a limited infestation—but too many beetles can kill even a robust tree. The beetles emit an aggregating pheromone that acts as a beacon, drawing more beetles to the site. Many also carry fungi that can infect the tree, hastening its death. In some cases, symbiotic fungi are part of the beetles’ life cycle. According to the Los Angeles Times, a 2014 survey at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino (about ten miles from Los Angeles) found that 207 of 335 species had been attacked and more than half contained beetle-vectored fungi.

Among the invasive bark beetle species, one of the most destructive is the polyphagous shot hole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus), aka PSHB. First discovered in California in 2003, the tiny insects are thought to have been accidentally imported from Asia in packing materials or wooden shipping pallets. These beetles are similar in appearance to the bark beetle and females carry the spores of a symbiotic fungus that they plant in the bark of host trees to provide a food source for their larvae. PSHB attacks more than 200 species including commercially valuable trees such as avocado and important natives such as California sycamore and coast live oak.

The widespread nature of these infestations is such that we must rely on scientists to find a large-scale control. However, poor pruning practices, improperly cleaned garden tools, and the transportation of cut wood contribute to the spread of these insects.

Learn more about bark beetles at http://tinyurl.com/y935swh9 and PSHBs at http://tinyurl.com/y8pnjtwv.

Sources:
www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-beetle-trees-20140530-story.html
New York Times, December 12, 2017, “Widespread Tree Die-Offs Feared” by Jim Robbins

3rd International Conference on Plant Science & Physiology at Osaka

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:25:13 GMT

Conference Series is privileged to announce its “3rd International Conference on Plant Science & Physiology” which will be held during May 21–22, 2018 in Osaka, Japan. We cordially welcome all the eminent researchers, students and delegates to take part in this upcoming Plant Science & Physiology conference to witness invaluable scientific discussions and contribute to the future innovations in the field of Plant Science, Agricultural Science and Forest Ecology. As we have gone through your profile and thought that you would be an excellent fit to present a talk at the conference 3rd International Conference on Plant Science & Physiology at Osaka, Japan during May 21-22, 2018.

Breaking the Enrichment and Plant Cycle: Getting Better Results in Exhibit Landscaping

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 12:29:18 GMT

AAZK conference presentation and gray wolf study:

Jake Pool and Angela Gibson present a joint project between their horticulture and animal departments at AAZK conference.

Northwest Trek is a special place where employees and volunteers alike feel it’s a second family. This environment can encourage interdepartmental team-ups where staff shares their expertise to help others. An example of this was demonstrated between Northwest Trek employees Angela Gibson (large carnivore Keeper/AAZK Rainier chapter president) and Jake Pool (Horticulturist/Arborist/Maintenance Lead/AZH Director-at-Large) who worked together scientifically testing theories about canid (gray wolf: Canis lupus) behavior and exhibit usage as it relates to establishing vegetation inside their exhibit at Northwest Trek. The study ended up producing some interesting and beneficial results that were presented at the annual national conference of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) in Washington, D.C. in August, 2017.

Breaking the Enrichment and Plant Cycle: Getting Better Results in Exhibit Landscaping

Wolves view new plants, logs, and substrate added to their exhibit as enrichment no matter what the staff intent is. Keepers design enrichment to allow animals to express natural behavior. For wolves these opportunities include territorial marking and tracking prey. Keepers hide food, treats, scent, and toys under logs, behind stumps, in the soil, in vegetation clumps, and up in trees. The wolves seek out these items in a race to get there first chewing, scratching, rolling, and digging at the enrichment. When the horticulturist comes into an exhibit to plant and revitalize the exhibit landscape he proceeds to hide plants next to logs, behind stumps or between other items in order to make it hard for the wolves to find them, spreading his scent along the way. Immediately the wolves find these new items and treat the plants the same way they would enrichment that the keeper provided but with the added bonus that the plants smell like Jake, a novel scent in their territory.

This is not a unique problem to Northwest Trek, but for all zoological facilities. So, Jake and Angela decided to team-up and see if they could break this enrichment and plant cycle and reduce the wolves’ attraction to the newly added horticulturist plants.

Jake and Angela planted testing plots of sword ferns (Polystichum munitum) and native deciduous saplings (Red Alder, Red-twig Dogwood, Cottonwood) testing 3 variables hoping to mask the novel scent of the horticulturist. They tested soiled wolf bedding (straw), soiled compost the wolves had in the exhibit, and increased browse for enrichment comparing plots that only the keeper or only the horticulturist planted. Their research found that overall if the keeper did the planting on exhibit versus the horticulturist, the plants received less damage by the wolves therefore increasing the survival rate of the new plants. It was shown though that if staff planted using soiled bedding (straw) it significantly reduced their interaction with the plants including plants planted by the horticulturist. What is exciting is that the soiled bedding is a material easy for any facility to incorporate into their planting techniques increasing the survivability of new vegetation. Soiled bedding masked the novel scent long enough to allow the plants to remain intact through the first 2-3 days before the horticulturist scent wore off.

We believe that these results may be the same in many canid species that zoos exhibit, and are planning the next round of planting studies with Northwest Trek’s other canids (coyotes and red fox) as well as with the felids (cougar, lynx, bobcat).

Their presentation was well received by the attendees at the AAZK conference with other facilities reaching out to learn more about the study as well. AAZK attendees came up to us with a new excitement to work with their horticulturist. We all benefit with interdepartmental relationships to help encourage corporation within their own facilities. We are stronger together.

If you want to learn more, please contact Angela or Jake (Angela.gibson@nwtrek.org and Jake.pool@nwtrek.org). They would be happy answer any questions.

Orchid Found In Northern Florida Declared Endangered

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 12:32:10 GMT

2017 Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant Final Report

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 16:12:25 GMT

Sacramento Zoo Specimen Tree Signage

By Michaele Bergera, Sacramento Zoological Society

The purpose/goal of this project was to create and install four signs to educate/inform our visitors about the significance of some of our trees that are endangered, threatened, or otherwise in need of protection. By providing signage for these trees, we hope to show our guests that the Sacramento Zoological Society places a priority on plant conservation as well as animal conservation.

Two signs, 16” x 18”, were made and installed under our Heritage Valley Oaks. One sign gives information specifically about Quercus lobata, and the other explains why it is important to protect our trees. The other two signs, both 8” x 10”, describe the Jubaea chilensis and the Wollemia nobilis.

Project Schedule: We received the grant check in early April, and ordered the signs two days later. They arrived in mid-June, and were installed within the week.

The Grant amount was $840, to include the design, fabrication, and installation of the signs. The cost of the fabrication was $731, for which I have attached a copy of the receipt. The balance of $109 was used to cover our in-house design and installation costs.

On the following pages are photos of the signs in detail and installed.

The Sacramento Zoo is visited by over 500,000 guests annually, and this signage will help to raise awareness of the importance of plant conservation for our guests.

I would like to thank the AZH Board of Directors for approving this grant, and helping me to show that Horticulture is important in our institution!

2018 Florida Rare Plant Task Force Meeting – Call for Papers

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 15:00:11 GMT

by azhadminKM

"The Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters on Rare Plant Conservation"
April 12th and 13th, 2018
Meeting venue: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jacksonville, FL

Co-hosted by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Bok Tower Gardens, and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Bok Tower Gardens, and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are pleased to announce the 2018 Florida Rare Plant Task Force sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry. Each year, the Rare Plant Task Force of Florida serves as the place for Florida’s professional plant conservation community to share ideas, discuss, prioritize, and coordinate ongoing plant conservation efforts around the state.

Thursday, April 12, 2018 will offer a full-day program featuring oral presentations followed by an afternoon meeting of the Florida Plant Conservation Alliance. On Friday, April 13, 2018, there will be optional field trips to local rare plant habitats and other points of interest.

This year, we invite abstracts for oral presentations focusing on impacts, modeling/projections,
and other considerations of climate change and natural disasters both for rare plant populations
and their habitats as well as projects, programs, and paradigms that aim to conserve them.

Registration information will be distributed in early 2018, and registration forms and updated
information will be available through the Bok Tower Gardens website at that time.
https://boktowergardens.org/conservation/rare-plant-task-force/

Please submit abstracts to Jimmy Lange jlange@fairchildgarden.org by January 26, 2018.

Please forward this announcement to any interested parties.

