Annual/Termination Reports:

[12/05/2008] [12/08/2009] [12/07/2010] [12/06/2011] [02/02/2013]

Report Information

Participants

Day, Toby (tday@montana.edu) - Montana State University;
Dougher, Tracy (tracyaod@montana.edu) - Montana State University;
Dunn, Robert (westscapenursery@yahoo.com) - Westscape Wholesale Nursery;
Gorman, Bob (ffrfg@uaf.edu) - University of Alaska Fairbanks;
Graves, Bill (graves@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University;
Hess, Bret (brethess@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Hoch, Bill (bhoch@montana.edu) - Montana State University;
Johnson, Merrill (merrille@crystalpeaks.com) - Great Basin Natives;
Klett, Jim (jim.klett@colostate.edu) - Colorado State University;
Kratsch, Heidi (heidik@ext.usu.edu) - Utah State University;
Love, Stephen (slove@uidaho.edu) - University of Idaho;
MacFawn, Beth (BethMacFawn@msn.com) - Beth MacFawn Landscape Design, Inc. ;
Niu, Genhua (gniu@ag.tamu.edu) - Texas A & M University;
Panter, Karen (kpanter@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Rupp, Larry (Larry.Rupp@usu.edu) - Utah State University;
Smith, Laura (westscapenursery@yahoo.com - Westscape Wholesale Nursery;
Stevens, Mikel (mikel_stevens@byu.edu) - Brigham Young University;
Sturtevant, Gregg (Gregg@csr-inc.com) - Conservation Seeding & Restoration;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Introductions: participants from universities and industry

Heidi Kratsch provided an overview of committee development, history, function, and objectives.

Discussion emerged concerning the definition of "native plant" as it impacts this committee. No attempt was made to develop a solid definition: comments were made that the definition is dependent on end use (reclamation or landscape), but that plants referred to as native should be derived regionally and adapted to local conditions.

Membership composition was discussed. Heidi Kratsch indicated that membership and/or involvement is encouraged from both pubic institutions and industry representatives within the Intermountain West, but no limitations are in place and all interested parties are encouraged to become official members.

A project "go-around" was held to educate about members current work projects.

Subcommittee Reports:
Proposal Writing - H. Kratsch, T. Dougher, K. Panter;
Education - J. Klett, S. Love, K. Panter;
Website - H. Kratsch, S. Love, T. Dougher, G. Niu, Bob Gorman

A new committee was proposed to explore partnerships for organizing an ongoing "Landscaping with Native Plants" conference and developing other information outlets: Heidi Kratsch, Jim Klett, Beth MacFawn, Laura Smith.

Discussion of Benchmarks

Plant Evaluation Tasks: Discussion was had about the process of developing a standard plant evaluation system, including the development of written protocols. A benchmark would be a functioning evaluation system. An earlier benchmark would be the establishment of protocols. A later benchmark would be publication of evaluation data. Concern was expressed about having evaluation objectives that were too broad. The consensus was that this was unavoidable because of the nature of the proposed research.

A committee was organized to develop an evaluation protocol: Tracy Dougher, Jim Klett, Mikel Stevens, Genhua Niu, Heidi Kratsch.

Education: One identifiable benchmark will be to have a WERA-1013 member participate in state native plant conferences (three or more). Another benchmark is to develop partnerships to organize and sustain educational conferences, specifically to educate landscape designers.

Industry Forum: Suggestion was made to have the WERA-1013 group develop a list of approved plants. It could be a product of the evaluation/testing process. Include ecological information on plant species on website, how to incorporate native plants into a landscape. Stressed need for more woody species, also dry shade species. Need research updates on website and presented at conferences.

Considerable discussion was had on helping industry deal with the lack of match between demand and supply. The committee may be able to help via education.

Election of Officers (2-Year Term): Stephen Love, Chair; Tracy Dougher, Secretary

Next Meetings: University of Wyoming, 2009 - possibly October, University of Idaho, 2010.

