Last August, the Research and Conservation Department received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library</a> Services (IMLS) to “advance the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation” (MA-255890-OMS-24). The Alpine Strategy</a> is a document that was published in 2020 by the Gardens and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to serve as a blueprint for protecting alpine plants and ecosystems in North America. The funded project will support a nationwide endeavor to document and preserve the natural heritage of vulnerable and treasured plant species, specifically targeting the role that botanic gardens play in advancing this mission. The objectives of the project will engage the botanic garden community and those working in alpine plant conservation, while moving us closer to our goal of understanding and conserving alpine habitats and plants in North America. </p> Changing environmental conditions threaten plant communities worldwide, with alpine plant species being particularly vulnerable. Temperature fluctuations are projected to be most severe at high elevations and species will be displaced to higher and higher elevations, or highly restricted microsites, until there is nowhere left in which to migrate. The limited space for plants to migrate to track suitable environmental conditions, coupled with the potential inability to adjust traits or phenology, may increase extinction risk. Alpine species are in desperate need of conservation action. </p> Understanding seed dynamics is arguably the most important piece of ex situ (outside of the natural habitat) seed conservation. Successful management of ex situ seed collections relies on understanding seed quality, viability and seed banking behavior. Prior to seed banking, it is important to have an estimate of the quality of each collection so that resources are not wasted on a non-viable collection and to understand how viability may change throughout the duration of storage. The most efficient and least destructive way to assess seed quality is through x-ray imagery. X-ray imaging is especially appropriate for small seed collections or for those of globally threatened species so as not to destroy any of the seeds in the collection. X-raying allows the inspection of the inside of the seeds, providing images that show whether a seed is filled with an embryo/endosperm, empty, or predated upon by an insect. With this information we can have an initial estimate of seed collection quality, which is impossible with visual inspection alone. </p> The funding from IMLS allowed us to purchase a Kubtec X-ray to image all our alpine seed collections, which ranged in collection year from 1988 to 2025. Overall, our alpine seed collections are of good quality, with 87% of the collections having above 70% estimated viability (filled with viable tissue and potentially capable of germination). </p>
The art of viewings stones, previously associated with bonsai in the United States, is gaining in popularity with a small but enthusiastic group of practitioners. Viewing stones are valued based on their physical characteristics with a focus on stability, longevity and immortality. These stones, sometimes formed by wind and water, are appreciated for both their beauty and the story that they tell. </p> Viewing stones are often collected and brought home to display and admire. Many of the most popular stones have striking similarities to natural landforms including mountain ranges, plateaus and other stunning landscapes. The stones can also take the shape of man-made objects, figures and natural forms. They are great for conversation, creativity and appreciation of the natural world. From June 8-11, Denver Botanic Gardens, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society and the American Bonsai Society, will host a learning seminar symposium</a> featuring workshops, demonstrations and free seminars focused on the art and craft of bonsai including programming on viewing stones. Much of the symposium will be open to general admission including a bonsai show in the Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion, a viewing stone exhibit and a vendor area with bonsai supplies. </p> Get details and register for bonsai-related programming</a>.</p>
Since 2019, the Diversity in the Arts (DITA) has been an internship program focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion, bringing these values within the arts and humanities industries. For 10 weeks during the summer, interns are placed at their host sites where they engage in various work tasks and learn the importance of how art connects with people. As a double major in art practices and ethnic studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, I knew this internship program would be a great fit to gain real experiences doing what I love.</p> Throughout the summer, I worked closely with the volunteer services and learning engagement teams, completing various tasks, activities, and events. With volunteer services, I co-managed the Summer Teen Volunteer Program with Maureen Igoe, assistant manager of volunteer services. With 76 teen participants, my role on this team included engaging and setting up volunteers for Evenings al Fresco, Summer Concert Series, Lavender Festival, and daily horticulture and guest engagement shifts.</p> With volunteer services, I facilitated painting classes for the teen volunteers, where they learned about Mexican magical realism and participated in a painting activity focused on storytelling through the inspiration of plants. I had the opportunity to curate the annual Art on the Prairie Show at Plains Conservation Center</a> in Aurora, utilizing my artistic knowledge to identify and organize common themes, colors, and mediums in the artworks submitted. In addition, I was scheduled as a visitor experience associate where I welcomed guests entering the Contemporary Fiber: Botanicals</a> exhibit.</p> With the learning engagement team, I focused on bridging art and science at Denver Botanic Gardens. My projects included conducting research on the most commonly asked plants' peak bloom and designing flashcards using the principles of art on display. I appreciated connecting with staff whose roles incorporate diverse groups of people and plants. They shared their career paths, successes, and challenges, providing me valuable guidance as I continue to navigate my future career in the art industry.</p> My experience interning at Denver Botanic Gardens has taught me the importance of connecting people with plants, collaborating with others, independent projects, leadership, and community engagement. I plan to utilize and expand these skills as I wrap up my undergraduate studies at CU Boulder. The Gardens inspired me to showcase my diversity and apply my creative skills to projects that celebrate the experiences of everyone.</p> This article was contributed by volunteer services and learning engagement intern Juni Balderas</strong>. </em></p>