To submit an abstract for an oral or poster presentation please limit content to 250 words and follow the following sample format. Indicate whether this is an oral or poster presentation. Oral presentations will be 15 minutes in length. Presenters are encouraged to allow up to 5 minutes for questions.

Four-lined Plant Bugs are active now

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 14:42:22 GMT

By Sandy Feather, Penn State University (Submitted by Susan Pierce, Pittsburgh PPG Zoo)

Four-lined plant bugs, Poecilocapsus lineatus, are active in the Pittsburgh area now. They are one of the few pests that injure a wide variety of plants, including herbs that are rarely bothered by anything else.

Other plants that often sustain damage from this pest include shasta daisies, Russian sage and blue-mist shrub, as well as the new growth of many shrubs, such as forsythia, deutzia, dogwood, and weigela. Your customers may really notice this damage in their herb and flower gardens. Four-lined plant bug damage is very characteristic: circular brown to black spots about one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter. The spots often coalesce to create a more blotchy appearance that could easily be mistaken for some kind of disease, or possibly frost damage. These shy insects move very rapidly and are often difficult to see.

Four-lined plant bugs overwinter as eggs lain in the twigs of woody plants during the previous growing season. Females cut a slit in the new growth and lay their eggs while it is still tender. The eggs hatch in the following spring at about the same time as forsythia leaves begin to unfold. They generally feed on tender new growth with their piercing-sucking mouthparts. They extract the chlorophyll as they feed, and also inject enzymes, which results in the characteristic spots. As the growing season progresses, the damaged areas often drop out, leaving holes in the leaves of affected plants.

Four-lined plant bugs feed for about six weeks in May and June. Adults die once they mate and lay eggs for next year's generation, so you will not see more damage from them until next year. Adult four-lined plant bugs are yellowish-green with four black stripes. They are about one-quarter of an inch long. The smaller nymphs range from bright red to yellow. The black lines on the nymphs do not extend all the way down their bodies because their wing covers are not fully developed until they molt into adults. Both nymphs and adults create damage as they feed.

Although the damage they cause is unsightly, it is not generally life threatening to affected plants. On herbaceous plants such as herbs and perennial flowers, one of the easiest ways to deal with the damage is to wait until the pests have gone for the year, and then cut the plants back below the damage. They will regrow nicely, and no one will ever know how bad they looked in spring. This treatment can delay blooming of herbaceous perennials a bit.

If your customers are intolerant of damage, begin making applications at the first sign of their activity, because just a few of these pests can create a lot of damage. Also, nymphs are easier to control than the adults. Insecticides labeled to control four-lined plant bugs on woody ornamentals include acetamiprid, bifenthrin, carbaryl, cyfluthrin, flonicamid, insecticidal soap, lambda-cyhalothrin, malathion, permethrin, pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, and thiamethoxam.

AHS Members Making a Difference

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 14:38:25 GMT

by azhadminKM

People who work with plants tend to be pretty passionate about their jobs, but putting the idea of a career involving horticulture in people's minds in the first place can be quite challenging. This reflected in the fact that around 40 percent of currently available horticulture positions remain unfilled.

"There's a huge demand that's just not being met," says Susan Yoder, executive director of Seed Your Future, a national organization that promotes horticulture as a career. There simply aren't enough people, she explains, who can grow food, conserve plant species, and create engaging green spaces. (Read more...)

President’s Update—December 2017

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 14:34:21 GMT

by azhadminKM

As I sit to type my final AZH President’s report, I am a little saddened but also very excited to pass the torch to your new AZH President and board members. It has been an amazing experience to serve on the AZH Board of Directors since 2006 as Treasurer and President. Our organization is led by a passionate and dedicated group of professionals who volunteer their precious time to grow the organization, expand our reach, support our members, and promote zoo horticulture and plant conservation. AZH is unique in the fact that we determine our direction and where we can make the biggest impact through exhibit design, conservation, IPM, or simply promoting the value of horticulture. We need to continue to educate and promote ourselves as the experts in the field of zoo horticulture–not just as an organization but also as individuals.

Each one of you is an expert and plays a vital role in the success of AZH. I challenge all of you to seek opportunities to become a larger part of the success of AZH by joining a committee, running for a board position, writing articles about your projects, and becoming a mentor to those new to our organization. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to lead AZH and share in our success.

Soon we will gather here in Naples to educate each other and revive our passion for what we do every day. I cannot thank you enough for your flexibility and support through one of the most difficult experiences of my life. Many of us have experienced natural disasters and I think I can speak for some who will say the phone calls, emails, and messages during that time are often what will get you through the days, weeks, and months of recovery efforts. We have learned a lot about each other and what we can accomplish as a staff and family. We are excited to share our paradise that we call Naples with you and can’t wait to see you!

Deer Lake State Park Restoration

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 12:24:44 GMT

by azhadminKM

The horticulture department kicked off spring this year by giving back to the Florida State Parks community. JZG horticulture technicians went on a trip to lend a hand restoring the wetlands at Deer Lake State Park. Over the last 50 years, due to fire suppression, many of the park’s natural plant inhabitants declined due to being crowded out by other native, yet aggressive growing plant species, especially the native shrub known as black titi (Cyrilla racemiﬂora).

The mission of this trip was to plant... (Read entire article)

Jennifer Dambrose, Horticulture Technician
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

FUTURE PEOPLE

Sat, 24 Jun 2017 12:18:23 GMT

By Peter Szymczak, publications manager, Oregon Association of Nurseries (Diggermagazine.com)

The horticulture industry must accentuate the positive if it is to cultivate a new crop of plant professionals.

The law speaking, goes like this: “You catch more flies with honey than you do attraction, colloquially with vinegar.” The horticulture industry is heeding this homespun wisdom as it tries to attract new workers to its ranks.

There’s good reason for sweetening the pitch. The average age of Oregon farmers and ranchers is at an all-time high — 60 years and climbing. The United States is on the cusp of the largest retirement of farmers in its history, with more farmers over the age of 75 than between the ages of 35 and 44.

Ideally, there would be a new generation to take the outgoing one’s place, but
that is not the case.

A recent survey found only 26 percent of 18–24-year-olds agreed with the statement, “Horticulture is a diverse area of study, and it offers viable, fulfilling and respected career paths.”

Why have young adults today soured on horticulture? Partly because only one percent of the population is farmers, so many simply lack first-hand exposure to ag. The rest have been conditioned to associate jobs in horticulture with long hours, hard work and low pay. (Read full article here.)

President’s Update — June 2017

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:14:17 GMT

by azhadminKM

The year is nearly half over and the 2017 AZH annual conference is fast approaching! We are busy planning the details of the conference and tours as well as trying to raise money. Easier said than done, but we keep asking! The pre- and post-conference tours are posted on the AZH annual conference registration site, and don’t miss the sunset cruise icebreaker aboard the Naples Princess—register online to reserve your spot! You can access the registration site via the AZH website or here http://napleszoo.org/azhconference2017.

You can expect sunny days, afternoon rains, and gorgeous sunsets during your visit to paradise. Our theme for the conference is “vintage beach party,” so pack your Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts for the banquet. The Program committee is wrapping up the schedule of educational sessions and we should have the details posted soon with CEUs offered. Applications are being accepted for the 2017 AZH Plant Conservation Grant Program until July 27. We are looking forward to another collection of great conservation projects and partnerships from the AZH membership.

You should have received a survey on traveling exhibits—be sure to complete this as the information collected will be shared at the conference. We are hosting a traveling exhibit this fall so I am eager to hear about other organizations’ experiences. You will be receiving another survey soon on browse species offered to avian species. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Avian Scientific Advisory Group Chair contacted us for information on what species are used as browse, perching, etc. and we offered to poll AZH members to gather this information for them. Remember that we are the best resource for what we do. We are all—but make some time to share your knowledge with others.

Cant’ wait to see you in September!

Bug Banterings: Let the Right Ones In — Creating the Right Environment for Beneficials

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:34:26 GMT

By Amy Yarger, Horticulture Director

A healthy landscape will foster a complete food web with producers, predators, pollinators, decomposers, and yes, even plant-eaters. When the damage from herbivores exceeds the agreed-upon threshold, horticulturists have a toolbox full of possible management strategies. Fortunate is the horticulturist, however, who can encourage nature to “take its course.” Garden food webs may already include predators and parasites that can make short work of many common garden pests. Some landscapes support diverse trophic levels better than others, however.