Accomplishments

WERA-1013 has been established; the proposal writing committee from WDC-011 completed its work and has been dissolved.<br /> <br />

Publications

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Graves, Bill (graves@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University;
Hess, Bret (brethess@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Johnson, Merrill (Merrille@crystalpeaks.com) - Great Basin Natives, UT;
Klett, Jim (jim.klett@colostate.edu) - Colorado State University;
Kratsch, Heidi (heidi.kratsch@usu.edu) - Utah State University;
Love, Stephen (slove@uiaho.edu) - University of Idaho;
Miller, Stephen (sdmiller@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Niu, Genhua (gniu@ag.tamu.edu) - Texas A&M El Paso;
Panter, Karen (kpanter@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Soelberg, Brad (Sunmtngrowers@comcast.net) - Sun Mountain Growers, UT;
Stevens, Mikel (mikel_stevens@byu.edu) - Brigham Young University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting minutes with state reports are attached.

Accomplishments

Short-term Outcomes: In 2009, WERA-1013 completed its first full year as an official western working group. The overriding objective for the group is to improve water conservation in the west by advancing the use of native plants in the horticultural trade. At the 2008 meeting, the group advanced concepts for three major outputs in support of the major objective. These were: 1) design and maintenance of a website for the purpose of providing information on use and availability of native plants, 2) implement programs in each state to educate landscape designers and architects on the use of native plants, and 3) develop and strengthen the native plant evaluation projects in each participating state. Subcommittees were organized to administer each output. <br /> During the subsequent year, it was discovered that the operating guidelines for the first two subcommittees were set too broadly and goals for 2009 were not met. The evaluation subcommittee compiled the evaluation forms for all states participating in native plant evaluation trials.<br /> <br /> Outputs: 1. Annual meeting of WERA-1013 which involved both public and private stakeholders. 2. Evaluation forms and descriptive parameters were developed to assist with native plant information management.<br /> <br /> Activities: Idaho Botanical Gardens coordinated a CSREES-Specialty Crop Research Initiative Research and Extension Planning grant on "Increasing Intermountain Native Plants in the Horticulture Industry" that involved the Intermountain Native Plant Growers Association, University of Idaho at Aberdeen, Utah State University, and Montana State University. Individual states continued their native plant evaluation programs.<br /> <br /> Milestones: The committee agreed on subcommittee charges for 2010 and set forth milestones for the next meeting (October 2010).<br /> <br /> A) Website<br /> 1) Develop format for providing information on individual native plant species<br /> 2) Determine who is going to host and maintain the website and who will be the website designer<br /> 3)Determine guidelines on the general structure of the website<br /> 4)Register the site with NIMSS<br /> 5)Put presentations from meeting on website<br /> <br /> B) Education<br /> 1) Organize coordinated program for 2011<br /> 2) Contact appropriate persons in each state to get coordinated program out in front of professional organizations<br /> 3) Set standards for presentations - designing and landscaping with native plants<br /> <br /> C) Evaluation<br /> 1) Set standards of descriptive characteristics that need to be included in an approval packet, work with website subcommittee on this<br />

Publications

Love, S.L., K. Noble and J. Robbins. 2009. Short-Season/High-Altitude Gardening and Landscaping: Landscaping with Native Plants. UI Bulletin No. 862.<br /> <br /> Love S.L., T. Salaiz and M. Stevens. 2009. Bear River Range native seed collection excursions. Sage Notes INPS 31:1, 5-7.<br /> <br /> Love, S.L. 2009. Methods for cleaning penstemon seed. Bull Amer Penstemon Soc 68:89-92.<br /> <br /> Love, S.L. 2009. Penstemon spotlight - Penstemon fremontii. Bull Amer Penstemon Soc 68:2-4.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., M. Gu, and D.S. Rodriguez. 2009. Effects of substrate and salinity of irrigation water on the growth of Sophora secundiflora. Proceedings of Southern Nursery Association 54:1-7.<br /> <br /> Niu, G. and D.S. Rodriguez. 2009. Salt tolerance of ten bedding plants. Proceedings of Southern Nursery Association 54:405-410.<br /> <br /> Reed, M. and L.A. Rupp. 2009. The effect of etiolation on rooting of Acer grandidentatum cuttings. International Plant Propagators Society Western Region Annual Meeting. (Abstract).<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A., M. Reed, W.Varga, V.P. Rasmussen, and C. Neale. 2009. Collecting Acer Grandidentatum clones in northern Utah: An overview. The International Plant Propagators Society Combined Proceedings. 58:379-380.<br /> <br /> Stott, L., L. Rew, & T.A.O. Dougher. 2009. Native Multispecies Sod: An Alternative Rehabilitation Method for Disturbed Lands. Restoration Ecology. Early view published online 17 June 2009.

