re-search the gardens: meet our scientists

Join us for our Research and Conservation science series. Each talk is from noon-1 p.m. and is included in Gardens admission.

The Research and Conservation Department at Denver Botanic Gardens plays a critical role in the conservation, preservation and documentation of native Colorado flora by serving as an active center of biodiversity research for the Southern Rocky Mountain region. Join our scientists for an in-depth look at the research we do to document and protect Colorado’s natural heritage.

Using Genetics to Save the Colorado Hookless Cactus

Wednesday, July 10, 2013 - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Plant Society Building (by the Bonsai Pavilion)
Speaker: Anna Schwabe

Everybody loves cacti! This sweet little Colorado gem with fantastic pink flowers (Sclerocactus glaucus) is a rare and endangered native Colorado cactus which is suffering from habitat disturbance and loss, especially from oil and gas exploration. Diminishing numbers bring questions about the genetic integrity while uncharacteristic morphologies of populations have raised concerns of hybridization with a close Sclerocactus relative. An in-depth genetic investigation has revealed some interesting results regarding this beautiful and rare Colorado treasure.

Conserving Our Rarest Plants

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Plant Society Building (by the Bonsai Pavilion)
Speaker: Jennifer Neale

The Research and Conservation department of Denver Botanic Gardens plays a critical role in the conservation, preservation and documentation of native Colorado flora by serving as an active center of biodiversity research for the Southern Rocky Mountain region. Learn about our monitoring, survey, seed collection and documentation efforts, and how we help land managers understand the distribution and status of species found on their lands.

Plant Communities of Colorado’s Northeastern Plains

Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Plant Society Building (by the Bonsai Pavilion)
Speaker: Dina Clark, Adjunct Researcher

This talk will provide an overview of the varied terrain of Colorado’s northeastern plains highlighting some of the interesting plant communities this area supports. Results from past and current floristic projects will be used to illustrate the species diversity of the region.