It will probably come as no surprise that gardens that sport plants of different heights, shapes, chemical profiles and bloom seasons tend to provide more ecological niches for beneficial insects. The most diverse gardens in structure and species will have food and shelter available for insects of different sizes, different life cycles and different habits, mimicking the natural environment. Compare the complexity of this sort of “wild” garden to the old school monocultures of bedding plants popular decades ago.

Structural diversity not only supports more different kinds of beneficial insects, but supports the entire, often complicated, life cycles of these “good bugs”. Juvenile predators, such as syrphid flies, ladybugs and green lacewings, have entirely distinct needs from their parents. In many cases, the larva are hungrier predators than the adults; one larval ladybug can eat 40 aphids a day! Allowing some moist spots, leaf litter, loose bark or other potential habitats can provide shelter for these “hidden” (and often misunderstood) predators. Including small-flowered plants such as fennel and lovage may add some nectar to the diet of adult ladybugs and lacewings, making it more likely that they will stick around and reproduce.

Most of us understand that many chemicals in the garden environment can negatively impact common insect predators such as ladybugs and syrphid flies, and professionals have become, by and large, more careful about chemical pesticide use. The next step may well be to look at how we design and maintain our gardens from an ecological perspective. These habitat gardens can be even more attractive and engaging than the traditional flowerbeds often seen in public places, drawing people to investigate and appreciate the natural world in a safe space. They can also serve as spots for educational programming and citizen science. I have a feeling many of us are already approaching our landscapes from this perspective, and I’d love to hear about your successes and challenges!

Leading Plant Conservationists Met in San Diego for the annual Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) Conference

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 11:25:27 GMT

By Christy Powell, San Diego Zoo

From May 4–6, 2017, San Diego Zoo Global hosted nearly 100 conservation professionals from 27 of the 43 participating institutions of the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC). The CPC is a network of participating botanic gardens and plant conservation organizations throughout the United States. In 2016 it moved its headquarters to San Diego Zoo Global. In addition to participating institutions, several partners and guests were in attendance. These included the U.S. Forest Service, American Public Gardens Association, Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Nature Serve, Institute for Applied Ecology, and the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership-Kew Gardens.

Dr. Joyce Maschinski created an excellent agenda that featured the ever-popular Lightning Talks. Highlights of these presentations focused on conservation genetics, plant propagation and reintroduction efforts, and data analysis and information sharing opportunities. The network brainstorming session on assessing the challenges and opportunities of seed collections and break-out groups provided input for the seed collection protocols that are key to plant conservation.

This year’s annual CPC Star Award, presented to plant conservation professionals for their service to ending plant extinction, was awarded to Joan Yoshioka of the Hawaii Plant Extinction Prevention Program and to Anita Tiller of Mercer Arboretum in Houston, Texas. Congratulations to Joan and Anita. Thank you for inspiring all of us.

About 4,500 of the roughly 18,500 species of plants in the U.S. and Canada are considered to be of conservation concern, with almost 1,000 of them either listed under the federal Endangered Species Act or qualified for listing. Without human intervention, many of them will be gone within the next few decades. The CPC and its partner institutions have become known world-wide as the leaders in saving endangered plants.

CPC network gardens are helping to reduce extinction risk of the rarest plants in North America. In 2016 with funding from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the organization collectively made 37 seed collections of 30 globally rare species that occurred on federal lands. These seed collections safeguard the genetic resources of some of the rarest plant populations in the U.S. They provide a resource for future recovery actions and are a safety net against catastrophic loss. All seed collections are stored at the National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

The species collected will become part of the CPC National Collection of endangered species. The network participating institutions are custodians of these species ex-situ. In addition, they contribute to in-situ conservation actions. The 2018 CPC conference will be hosted by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth, Texas, from April 25 through 28.

Gardening Work Out

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 11:21:19 GMT

by Danielle L Green, Director of Gardens & Grounds, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Top Tropicals recently posted a great article on what a great workout gardening is and quantified elements of what we do everyday with how many calories are burned. What a simple reminder that what we do for a living is what many have to pay for at a gym! Remember that mobility is a critical part of our ability to do our job over time, so don’t forget your warm up stretches!

We all know that gardening provides a bit of exercise, but we do not realize how much exactly. Research has determined that three hours of gardening can have the same effect as an intense one-hour gym session. The study was carried out with a group of 100 gardeners who were asked to monitor the amount of time spent doing a series of common gardening tasks over a four-week period. Gardening tasks that were monitored included weeding, digging, mowing lawns, hedge trimming, trimming shrubs and trees, raking, planting shrubs, and moving garden waste using a wheel barrow. Here are some facts and numbers:

Just half an hour of weeding can burn up to 150 calories and tasks that involve handling heavy electrical equipment such as hedge trimming will burn 400 calories per hour.
Spending one day or five hours each week in the garden will burn roughly 700 calories.
A gardening season that burns 20,000 calories per year is the equivalent to running seven marathons!
Gardening could help burn a million calories over a lifetime.

Here are some figures for calories burned in one hour of various activities:

340 calories: chopping wood, splitting logs, gardening with heavy power tools, tilling a garden, operating a chain saw, mowing lawns, walking, operating a hand mower, shoveling by hand

272 calories: carrying, loading or stacking wood, loading/unloading or carrying lumber, digging, spading, filling garden, composting, laying crushed rock or sod, clearing land, hauling branches, wheelbarrow chores

238 calories: operating blower, walking, planting seedlings/shrubs/trees, trimming shrubs or trees, operating a manual cutter, weeding, cultivating garden

224 calories: raking lawn, sacking grass and leaves

136 calories: picking fruit off trees, picking up yard, picking flowers or vegetables, walking, gathering gardening tools

102 calories: walking, applying fertilizer, or seeding a lawn

34 calories: watering lawn or garden, standing or walking

Zoo Horticulture at the AZA Conference…

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 11:16:02 GMT

by Rob Halpern, Zoo Horticulture Consulting & Design

What does it take to get the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) membership to hear our message? Just put together a compelling session for the annual AZA Conference! The AZA Program Committee has been welcoming the topic of zoo horticulture into the conference for several years.

At the 2011 AZA Conference in Atlanta, one panel considered the question "Can Zoos and Botanical Gardens Live Together?" The session had light attendance but there was good discussion by panelists and attendees.

In 2014, I put together a panel of three zoo directors and one aquarium director to present why these industry leaders value and support horticulture at their institutions: “The Lure of Landscape: You Should Catch The Gardening Bug." The idea grew out of Satch Krantz's welcome talk at the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH) conference hosted in 2013 by Riverbanks Zoo & Botanic Garden in South Carolina. The room was about half-full with zoo designers and zoo staff who were there to hear from Satch, Patricia Waickman (Interim President & CEO of Akron Zoo), Bart Shepherd (California Academy of Sciences), and Rick Schwartz (Nashville Zoo).

Last year I organized another panel, inspired by several great presentations from the 2015 AZH Conference. Originally titled "I'm Gonna Botanize The Sh*t Out of This Enclosure: Animal Care Problems, Horticulture Solutions," this session was standing-room only. Animal care staff, veterinarians, and others couldn't get enough from the panelists: Jeff Pera (Oregon Zoo), Hassena Kassim (Phoenix Zoo), Dan Simpson (San Diego Zoo), and a stand-in speaker from the Denver Zoo on Afromomum.

And so we return to AZA this year with a new session that grew out of some inspiring presentations at last year's AZH Conference in Cincinnati! In an effort to spread the recognition of how valuable zoo horticulture is to another corner of the larger zoo community, this year's panel targets marketing and community relations. "Communities Come Together Over Gardens: Using Horticulture to Connect With Our Neighbors" is a panel that includes Paul Bouseman (Mesker Park Zoo), Bob Chabot (Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens), Christine Nye (Shedd Aquarium), and Steve Foltz (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden) sharing their work connecting with the community through both on-site programs to bring gardeners into the facility and off-site projects to bring the facility's horticulture expertise into the community.

Over the past few years the strategy has been to make zoo horticulture a regular presence at the annual AZA Conference and to direct each session to a different part of the zoo community. We're hoping for another popular panel this year in Indianapolis on Wednesday, September 13 (10 a.m.). Spread the word in your institution and join us if you can!