Impact Statements

1. WERA-1013 has, for the first time, pooled the talents and efforts of individuals from both the private and public sectors to cooperatively pursue common objectives with regard to increasing the use of native plants for water conservation.

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Report Information

Participants

Dougher, Tracy (tracyaod@montana.edu) - Montana State University*;
Dunn, Robert (westscapenursery@yahoo.com) - Westscape Nursery, MT*;
Geary, Brad (brad_geary@byu.edu) - Brigham Young University;
Graves, Bill (graves@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University*;
Hess, Bret (brethess@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Johnson, Merrill (merrille@crystalpeaks.com) - Great Basin Natives Holden, UT;
Jones, Diane (sweethomeidaho@yahoo.com) - Draggin' Wing Farm Boise, ID*;
Klett, Jim (jim.klett@ColoState.edu) - Colorado State University*;
Kratsch, Heidi (kratschh@unce.unr.edu) - University of Nevada, Reno*;
Love, Stephen (slove@uidaho.edu) - University of Idaho, Aberdeen*;
Panter, Karen (kpanter@uwyo.edu)- University of Wyoming;
Rupp, Larry (larry.rupp@usu.edu) - Utah State University*;
Salaiz, Tom (tsalaiz@uidaho.edu) - University of Idaho, Aberdeen*;
Smith, Laura (westscapenursery@yahoo.com) - Westscape Nursery, MT*;
Soelberg, Brad (sunmtngrowers@comcast.net) - Sun Mountain Growers Kaysville, UT;
Stevens, Mikel (mikel_stevens@byu.edu) - Brigham Young University*;
Tilley, Derek (derek.tilley@id.usda.gov) - USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Oct 8, 2010 University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Education Center

Opening comments and introduction of participants

Research reports and project reviews were given (* in the participant list indicates presentation of a report)

Discussion of WERA-1013 strategic objectives: members discussed collaborative ideas for obtaining grants for evaluation studies, one of WERA1013's three main focuses. It was suggested that each member check with their state regarding USDA Specialty Crop Initiative Block grants. HRI (Horticulture Research Institute), WSARE (Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education), and NIFA (Organic and Agriculture section has become mandatory), were other possible suggestions for grants for the group.

Administrative advisor's report: Bret Hess reminded the group of the NIFA restructure, EPSCOR universities, and formula funds (which must be 25% of Hatch funds for multistate and integrated projects). He also reported the SAES 422 form (annual report) must be submitted within 60 days of the meeting. Bret will forward a digital copy to the membership. It was also decided that each member's presentation report would be published to a digital journal on the WERA1013 website. Committee members should turn in all reports by Nov 10.

ProGreen Conference presentations: Jim Klett updated the group on the upcoming ProGreen Conference in Colorado Thursday, Feb 10, 2011. As per the WERA1013 stated education goals, several WERA 1013 members will be presenting on native plants at the conference.

Regional publication collaboration: Heidi Kratsch is assembling a regional publication on native plants with a reclamation tie-in. She was seeking volunteers to help with the publication that should be done by Feb 2011. Stephen Love, Jim Klett, Tracy Dougher, Robert Dunn, Laura Smith, and Larry Rupp all volunteered to help with the publication.

Sub-committee reports:

Proceedings subcommittee: the idea was put forth to form a subcommittee to gather and edit the proceedings (presentation reports). Heidi Kratsch moved and Tracy Dougher seconded. All members were in favor. Stephen Love volunteered to head up the subcommittee.

