Acadia University
The K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens are pleased to announce we are the newest conservation partners in the Center for Plant Conservation Network.
The Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) is a North American network with 85 institutional conservation partners. The CPC is a non-profit dedicated to saving rare plant species from extinction. The majority of network members are in the United States, we are the second solely Canadian participating institution, following the Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden.
Becoming a member allows us to share news of the conservation work we do at the K.C. Irving Centre with a group of similar organizations, and to learn from each other as we all continue plant conservation efforts. The CPC is focused on tracking conservation status of all G1 and G2 Nature Serve plants, there are just over 5000 taxa on their tracking list, and of that ~2700 are represented by a partner institution.
Our application was approved on the basis of the conservation and education work we do within the Irving Biodiversity Collection through our pillars of the Acadia Seed Bank, the E.C. Smith Herbarium, and the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens.
Dr. Mark Mallory, K.C. Irving Centre Research Director says, “this is a fantastic opportunity not only to raise the profile of Irving Centre’s work, but also to collaborate and play an even larger role in plant conservation in North America. We are thrilled to be recognized and to contribute to this effort!”
Growing new connections
Opportunities for new connections to conservation organizations have already materialized following our membership announcement. Earlier this week Dr. Sarah Hinners, Director of Conservation and Research at Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, part of University of Utah, came to tour our facilities. Dr. Hinners was in the province, and we were pleased to host her and learn from each other as we each strive to protect and promote native biodiversity of our respective regions.
Dr. Sarah Hinners pictured with Sarah Hines in the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens.
Looking forward
Becoming institutional conservation partners enhances our collective ability to conserve rare and endangered plants across North America. The K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens are thrilled to share our work with this North American network, and we are keen to learn and grow through connecting with partners.
To learn more about the Center for Plant Conservation click here.