Kudos to Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant winners!

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 18:58:26 GMT

by azhadminKM

The 2017 winners of the Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant were announced earlier this year: Michaele Bergera of Sacramento Zoo and Melanie Anderson of Buffalo Zoo. Both projects will utilize signage to encourage guests to explore plant collections and significant specimen trees.

Sacramento Zoo:
Michaele proposes to create and install signs that will educate/inform zoo visitors about the significance of trees that are endangered, threatened, or otherwise in need of protection. Among the trees that will be highlighted at Sacramento Zoo are:

Valley Oak (Quercus lobata): Three Heritage Oaks, 300-plus years old, are currently under protection at Sacramento Zoo. Signage will explain the importance of these trees to our visitors, as well as the steps being taken to protect their future.
Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis): Signage will address the importance of protecting this species, which is listed as Threatened on IUCN Red List.
Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis): Signage will address the importance of protecting this species, which is listed as Critically Endangered on IUCN Red List.

Educational signage for these trees will show guests that the Sacramento Zoological Society places a priority on plant conservation as well as animal conservation.

Buffalo Zoo:
The goal of the Melanie’s project is to help the Buffalo Zoo’s guests explore the plant collection, as well as the importance of those plants to ecosystems and our daily lives. This goal is part of a three-year strategic plan objective of using horticulture to enhance the visitor experience.

To accomplish this goal, the interpretive plan of the Zoo will be expanded to include plant signage. Significant plant species along major Zoo pathways will be tagged to include identification as well as information about the plant’s connection to its ecosystem. Active engagement in learning is more effective for knowledge retention, so the signs will include questions designed to encourage guests in exploring plants. The Zoo will also enhance horticulture training for docents to help them integrate plants into their general tours.

Pro Deals for Employees and Volunteers — How to save money on equipment and gear

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 18:41:59 GMT

by azhadminKM

One day I noticed that a large number of the animal keepers at my facility were outfitted disproportionately with Keen shoes/boots and high-end rain gear brands. I asked what that was all about? They said it was from “pro deals” that the keepers applied for. I did a little research. Turns out it isn’t just for animal keepers and lots of companies offer these deals. I have been well outfitted ever since and you can too.

What is a “Pro Deal”?
In a nutshell: Pro deals are for people who are employed and/or volunteer in specific fields were it would be beneficial for the company to have you wearing their gear and promoting their products to potential buyers. The companies will regularly give you free shipping and/or discounts of 40–60 percent on items purchased.

More info on pro deals:
www.wayfinderali.com/2015/02/how-to-pro-deals-on-outdoor-gear.html
http://sectionhiker.com/how-to-get-pro-deals-from-outdoor-gear-and-clothing-manufacturers/

How to the find deals?
Use any search engine you like with the keywords “pro deal” or “pro purchase.” Additionally, you can include the name of any company from which you are interested in receiving a discount. Next, see if you match the companies’ requirements for receiving a pro deal. Fill out the application and provide the required documentation. The company will review and respond with an official approval or a “not qualified” e-mail. Read closely the requirements. Most only allow you to order items for yourself (no gifts), and, yes, they do pay attention to the sizes ordered and for what gender. They will cancel your pro deal if misused. A few will let you buy items for others. Please use your special discount wisely and do not ruin it for others.

Several websites allow you to sign up for pro deals from multiple manufactures. Depending on what you qualify for, you can receive deals for everything from mountain bikes, to eye-wear, snowboarding gear, clothes, etc. You could start with these two:
Outdoor Pro Link: www.outdoorprolink.com/
ExpertCity/Promotive: www.promotive.com

You should be prepared because they will be emailing you with deals pretty consistently. In my experience, I have found the best deals by going to each company and applying for their pro deals separately. Thanksgiving through Christmas is the best time for deals, so wait to make your big purchases for the most savings. Watch for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for greatest discounts.

Have fun, enjoy your discounts and tell people what you think of the companies’ products. Below are some links to get you started.

Happy Savings, Jake Pool, Horticulturist/Arborist Lead
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, www.nwtrek.org

Company links to pro deal websites:

http://pro.keenfootwear.com

www.gerbergear.com/proprogram

https://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/pro-requirements.html

www.mountainhardwear.com/pro

www.merrell.com/US/en/pro

www.patagonia.com/us/patagonia.go?assetid=47074

www.giro.com/us_en/prodeal

www.eddiebauer.com/custserv/pro-deals-application.jsp

www.columbia.com/pro

http://snowpeak.com/pages/prodeal

www.outdoorresearch.com/en/vip

www.nrs.com/contact/nrs-wholesale.asp

Bug Banterings - Invasive Pears

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 18:29:06 GMT

by azhadminKM

Callery pear has become an invasive tree species.

By Rick Knight, Zoo Horticulturist
Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center

Pyrus calleryana, Callery pear, is native to China and Vietnam, and was introduced into the United States in the early 1900s by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. It is an ornamental, deciduous, medium-sized tree with white flowers and good fall foliage. It has a small fruit that is eaten by birds, which disperse the seeds. The various cultivars are generally thought to be self-incompatible, unable to produce fertile seed when self-pollinated. But they are fertile when cross-pollinated with other cultivars. Callery pear seedlings are now taking over old fields along roadsides and wasteland and are a new weed species. They now are on many states’ list of invasive species and are headed west.

How to Care for the Rare

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 18:16:33 GMT

by azhadminKM

By Danielle Green, Director of Gardens & Grounds, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a special place. Within these 45 acres in the heart of Naples are living reminders of the history of this property and its evolution from a personal garden of Dr. Henry Nehrling to the world class zoological garden that it is today. Caring for the historic specimen trees that we have on the property requires a plan that includes inspection and routine plant health care. As part of our plant health care, we perform annual deep root fertilization on more than 30 specimen trees around the Zoo.

Deep root fertilization is a process where a specially formulated nutrient solution is injected into the root zone (area under the canopy) of trees. The nutrients are injected under pressure which helps aerate and provide oxygen to the root system. The soil injection begins just below the surface and goes to a depth of up to 12 inches beneath the soil. Injection sites are placed two feet apart in a grid pattern under the canopy area and beyond the drip line of the tree. Our tree-care partner, Davey Tree, uses a patented product (Arbor Green PRO) designed by the Davey Institute to mimic the natural availability of nutrients in the forest environment. This ensures that these gentle giants get the nutrients required for healthy growth and development. Just a few benefits of these nutrients include increased root growth, improved pest and disease resistance, greener foliage, and better drought resistance.

Many of our “gentle giants” at Naples Zoo are the largest of their species found in Naples. These include two Ficus altissima or lofty fig found on Bear Loop, the Pterocarpus macrocarpus or Burmese rosewood near the Caribbean Gardens buildings, Delonix regia or royal poinciana in Bear Loop playground, and at panther viewing area we have a Roystonea regia or royal palm that is nearly 100 years old! Other specimens to take notice of are the four Ceiba pentandra or kapok trees. Kapok trees are native to tropical America from Mexico to the Amazon basin and are also called silk-cotton trees. Kapok flowers open at night and are pollinated by bats; the pods that form later can produce up to 200 seeds embedded within a silky, cotton-like, water-resistant fiber. This fiber was once used as stuffing material for life jackets and mattresses. The massive trunks are covered in thorns and can grow up to 10 feet in diameter. The oldest known Ceiba sp. trees are found in Miami and are 200 years old! Be sure to check out our signature icons at the 2017 AZH annual conference zoo day at Naples Zoo in September!

IPM INSIDER: Fertilizing Woody Plants

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 11:07:56 GMT

by Robin McCain, Woodland Park Zoo

Nitrogen and iron are the only nutrients in which woody plants are commonly deficient. Fertilize only as needed and only if other problems for poor growth have been eliminated. Avoid over fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen, fast-release fertilizers. Over-fertilization promotes excessive foliage growth that may result in an increase of pest populations such as mites, aphids, and psyllids. It also may cause bark to crack, allowing entry of disease, may damage roots, and cause burning or die back of foliage.