Website subcommittee: a lengthy discussion ensued on the content of the WERA1013 website. Ultimately it was decided that members needed to contribute more content. 1) A sign-up sheet was circulated for members to contribute monthly to the plant descriptions. Tracy Dougher will remind each member of their month of submission. 2) a grower list will be compiled for the website.

Education subcommittee: Heidi Kratsch and Tracy Dougher reported that a few members had presented at growers conferences for some of the states in the group.

Evaluation standards subcommittee: discussion on this was referred to the opening strategic objectives discussion.

Election of officers: Tracy Dougher will step in as Chair for 2011 & 2012. Larry Rupp was elected secretary/chair elect for 2011 & 2012.

Planning for 2011 meeting: Jim Klett agreed to host WERA 1013 for 2011 at Colorado State University, Heidi Kratsch volunteered the University of Nevada, Reno for 2012.

Meeting adjourned, the group toured the University of Idaho native plants projects.

State reports are attached.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments:<br /> <br /> Presented on Native Sod Production at the Wyoming Growers Conference in Casper, WY February 17-19, 2010.<br /> <br /> Made presentations to local growing groups, the Gallatin Valley Garden Club on Propagation of Perennials and Cashman's Nursery on Native Perennials.<br /> <br /> Developed an e-journal for publication of our respective findings.<br /> <br /> Developed a template for introducing new native plants for consideration by the industry.<br /> <br /> The University of Wyoming's short-term contribution to this effort is hosting the web site (http://www.uwyo.edu/wera1013/). The site has various components, some of which are still under construction, but it has been opened up for general use.<br /> <br /> Began breeder seed production of superior native plants for purposes of commercialization.<br /> <br /> Initiated a study to evaluate Idaho fescue for turf applications.<br /> <br /> Organized a native plant landscaping workshop in conjunction with the Idaho Horticulture Expo.<br /> <br /> Short-term outcomes:<br /> <br /> Presentations gave both commercial growers and home gardeners exposure to native plants.<br /> <br /> Several Montana home gardeners are altering their landscapes to include more native plants to reduce water consumption in their landscape.<br /> <br /> Morphological and Genetic Variation Among Selected Sphaeralcea: Industry professionals can select a regionally appropriate Sphaeralcea species that is stable genetically to result in increased plant landscape performance and consumer confidence in the native plant production industry.<br /> <br /> The web site provides information for enhanced production of various native plants in the intermountain west. This will result in reduced losses and costs for commercial growers and increased success in producing these plants. Consumers will also benefit from the web site with increased knowledge of native plants available and their general care requirements. Higher success rate in growing plants on the consumer end will result in decreased costs to them for replacement plants.<br /> <br /> Outcomes for the University of Idaho native plant domestication project include publicly accessible information on landscaping with native plants and improved access to superior native plant products.<br /> <br /> Outputs:<br /> <br /> Montana master gardeners researched information on the habitat and known growth habits of Montana native plants. They are producing plant labels for the experimentation/demonstration garden on native perennials.<br /> <br /> Out of four prevalent Sphaeralcea in Utah, only three are distinct. S. coccinea is genetically stable as a species as determined by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. S. munroana and S. parvifolia are ecotypes of a single species. S. grossulariifolia either has not yet completely speciated, or alternatively, represents cross-hybridization between the other two.<br /> <br /> Annual reports of the WERA-1013 committee are accessible on the web site. The site also provides, or will provide, information and publications available on growing and using various native plants.<br /> <br /> Activities:<br /> <br /> Worked with a sod grower on an experiment evaluating the composition and feasibility of native grass sod.<br /> <br /> Planting beds were established for experiments evaluating the water use of several native Montana perennials for the home landscape. This experiment is a part of the evaluation goal of WERA 1013. Master Gardeners were involved in the establishment of the native perennial beds and initial collection of plant data.<br /> <br /> Mentioned the usefulness of selected native plant species in helping to achieve landscape water efficiency in the Introduction to Horticulture class taught for USU and in master gardener trainings at USU and now at UNCE.<br /> <br /> Activities of the web site sub-committee are ongoing as the site needs consistent updating and maintenance. We are able to do this with the assistance of Randy Anderson, the UW College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications and Technology web site coordinator.<br /> <br /> Work at Utah State University is primarily focused on identifying and clonally propagating unique specimens of native plants with potential for use as water conserving landscape plants. Key programs have focused on selection and asexual propagation of Acer grandidentatum and development of seed-propagated Epilobium canum as a landscape perennial. Within our own work we have reached a milestone in developing a means of propagating bigtooth maple by cuttings.<br /> <br /> Milestones:<br /> <br /> The WERA 1013 website went live and initial information for the site was gathered. The site currently lists members of the WERA1013 committee, as well as industry and federal partners. A native plant list has been started with some containing plant descriptions and production information; most simply have a photo and Latin name. A grower list has been added and links to other pertinent web sites will be added as time goes on.<br /> <br /> We developed a speaker's bureau for our project, and we all are working on securing speaking engagements for our members in our respective states. Several of us have been asked to present or have presented at various state nursery and landscape association meetings. These workshops and seminars are specifically designed to educate the public to the value and use of native plants.

