Rare Plant Treasure Hunt

You are invited to go eco-caching for conservation!

The Rare Plant Treasure Hunt is a statewide effort, initiated by the Rare Plant and Education Programs, to update data on rare plants and their associated habitats. We team experienced botanists with amateurs to conduct searches for new and historical rare plant populations. Participants can survey for rare plants in areas with little history of botanical exploration, relocate historic (not documented in over 20 years) rare plant occurrences, and update known occurrences of high-priority rare plants.

Up-to-date information on rare plants and their habitats are needed to inform conservation actions and to aid planning efforts. The current status of many rare plant occurrences is unknown, and thousands have not been documented for decades.

Since the program began in 2010 the CNPS Rare Plant and Education programs have successfully worked with interested local chapters, organizations, and volunteers to identify potential projects, train leaders and provide plant identification materials, team coordination, and maps to be used in treasure hunting. But there is still much too do, we need your help!

Awards are given each fall for individuals,teams, and chapters that document the most rare plants and put in the most volunteer hours. Awards include gift certificates to REI, one year free CNPS memberships, free attendance to valuable education workshops, and botanical books and posters. Become the top team and score one for your chapter too! Get out in the field and track down some rare plants!.

This project began in February 2010, has had 2 successful years, and will continue into the 2012 field season.

Want to get involved, or just find out more information. Learn more below:

• How to get involved in the Rare Plant Treasure Hunt
• Project Background
• Maps of Historical and Recent Rare Plant Occurrences
• Data Collection and Reporting
• Mojave Desert Rare Plant Treasure Hunt Blog
• Calendar of Events