President's Letter - January/February 2017

Sat, 25 Mar 2017 18:26:42 GMT

by azhadminKM

A flurry of activity has been going on since the AZH annual conference and I wanted to update everyone on some exciting changes. First, the AZH Communications Committee in conjunction with the AZH board of directors has initiated a new format for our traditional newsletter. In an effort to maintain a fresh and professional standard of communication, we will publish articles in a blog format on the AZH website. This will replace the bimonthly publication that you are accustomed to receiving via e-mail. These articles can still be printed to share with staff but will require you to log in to the members area to view updates on projects, new exhibits, IPM, and conservation articles. This blog will be updated quarterly with content that has been submitted by individuals and committees. Our hope is that this new format will encourage AZH members to submit more content for publication. Anyone can submit a short blurb or article no matter the size or scope and be sure to include pictures! Use this online “Newsletter Submission Form” to submit an article.

Additionally, Hassena Kassim (Phoenix Zoo) has taken a position at North Carolina Art Museum and resigned her position on the board of directors. We have asked Donita Brannon to fulfill the remaining time of her term on the board as director-at-large and she has accepted this appointment. Thanks to Hassena for her service to AZH and congrats to Donita!

Lastly, the first recipients of the AZH Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant were chosen at the recent mid-term board of directors meeting.

Providing Interactive Plant Education & Conservation Connections
Buffalo Zoo - Melanie Anderson: $1000

Sacramento Zoo Specimen Tree Signage project
Sacramento Zoo - Michaele Bergera: $840

Congratulations to Melanie and Michaele! We will hear more about these projects at the 2017 AZH annual conference.

We are excited to launch this new grant program in honor of Wendy Andrew, a long standing member of AZH who contributed significantly to our organization. She cultivated so many partnerships and relationships within AZH and we hope this grant program will continue her legacy to grow AZH and our members.

As always, please reach out to any member of the AZH board of directors with questions or concerns.

See you in the garden!

Danielle

"Grow Wise, Bee Smart” information…

Wed, 25 Jan 2017 19:06:36 GMT

by azhadminKM

Grow Wise - Bee Smart publication

The Horticultural Research Institute (the research arm of AmericanHort) has developed best management practices for greenhouse and nursery production, woody ornamentals, and managed landscapes. HRI developed the best management practices with help from researchers and beekeepers from across North America. The information is intended to reduce grower impact on bee populations due to growing practices. Click on the following link to download Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Bee Health in the Horticultural Industry.

IPM Insider – “Some Bad Bugs are Not So Bad!”

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:03:36 GMT

By azhadminKM

Catalpa "Worm" - larval stage

Even though the catalpa worm, Ceratomia catalpae, can quickly defoliate catalpa trees with their sweet tooth for those trees’ foliage, it also provides some benefits to the tree and humans. Mitigating the catalpa worm’s voracious appetite is the catalpa trees’ ability to produce new leaves quickly, even after being completely defoliated three or four times during a single summer. No other tree can withstand this carnage and survive but this onslaught of caterpillars in-turn produces a quantity of dung which fertilizes the tree and everything else in the vicinity of the tree. In addition to this, catalpa worms are prized for fish bait. Their tough skin and tasty innards are perfect for the fisherman’s hook.

By Susan Pierce, Gardener, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Tacca integrifolia - a winter time show

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 18:03:28 GMT

by Corri White

Winter time visitors to zoos will often find themselves inside interior exhibits—it’s a great place to pretend to be off on a warmer continent somewhere. Helping to complete this illusion can be an array of tropical plant species, lovingly tended by zoo horticulturists. And while it’s great to see animals surrounded by a realistic setting, many of the plants put on quite a show in their own right!

One such plant is the purple- or white bat plant, Tacca integrifolia. Related to true yams (nb: not the sweet potatoes that get called yams in the grocery store, but that’s a topic for a different blog post), it grows wild across East Asia, from Pakistan to Borneo. Tacca is a forest understory plant that is inconspicuous except when in flower, when it produces a floral display consisting of several whitish bracts (leaf-like structures), long whisker-like appendages (called bracteoles), and dusky grey-purple flowers. When viewed from a short distance, you might get the impression of a bat, hence the common name. You can typically see Tacca flowering in January and February. Don’t worry about smelling the flowers, though; descriptions range from “scentless” to “sort of stinky.”

Scientists believe Tacca’s complex flower structure and bad smell evolved to attract flies as a pollinator. Although we often don’t think of it, flies are common pollinators. A fly doesn’t get a reward for its services (Tacca produces no nectar, and flies don’t eat pollen), it is essentially tricked into doing the plant’s bidding. If you find a plant with dark-colored flowers and an unpleasant odor, chances are that it’s trying to attract flies to pollinate it. If your guests are needing a bit of a warm up during their Zoo visit, take some time to guide them into your zoo's horticulture winter display—and be sure not to miss the bat plant!

The Hand Lens

Sun, 25 Dec 2016 17:39:30 GMT

by azhadminKM

Catalpa Sphinx Moth adult

Catalpa sphinx moth (Ceratomia catalpa)

Range: The catalpa sphinx is found throughout the eastern United States from Florida to New York, west to Michigan, and south to Texas and Colorado.

Life History: This hornworm moth is about three inches long and gray brown in color. They are night flyers and do not feed as adults. They lay small, oval white-to-green eggs in mound-like masses of 100 to 1000 eggs on the underside of catalpa leaves. The eggs hatch in mid-May. The newly hatched caterpillars quickly begin feeding and can defoliate a tree in a short time. There are two types of caterpillars: one is dark in color with yellow sides and the other is light in color with orange sides. After three weeks, the mature caterpillar enters the soil and pupates. New adults emerge in two weeks and often a second generation of caterpillars is produced. At the end of summer the pupae overwinter in the soil to emerge in the spring. Total life cycle is about six weeks. Catalpa sphinx infestations tend to occur in cycles that are heavy for two to three years then almost nonexistent for several years. This may be due to the cycling of natural predators.

Catalpa Sphinx larval stage, sometimes called "Catawba worm" or "fish worm" by fishermen.

Damage: The Catalpa sphinx caterpillar feeds only on the northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) and southern catalpa (Catalpa bignoides) species. They can defoliate a tree in a short time if infestations are heavy, which can compromise the health of the tree, especially if defoliation is repeated during the growing season several years in a row.

Management Tips:

The catalpa sphinx is preyed upon by parasitic wasps, which lay their eggs through the tough skin of the caterpillar. The wasp larvae eat the caterpillar from the inside out, and then spin a visible silken cocoon on the caterpillar skin.
Catalpa sphinx populations are controlled by many other predators, including birds, mammals, and fish.
Bt can be used to control the caterpillar. Read the label and watch for negative impacts on bees.

Light form of Catalpa Sphinx larval stage.

Sidebar: Fishermen prize these worms as fish bait due to their tough skin and juicy bodies. Catalpa caterpillars, called Catawba worms by fishermen, can even be frozen for fish bait and used at a later time. The Catawba worm is considered excellent bait for catfish.

More Information:

http://extension.missouri.edu/p/IPM1019-8

http://ag.auburn.edu/enpl/bulletins/catalpasphinx/catalpasphinx.htm

Care for the Rare

Sat, 24 Dec 2016 17:28:26 GMT

by azhadminKM

Public Garden Magazine, Summer/Fall 2012

Climate change is threatening the world’s plant diversity at an unprecedented rate, yet plants are all too often left out of climate change discussion, policy, and action. Many have argued that this is largely a result of “plant blindness,” the inability to see or notice plants in one's own environment, and an inability to recognize the importance of plants in the biosphere and in human affairs... [Read More...]

From Public Garden, Summer/Fall, 2012

Powdery Mildew on Crape Myrtle

Sat, 24 Dec 2016 17:23:29 GMT

by azhadminKM

Two years ago, we decided to prune eight of our crape myrtles back to small tree status. They had not been taken care of for a decade and had grown 30 to 40 feet tall and were very gangly after so many years of neglect. After pruning, they flowered beautifully, but, about three weeks into flowering, we noticed what looked like white powder on the flowers and leaves. Unfortunately, zoo summer camp had started and it was another three weeks before I could inspect them to confirm that they had powdery mildew.