Publications

Beddes, T. and H.A. Kratsch. 2010. Nodulation of Seaside Alder Topdressed with Controlled-release Fertilizer. HortTechnology 20(4): 740-745. <br /> <br /> Boyer, N.Z. and W.R. Graves. 2009. NAA is more effective than IBA for rooting stem cuttings of two Nyssa spp. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 27:183-187.<br /> <br /> Broderick, S.R., M.R. Stevens, B. Geary, S.L. Love, E.N. Jellen, R.B. Dockter, S.L. Daley and D.T. Lindgren. 2010. A survey of Penstemons genome size. Genome (In Press).<br /> <br /> Lenahan, O.M., W.R. Graves, and R. Arora. 2010. Cold hardiness and deacclimation of Styrax americanus from three provenances. HortScience:in press.<br /> <br /> Love, S.L. and T. Salaiz. 2009. Selectable variation among species and accessions of plants included in the Idaho Native Plant Domestication Project. Report of the Native Plants Cooperative 1:7-9.<br /> <br /> Love, S.L. 2010. Penstemon spotlight  Penstemon albomarginatus. Bulletin of the American Penstemon Society 69:2-4.<br /> <br /> Peterson, B.J. and W.R. Graves. 2009. Variation in development and ?response to root-zone pH among seedlings of Dirca palustris (Thymelaeaceae) from three provenances. HortScience 44:1319-1322.<br /> <br /> Peterson, B.J., Graves, W.R., and J. Sharma. 2009. Color of pubescence on bud scales conflicts with keys for identifying species of Dirca (Thymelaeaceae). Rhodora 111:126-130.<br /> <br /> Richards, M.R. 2010. Selecting and Propagating Clones of Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum Nutt.). Thesis. Utah State University.<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A., W. A. Varga, and D. Anderson. 2010. Selection and Vegetative Propagation of Native Woody Plants for Water-Wise Landscaping. Proceedings of the 16th Wildand Shrub Symposium. May 2010, Utah State University. (in press)<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A. and W. A. Varga. 2010. Locating, Documenting, and Collecting Clones of Native Utah Plants. Annual Report to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A. and D. Anderson. 2010. Propagating Superior Clones of Native Utah Plants for Use in the Landscape Industry. Annual Report to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.<br /> <br /> Stevens, M.R., B. Geary, S.R. Broderick, B.J. Ewell, R.B. Dockter, M.A. Mendenhall, S.L. Daley, J.D. Daley, T.J. Mock and S.L. Love. 2009. Understanding Penstemon diversity in an effort to initiate a breeding program within the genus for urban landscapes of the Intermountain West. Report of the Native Plants Cooperative 1:4-6.<br /> <br /> Stott, L., L. Rew, and T.A.O. Dougher. 2010. Native Multispecies Sod: An Alternative Rehabilitation Method for Disturbed Lands. Restoration Ecology. 18(5):742.<br /> <br /> WERA 1013 website www.uwyo.edu/wera1013

Impact Statements

1. Tracy Dougher and Casey Delphia completed the Montana Native Plant Society grant "Backyard conservation: Evaluation of Montana native perennials for water savings and pollinator attraction.", 1 year ($1000).
2. Morphological and Genetic Variation Among Selected Sphaeralcea: As a result of this work, industry professionals have a greater palette of regionally appropriate native plant species that will enhance public acceptance of drought-tolerant plants for landscape use.
3. Ultimately, this research project and accompanying educational activities have the potential to increase adoption of native plants as a part of water-conserving landscape systems. This will be a valuable, landmark repositioning of sustainable gardening and landscaping system. This work is publicly recognized and has been supported for five years by grants from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture Landscape and Floral Research Program. To date, over $60,000 has been contributed. Currently, a contract is being drawn up that will establish a partnership between the University of Idaho and an Idaho native plant nursery. This partnership will facilitate commercialization and distribution of landscape-worthy native plants.
4. The ultimate goal of USUs program is to assist local growers in being able to propagate and grow native plants with potential for use in water conserving landscapes. To that end we have successfully selected several clones of Acer grandidentatum and have developed a protocol for successfully propagating it by budding and/or cuttings. This project has advanced to the point that J. Frank Schmidt & Sons nursery has tested some selections in their nursery and we will be evaluating some of their nursery stock under Utah conditions in 2010.

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Report Information

Participants

Graves, Bill (graves@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University;
Hess, Bret (brethess@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Klett, Jim (jim.klett@colostate.edu) - Colorado State University;
Koski, Ronda (ronda.koski@colostate.edu) - Colorado State University;
Kratsch, Heidi (kratschh@unce.unr.edu) - University of Nevada, Reno;
Love, Steve (slove@uidaho.edu) - University of Idaho;
Niu, Genhua (gniu@ag.tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Panter, Karen (kpanter@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Rupp, Larry (larry.rupp@usu.edu)- Utah State University;
Staats, David (david.staats@colostate.edu) - Colorado State University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Bret Hess provided the following administrative review/perspective:

The WERA-1013 passed its mid-term review with flying colors. All aspects were scored in the 'excellent' category and special mention was made of the extensive involvement of stakeholders.

Termination of the current project is September, 2013 so the renewal application is due January 15, 2013. The focus of the next business meeting should include plans for the future of the project and the renewal application. The renewal application should be similar in scope to the original application done by Heidi Kratsch. There was some discussion of whether it would be worth applying for Research Project status which would require the group work together on a research project. Bill Graves suggested we work on a common research agenda within the WERA project. Bret stated that is appropriate and could be used as a springboard if and when we decided to change the project. The only negative aspect is that if funding becomes too tight, Research Projects would have priority over WERA projects. A committee to write the renewal application was designated with Heidi Kratsch, Tracy Dougher, and Larry Rupp as members. They will begin work on the renewal proposal October 1, 2012.

The WERA-1013 is regional in that it is hosted by the Western Region, but all interested parties are welcome to attend. Participants do not have to be part of the Western Region.

Bret led a discussion on participation in the group. He felt that participation is appropriate now since there is a strong group of core individuals participating. It is more important that there be a small group with lots of active participants, than a larger group with a smaller percentage of active individuals. The best way to involve more people is to invite them to attend. If we decide to invite and fund industry member attendance, it could be done by increasing registration fees and using the excess to fund industry travel. The registration fee should be held to $100 or less and the excess placed in a revolving fund. Bret offered to host such an account at Wyoming. It is also possible to go directly to Experiment Station Directors and ask for funding, or possibly WSARE. Steve Love commented that touring local nurseries and other industry activity is a good way of covering the stakeholder requirements of the project. Larry Rupp suggested that it might be good to encourage some stakeholders to participate more consistently in an advisory capacity.