Once powdery mildew was confirmed, the next thing that was needed was to determine what we could use to treat the trees, since they are used for browse. Consulting the list of pesticides approved by our veterinarian, horticultural oil and Neem oil were our best options. I started with Neem oil, using the seven-day application schedule recommended on the package (once every seven days). Over the next four weeks, we were able to reduce the impact of the powdery mildew. Even though we continued with a 14-day application schedule, we were never able to completely eradicate powdery mildew that season. The powdery mildew has come back for the last two blooming seasons, but we have been able to knock it back to an acceptable level, with just a little white on the trees, by treating with Neem oil every seven days.

These crape myrtles appear to be Lagerstroemia indica, which are susceptible to this fungal disease. So that the pathogen is not spread to other plants, we clean the pruners after each use with a thymol solution, which kills most pathogens, including powdery mildew. Listerine “Original,” which has thymol as its active ingredient, is what I used; an inexpensive option.

submitted by Larry Hintz, Gardener, Sacramento Zoo

"Call for Presentations" proposals being accepted now for the 2017 AZH Conference...

Fri, 09 Dec 2016 17:52:47 GMT

by azhadminKM

The AZH Program Committee is now accepting proposals for presentations for the 2017 AZH Annual Conference Program in beautiful Naples, Florida. The “Call for Presentations” has all the information that you will need to submit a proposal for all presentations including directions, guidance, and deadlines. We rely heavily on professional zoo horticulturists for program presentations. Please consider sharing your experience and knowledge with your colleagues in AZH by being part of the AZH Conference program. If you have any questions or if you need motivation, please contact me at daileyc@jacksonvillezoo.org. We have experienced AZH Program Committee members ready to assist and guide you.

Chris Dailey, AZH Program Committee Chair

Special Challenges of Urban Forestry in Zoos

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 16:59:00 GMT

by AZH

Zoo arborists and municipal arborists share in common the need for high-level communication skills, the pursuit of excellent tree care amid a myriad of environmental stresses, and the ability to perform work safely in sensitive areas. The contributors to this Roundtable are professional members of the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH) (www.azh.org). Full Article

It’s a Zoo in There

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 16:05:59 GMT

An Inside Look at Zoo Arboriculture
By: Michelle Sutton

Whether they’re in-house or contracted, arborists who work in zoos have to be high-level communicators, coordinating work hour by hour with zookeepers. The tree work has to be done safely and without stressing the animals — yet efficiently, so that the animals are not removed from public view any longer than necessary.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxdqS_a846pjUmRjcnN0amVQRkU/view

Zoo Horticulturist Certification Program

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 14:09:17 GMT

Ever since its inception in 1980, the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH) has been dedicated to the advancement of zoo horticulture in zoological parks and aquariums. This dedication can be seen in AZH’s creation of its Zoo Horticulturist Certification Program. The program produced its first class of graduates in 2011. The program is offering its membership training that emphasizes the best practices in horticulture from the specific perspective of how these are utilized in the zoo and aquarium environments. Among the program’s goals are to provide an integrated and comprehensive training program on the unique aspects of zoo and aquarium horticulture that will ensure the highest level of excellence, technical expertise and professionalism among AZH members. These professional development courses also promote the exchange of ideas and networking opportunities among zoo horticulture colleagues.

Certification consists of four two-credit core courses and two elective courses at one credit each. Horticulturists who participate in a course and who successfully pass the in-class examinations will earn credits towards the 10 credits required for certification. The core courses, as determined by the AZH Board, are: Integrated Pest Management, Soils, Exhibit Design I, and Browse and Toxic Plants. Elective courses will include Water Management, Plant Conservation/Education, Record-keeping, and Design II. Initially, the training was part of the schedule of the AZH Annual Conference. The first full-day training course on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was offered in conjunction with the 2007 AZH Annual Conference in Tulsa.

Instructor Carol Glenister, IPM Labs, Inc., works with Rick Knight (Topeka Zoological Park) to identify insect pests with a hand lens at the inaugural course in Tulsa in 2007. Photo by Terry O’Connor

Creating the courses and administering them has been a full out endeavor and one of the primary areas of work for AZH. The development of each course begins with the assignment of a course administrator who works closely with the outside consultant AZH has hired to facilitate course development and management. This team first defines the course goals and outcomes, and determines pertinent topics that need to be covered in the course. Instructors with relevant expertise are then selected from within the AZH membership and from universities, businesses, agencies and other organizations.

Online courses are currently being developed through San Diego Global Academy. The first online course, "Browse and Toxic Plants," is now available (click on the "eLearning Site" below).

AZH’s mission is to promote excellence in zoo horticulture. The Zoo Horticulturist Certification Program supports this mission by providing its graduates with the tools they need to apply new skills and practice quality horticulture in a zoo or aquarium environment. Certification will advance the profession of horticulture within the zoo and aquarium industry and enhance the ability of horticulturists to contribute to the success of their organization’s mission..

Zoo Horticulture

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 13:34:17 GMT

What comes to mind when you think about zoos? Well animals, of course! But just imagine a zoo without plants... Animal exhibits lacking the natural effect that plants provide. Few places for animals to interact, and visitor areas without plant displays and shady spaces to retreat to. What is "zoo horticulture"? A simple description might be "gardening and landscaping activities which occur in a zoo or aquarium setting." But there is so much more!

Zoo horticulture encompasses activities that range from exhibit/landscape design, development, and installation, to managing plant material within exhibits and visitor areas; from providing plant material for animal "diets" and "enrichment" (things that "enrich" the lives of zoo animals), to assisting zookeepers in identifying potentially toxic plants; from establishing interesting plant collections to promoting the awareness of plants and plant conservation. Zoo horticulture is so much more than just gardening and landscaping!

Animal exhibit and landscape development:

Most modern zoo exhibits incorporate the idea of placing animal species within the context of a "natural" environment as much as is possible. Plant materials, both living and non-living (such as logs, roots, and limbs), are vital to creating this natural environment. The zoo horticulturist is an important part of the planning and design process, and installation of new zoo exhibits. The zoo horticulturist interacts with architects, animal curators, administrative staff, construction companies, landscape contractors, nurserymen, and others in all stages of exhibit development. As an adviser to the project, the zoo horticulturist recommends suitable plant materials and offers strategies to ensure critical plant requirements are met for the successful growth and development of plants used in the project.

Managing landscapes within exhibits and visitor areas:

The zoo environment is a "rigorous" environment for plants to say the least! The zoo horticulturist is challenged with the task of keeping exhibits looking natural and "fresh"—not an easy task when one considers the "abuse" which plants incur. Whether it's soil compaction from hoof stock such as zebras, giraffes, etc. or defoliation from herbivores, plants are damaged or have difficult growing conditions to contend with, and it's the zoo horticulturist's job to meet the challenge!

Development of browse and plants for animal enrichment:

The zoo horticulturist is called on to assist curators, zookeepers, and commissary managers in identifying, locating, and nurturing plant materials for a zoo's animal collection. The zoo horticulturist's knowledge is invaluable in providing "browse" plants for specialized animal diets and supplementing regular diets. Many zoos maintain blocks of plants ("browse") specially suited and available for the dietary needs of the zoo's animal collection. Of special concern is the identification of potentially toxic plants and ensuring that zoo animals do not have access to them.

Establishing interesting plant collections:

At the heart of the horticulturist or gardener is a desire to share the world of plants with others, and what better way than to establish and maintain collections of plants to capture the interest of zoo visitors. Zoos are often recognized for their beautiful, engaging collections of plants. Plant collections allow visitors to learn fascinating facts about plants and their importance to all life on earth.

Conservation of plants and the environment:

Zoo horticulturists are actively involved in conservation efforts and reminding the public that many plant species are also threatened from habitat destruction and other forces. Zoo horticulturists are often the key people in their institution's efforts to "reduce, reuse, and recycle." Composting of zoo wastes is often the job of the horticulture/grounds maintenance department.

Yellow Poplar Weevil (Odontopus calceatus) on Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera)

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:26:35 GMT

The first time I noticed considerable foliar damage on our tulip poplars was last June. The reason I noticed it may be due to the fact that I planted some young trees two years ago and they are still relatively small, about six to eight feet tall. Most of the foliage is at eye level so it was easier to spot. I observed brown spots and yellowing, and upon closer inspection, saw many black beetles on the leaves. I couldn’t identify them immediately but they had elongated appendages near their noses that looked like snouts—a feature that distinguishes weevils. After an internet brief search, I identified them as yellow poplar weevil, Odontopus calceatus. Once aware of them, I started scrutinizing all our tulip poplars and found that even the tall ones (30 feet and taller) showed similar damage.
Generally, this pest is found east of the Mississippi River, where its native, preferred hosts, tulip trees (yellow poplar) and sassafras occur. The adults create bean-shaped pits where they feed on the leaves—especially those of tulip trees, sassafras, southern magnolias, and sweetbay magnolias. The larvae also cause blotchy leaf mines. The adults are more conspicuous, as a summer generation emerges suddenly in late June. They look like large ticks and people often mention the “flying ticks” they find on their clothes.