Bret also discussed funding and noted the following:
- Federal funding for Experiment Stations and Extension will likely be cut 6-8%
- NIFA funding is going to decrease because they paid out more than they had and now need to recoup their funding. Challenge grants will probably be smaller and competitive grants in general are in trouble. Budgets will range from 0-8% less. It is a time of great uncertainty.

Common Research Interest

There was some discussion of using the NIFA People's Garden Plant Program (PGPP) as the backbone of a common research project and source of funding. A possible goal would be the production of native plant material and then the identification of partner groups to plant and test the materials.

Aspects of PGPP include:

- Wildlife or habitat gardens are eligible as well as vegetable gardens
- Funds community garden grants
- 50% of money has to be used as subgrants, have for other administration.
- Proposals are viewed more favorably if starting new gardens rather than funding existing ones
- Gardens should be identified as a "people's garden", and it is possible to fund new gardens at existing arboreta or botanical gardens
- Gardens have to be open to the public and available as a teaching tool

In regards to following up on this idea, it was noted that August 26 is the deadline and the best time to begin preparations would be in the spring of 2012. Steve Love offered to investigate in more detail. Heidi Kratsch moved that Steve Love investigate the grant opportunity. Karen Panter seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in the affirmative.

Website Plant Material Information

Tracy Dougher sent a reminder that each member of the project committed to submit a plant material review on an annual basis. Those who missed last year are encouraged to complete it. A sign-up sheet was circulated for next year allowing everyone to pick a plant. The due date is January 31, 2012. Tracy and Heidi have a copy of the template. It was suggested that Tracy follow up with reminders. Steve is also collecting pictures of native plants for the website and will follow up on requests for more pictures.

2012 Meeting
Next year's meeting will be hosted by Genhua Niu at UTEP. The location was proposed by Genhua, seconded by Jim Klett, and unanimously approved. The date is to be determined, but will be after October 1.

Other Items

Jim Klett asked if anyone was interested in the Mary Meyers grass evaluation group and whether we should be part of a national trial if they have one. Jim is also interested in getting more Plant Select plants out for review and including them in any future evaluation proposals.

Larry Rupp questioned whether there should be more formal involvement by WERA-1013 with INPGA and Plant Select. Suggestions included having a formal meeting with them and speaking at conferences. Steve Love suggested we will be of greater interest to them once we have a plant evaluation process in place, and as evaluations of new plants are discussed at our annual meeting, then they will be more interested in participating. It was further discussed that this should be part of the PGPP proposal and that developing an evaluation protocol will be an important part and by-product of the proposal process.

Steve Love agreed to continue managing the electronic site to publish the proceedings.

Leadership roles are for 2 years. No elections this year

There was some discussion of combining the WERA-1013 meeting with an allied group, but no clear option was found.