As with most leafminers, this pest is easier to manage if the adults are targeted. Every few years, an overabundance of adults emerge in June and July. This turns out to be more of a nuisance than seriously damaging to plants. Various control methods for this beetle include biological control, which involves natural parasites and predators that attack the larvae and pupae within the leaf mines. Cultural control can be achieved by eliminating preferred host species, such as sassafras trees and sweetbay magnolias. Chemical control involves applying a contact or stomach insecticide to kill the adults as soon as they begin feeding on the leaves. Several systemic insecticides are registered for control of leaf-mining insects and are effective in controlling the larvae. The best time for application is when the eggs have just been laid or while the mines are still greenish in color. Once the pupae are present in the mines, it is too late for the insecticides.

This must have been one of those bumper crop years for the weevils as there were numerous adults on most leaves. Much of the damage by the larvae had already occurred so I set out to deal with the adults. Since the trees were planted close to the gorilla yard, I could not spray any conventional insecticides. I decided to dislodge the adults with daily blasts of water from the hose. I also set up an impulse sprinkler to help knock them off and discourage repopulation. After a few weeks they disappeared, but I understand that the adults would normally persist for only a few weeks. Next year I will be vigilant and check for the adult weevils, which overwinter in leaf litter until spring temperatures cause trees to produce new leaves, usually in April and May. The adults feed for a period of time and eventually, mated females hollow out a small pit in the lower mid-vein of a leaf and deposit one to 15 eggs. And the cycle begins again. Most of the information in this article and more details about this insect can be found at: https://bugguide.net/node/view/51464

Submitted by Susan Pierce, Pittsburgh Zoo

Newsletter Purpose

Sat, 12 Jun 1982 11:26:42 GMT

There has been a need for many years to exchange horticultural information and ideas among zoos and zoo horticulturist. To that need the First International Conference for Zoo Horticulture was held in Philadelphia during the last week of August, 1980. An outgrowth of that gathering was the beginnings of a loose organization to promote a better understanding of the role and needs of horticulture in zoos. One of the ideas of this group was the wish to exchange a newsletter directed to the area of horticulture. Our hope is that this newsletter can be an aid in the ever growing needs of an effective horticultural program in all zoos. The AZH Newsletter will be mailed quarterly as information, news and articles are made available. We need your help by supplying ideas, articles and information. Features in this issue include a listing of some sources of native seeds and plant material. Articles and information that should be of particular interest to zoo horticulturists. And a listing of 2 articles in national publications that have some interest for zoos. Features to be added in future issues:

THE PLANT EXCHANGE - information that could lead to seed and plant trading and exchange among zoos.

WHATS NEW IN OUR ZOO - a gossip column supplied by our reader's relating successes and attempts at new directions in zoo horticulture.

Toxic Plants and the Zoo

Thu, 10 Jun 1982 13:18:36 GMT

I was asked to speak with you today, among other reasons, because I'm an amateur horticulturist with an amateur’s acquaintance with toxic plants. Clearly, from your point of view, this has some disadvantages. What you may not realize is that my amateur status may be all that is needed to keep you out of the ranks of a new human subspecies which I have named Homo sapiens hysterics, and which I suggest is gradually, supplanting Homo sapiens. Homo hysterics lives in a world of perpetual and imminent danger, and is prone to damage more from the violence of his efforts to avoid danger than from the threat itself. A few weeks ago in this very city, at a large public gathering on the Parkway, 59 people were treated for minor injuries when the crowd panicked at the sound of a few firecrackers. Not too many years ago I think . . . . I hope . . . we'd have taken this kind of thing in stride. So, that I propose today is a non-hysterical approach to the problems of toxic plants in zoological gardens.

Frankly, I'm not sure there is a problem. Our host has stated that he has no knowledge of any zoo deaths from this cause. Well, then? How do we provide answers if there are no questions? Faced with this dilemma, to prepare for today I set out to locate the questions? The list is short. I came up with three. Perhaps some of you could lengthen it.

Are there plants which have been known to cause death of zoo animals?
Is the intrusion of local flora which may damage human visitors to the zoo such as poison ivy, thorny bushes, etc. a problem for zoo managers?
Occasionally domestic animals succumb to plants in pastures or silage (water hemlock, cockleburr, Jimson weed). Must the zoo manager be alert to these?

We'll talk more about these problems, if they are problems, but first let's go back to the emotional approach. The typical book which deals with poisonous plants can be frightening. It prints lists whose length is astounding and which include names whose presence is astounding. Consider Walter Conrad Muenscher's POISONOUS PLANTS OF THE UNITED STATES, with a list of 99 plants that cause dermatitis. . The list includes the young stems of asparagus, the flowers of Catalpa speciosa, the leaves of the Wild Carrot, English Ivy, primroses, lily-of-the-valley and Viper's Bugloss, and the rhizomes of Iris species. Surely we humans are surrounded with dangers there are even reports of "a number of cases of contact dermatitis. Among farmers and others handling large quantities of celery" I However, be of good cheer. Muenscher says and I quote: "Most poisonous plants... are harmful only when they are eaten. Relatively few plants produce poisoning by contact'. In a sense 99 isn't all that many (even if it does include such common species as Ailanthus, Burdock, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Box, Daphne, Larkspur and Ginkgo) seeing that there are at least 30,000 from which to choose.

All this may be interesting but of no great significance for zoos since dermatitis from contact poisons isn't significant for animals other than humans. As always, there are exceptions. Some plants contain chemicals called photosensitizers which can cause animals to develop a great sensitivity to light. Now the animals are subject to sunburn, which can be serious for albino or partly white individuals. Even death may follow, from starvation, because the animals' mouths become so badly burn that they can' t eat. St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum and H. crispum), Ladies Thumb (Polygonum) and Alsike Clover all cause photosensitization. I looked this up in a couple of books with titles like A VETERINARY GUIDE FOR ANIMAL OWNERS. Photosensitization was not mentioned.-In fact, there was no mention of any disease brought about by toxic plants. Obviously, there is no crying need for preventive work here.

I do not mean to deny that there are toxic plants in the world. The legion of sufferers from exposure to Rhus radicans and others of its genus would surely raise a brow. Also, in a recent year, of 161,500 and some cases of possible ingestion of poisons which were reported to the National Clearing House for Poison Control Centers, over 11,000 involved plants. Since most cases are probably not reported it is difficult to come by a true total. Some authorities like to talk about 50,000 to 100,000 a year. True to the principles of Homo hysterics, most of these so-called "cases" weren't actually poisoned. To be counted, it was only necessary for a person to swallow a plant or plant part that was suspected of being poisonous. For instance, 442 of these cases involved Pyracantha berries, which taste terrible but aren't dangerous.

Nevertheless, there are poisonous plants which can and do have serious if not fatal effects. A recent listing of the top ten gives Philodendron, Yew, Pyracantha, Bittersweet, Marijuana, Holly, Poinsettia, Dieffenbachia, Elderberry and Oleander. These aren't necessarily the most poisonous plants around, but they are among the most accessible. Four are house plants, reflecting the recent national preoccupation with potted and hanging plants. Holly and Bittersweet often find their way into our homes. Marijuana . . . well, what can I say? Yew and Pyracantha are cliché plants in the suburbs, as I gather is Oleander in the warmer parts of the country.

PHILODENDRON, with calcium oxalate in the leaves, causes burning of the mouth, vomiting and diarrhea. I first met calcium oxalate on a college botany class field trip. The instructor, an old-timer, invariably served slivers of JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT corms to unsuspecting students, whoe burning mouths were instructive in an unpleasant way. I suppose if you did this in 1980 the students would sue the university, so I leap to assert that I do not endorse this instructional technique. Incidentally, the starchy corms of JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT were boiled and eaten by Native Americans. YEWS have fleshy red berries about the size of a pea, open at one end showing the single hard seed inside. The seeds of most species are poisonous, capable of causing vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, weakness and convulsions. Sometimes the foliage is poisonous when eaten by livestock. In his book, POISON PLANTS, Alan Eshleman says "Very few gymnosperms are poisonous, but the YEW makes up for this be being very poisonous. All parts . . . contain the poisonous alkalois taxine. Animals are sometimes killed from eating the bark, leaves or seeds. People are most often poisoned by the fruit of the YEW tree. (I contend this phraseology is typical Homo hysterics style. Most or all of us have grown up with large populations of yews and have lived to be here today.) If children eat enough of these berries they can get very sick, but luckily the fruit is the least poisonous part of the plant, so death from yew poisoning is very rare." PYRACANTHA was mentioned earlier, not too seriously, BITTERSWEET, or WOODY NIGHTSHADE, also known as BITTER NIGHTSHADE and DEADLY NIGHTSHADE, is a climbing vine from Europe which has become naturalized in North America. It has attractive purple flowers and brilliant scarlet berries. Both leaves, berries and shoots are very poisonous when eaten, so the plant should not be near children or grazing animals. The related COMMON NIGHTSHADE, Solanum nigrum, with black-purple berries is also an enemy. MARIJUANA leaves and flowers are said to be poisonous, overdoses producing nausea, poor coordination and rarely, coma. Various species of ILEX or HOLLY have berries which may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Eshleman says "probably more than twenty" berries, need to be ingested, which would seem to indicate that nineteen are okay. POINSETTIA leaves and stems can cause stomach upset, but this plant's reputation is probably far more fierce than it deserves. DIFFENBACHIA, DUMBCANE, has a highly acrid sap that irritates the mucus membranes so much that speech is difficult or impossible for several days “After it is- eaten. It has been said the Dumbcane used to be given to slaves as punishment. Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, grows wild over much of the U.S. Fresh leaves, flowers, bark, young buds and roots contain a bitter alkaloid, producing I prussic acid and causing fatal results if eaten by cattle and sheep. Poisoning of children has been ascribed to chewing or sucking the bark. However, jellies, preserves "- and wines are made from the small, blue-black berries which ripen in the late summer. Finally OLEANDER, common in the south, California and Hawaii has leaves which are highly toxic both in green and dry condition; all parts of the plant are toxic. It can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, slow and irregular heartbeat, dilation of pupils, bloody diarrhea and respiratory paralysis. Phew:

The poisonous properties of a plant may be due to a single chemical, several similar compounds, or to substances with very different chemical properties. Most common are alkaloids, which are found in the lily, poppy, buttercup and potato families and in certain legumes. Correctly used, alkaloids of some plants have medicinal value, such as atropine, caffeine, cocaine, morphine, nicotine, quinine, strychnine and the extract of curare. Other poisonous substances are glucosides of Prunus, Sorghum and flax; resinoids in heaths; phytotoxins of Black Locust and the Castor Bean. Oxalic acid is the poison in rhubarb leaves. It is present in many other plants but seldom in quantities sufficient to cause poisoning.

Most cases of plant poisoning in humans and animals (setting aside skin irritants) are caused when the toxic principle is eaten. Clearly, then, it must be present it must be there in sufficient quantities and it must be palatable. This last requirement rules out the vast majority of plant poisons, for relatively few plants taste good. Most people confuse the terms "inedible" and "poisonous", assuming that anything inedible is poisonous. Now I am an inveterate taster (and smeller) of plant parts as an aid in identification and probably have indulged in a substantial number of those mentioned so far. Most of them taste awful, or are relatively tasteless. Few incite one toward gluttony.

There is an article in the April 1977 issue of Horticulture by a pediatrician at the Kaiser/Permanente Medical Center in Fontana, CA. Dr. Guy Hartman describes The Sinister Garden, a collection of poisonous plants growing just outside the Pediatric Clinic. Some visitors who see azaleas, poinsettias and iris officially labeled poisonous are determined to rush home and redesign their gardens. Don't, says he. "Replant your azaleas. Rescue the poinsettias, and defend the iris. I will personally guarantee that none of them will kill any of your progeny A sound thinker, This: To quote further: " . . .it would require 1/4 to 1/2 pound of azalea vegetation to seriously poison a 2 5 l b child . . . the poinsettia is not entirely harmless (but) the myth of its fatal toxicity has been thoroughly debunked by recent research; and I cannot imagine and toddler digging up the iris rhizome for an afternoon snack . . . The Sinister Garden was planted not to terrify concerned parents... but to educate the public to potential dangers lurking unsuspected in their backyards." This article says that of the 700-plus poisonous plants in the United States probably only the castor bean and oleander ought to be kept away from young children.

A reasonable question along about here is. Does any of this have anything to do with zoo animals? Of course, you know more about this than I do. However, as in humans the frequency of poisoning is often a result of a lack of more palatable food, a condition not likely to confront captive animals in the modern zoo. Of course, some poisonous plant may be present in hay and coarse feeds, and a few cause trouble only or primarily when fed in ground feeds. A noted authority, Dr. John M. Kingsbury, writes -.1 of toxic effects occurring in animals after ingestion of 1-11% to 5% of their body weight, or after they have grazed on a certain plant exclusively for a number of days or weeks. Again, these are unlikely scenarios for zoo animals. To sum up this point here is a quote from Muenscher: "Most cases of stock poisoning occur either in the early spring when the grass is still short...or in late summer when the grass is dried up . . . Under such conditions of scarcity of forage, animals are frequently forced to eat poisonous plants which would otherwise be left untouched." So we are given to understand that undesirable plants will not be consumed if an adequate supply of good feed is provided.

Are you beginning to accept that this is, or could be, or ought to be a very dangerous world? Azaleas, caladiums, delphiniums, flax, tobacco and jimson weed carry toxins in all of their parts. Agave, avocado, ranunculus and foxglove concentrate them in their leaves. Holly, ivy, privet and mistletoe offer us poisonous berries. Elder, cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, eggplants and tomatoes produce edible fruits on plants otherwise hostile, and with many of these the seeds inside the edible fruits are dangerous. Pokeweed and acorns can be in your diet, but beware of them improperly prepared. Get your medicinals from foxglove and lobelia, but for heaven's sake don't eat them, enjoy the leaf stalk of rhubarb; beware of the leaf blade. Be sure to swallow the seeds of cherries, castor beans the rosary pea intact so the seed coat can protect you from the toxic substances inside.

With all these hazards can animal life as we know it survive? Well . . . yes. Of course. Our own life experiences tell us so. The problem is manageable. In fact there is very little we need do about it.

The Philadelphia Zoo has performed autopsies on all of its casualties for more than 65 years and has no record of a death from plant toxins. To my knowledge no zoo has been sued for exposing visitors to poisonous plants. Finally, hay or feeds which cause problems are easily replaced.

We've answered our three questions. What's left? I contend there is a good point to be made for extending the educational functions of the zoo in this area. Why not your own Sinister Garden? Why not try to get across the truth about poison ivy, yew, and dieffenbachia? The crowds that come to see captive animals make a beautiful captive audience. Why not inject them with a bit of the horticultural along with the zoological? With more than just name tags? Arboretums will never compete with zoos as crowd gatherers, so I think there is a tremendous opportunity for zoo-Hort folks to perform an additional public service. We should be introducing toxic species in a controlled way, not eradicating them. Planting is what you are all about. The real challenge is to eradicate- not toxic plants - but the Homo hysterics subspecies along with all those fears which a little reason and knowledge can show to be unnecessary.

* Paper given at the First AZH Conference by Val Udell, Director of Product Development, D.C.A. - Educational Products, Warminster, Pa., Subsidiary D.C.A. Inc.

Second International Conference for Zoo Horticulture

Thu, 10 Jun 1982 11:29:15 GMT

The Sedgwick County Zoo, Ron Blakely, Director, will be hosting the second conference for zoo horticulture to be held October 17-20, 1982 in Wichita, Kansas. More information can be found on the back cover. At this conference the first - set of Officers for the Association for Zoological Horticulture will be elected -- and a simple set of by-laws considered. Virginia Wall, Horticulturist for the Sedgwick County Zoo, is planning a great conference with plenty of time for the exchange of ideas.