End of Business Meeting

Accomplishments

-A wide collaboration occurred in the presentation of a panel discussion involving Jim Klett (Colorado State University), Larry Rupp (Utah State University), Stephen Love (University of Idaho), and Karen Panter, (University of Wyoming) at the annual ProGreen Expo horticultural conference in Denver, Colorado on 10 February 2011. The title of the panel presentation was Native Plants from Intermountain and Rocky Mountain Areas and was heard by over 200 participants. We each spoke about our current projects involving production and evaluation of native plants.<br /> <br /> -At Utah State University, research in 2011 included methods of propagation of several native woody plants using mound layering techniques, evaluation of selected native bigtooth maple for landscape use, propagation of Utah juniper as rooted cuttings, and initiation of an Epilobium breeding program at the Utah State University Botanical Center. In addition, research collaborations were developed between USU, UI, and UNR. <br /> <br /> -In Texas, quantification of the responses of 11 ornamental chile peppers (NuMex Twilight, NuMex Centennial, NuMex Christmas, NuMex April Fool's Day, NuMex Cinco de Mayo, NuMex Valentine, NuMex Easter, NuMex Halloween, NuMex St. Patrick's Day, NuMex Memorial Day, NuMex Thanksgiving) to elevated salinity. Results indicated that most cultivars were moderately tolerant to salinity with little or no foliar salt injury, although growth is reduced at elevated salinity. NuMex Memorial Day was most sensitive among the 11 tested cultivars with foliar damage and significant growth reduction. The relative salinity tolerance of additional bedding plants, which were previously proved to be acceptable or excellent in semi-arid environment, was evaluated. Seedlings were irrigated with saline solutions at various salinity levels and salinity tolerance was determined according to their growth, visual quality, and physiological responses. Results indicated that petunia, Gomphrena, and angelonia cultivars were moderately tolerant to salinity while zinnia and marigold are moderately sensitive and should not be irrigated with saline water. <br /> <br /> -Idaho supports a comprehensive native plant improvement and domestication project. During 2010-2011 approximately 400 accessions of native plants, representing over 300 species, were evaluated for performance as low-water landscape specimens. Approximately 130 superior selections of native plants were established into seed increase and propagation blocks. An exploitation partnership was established with Conservation Seeding and Restoration, an Idaho-based native plant nursery. Forty of the most valuable selections of plants were delivered to the partner company for market development activities.<br /> <br /> -Accomplishments by Heidi Kratsch in Nevada included presenting at the Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association Conference in Boise, ID, January 21, 2011 on New Plants for Native-Inspired Landscapes:, modification of the UNR Master Gardener curriculum to include a class on Native Plants in Water-Efficient Landscapes, and presenting a talk during Nevada Landscaping that Works series on Bloom Where You are Planted: Living in Balance with Nature. In addition a Nevada Master Gardener Native Plants Club was started and research on the ecophysiology of Shepherdia rotundifolia (roundleaf buffaloberry) was completed. A new hybrid of S. routundifolia and S. argentea has been developed that should help foster landscape success. Lastly, recommendations were made to the Dayton Valley Conservation District on native plant recommendations for the demonstration garden in front of their building in Dayton, NV.<br /> <br /> -A collaborative project on the University of Wyoming campus is The Berry Biodiversity Conservation Building that was dedicated in January 2011. One of its most notable features is a green roof planted exclusively with natives from the Rocky Mountain region. It is designed to mimic the native prairie surrounding Laramie, Wyoming. Sixty different species are represented on the roof and I was in charge of growing 26 of them from seeds. These seeds were sown in February 2011 and all but eight were successfully grown and transplanted to the green roof during the summer of 2011. The other eight are being re-sown and hopefully will be ready for transplanting on the roof in June 2012. <br /> <br /> -In Montana, presentations on native plants were made to local growing groups at Forde Nursery in Great Falls, MT and during a Turfgrass IPM workshop at Montana State University.<br /> <br /> -Plant Select, a program designed to seek out and distribute the very best plants for gardens from the high plains to the intermountain region introduced two new patented plants in 2011 and recommended five others. Plant Select is a cooperative program administered by Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens together with landscape and nursery professionals throughout the Rocky Mountain Region and beyond.<br /> <br /> Short-term Outcomes: <br /> <br /> -Outcomes from the ProGreen talks included over 200 people in the audience who wanted to ask far more questions of the panel than there was time for. Several in attendance were from Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah greenhouses and nurseries. Attendees learned about potential new plants for niche markets.<br /> <br /> -Nevadans/Master Gardeners who attended local presentations are more aware of the value of using Great Basin Native Plants in their yards and gardens.<br /> <br /> -Scientifically, we know more about the limits of roundleaf buffaloberry for landscape use and may have a hybrid to contribute that will meet with commercial success.<br /> <br /> -Created interest in a Nevada Master Gardener Native Plants Club, which will cooperate and collaborate with the Nevada Native Plant Society.<br /> <br /> -Regarding the Berry Building green roof, outcomes have already included numerous tours for school children, extension educators, and on-campus classes, most notably my PLNT/AECL 2026 Horticultural Science Lab which used it for part of our landscaping assignment. Those who have toured the green roof have learned more about the diversity of plant life in our area. They have also learned that many of these plants are already in the trade, either in plant form or seeds, and can be grown successfully.<br /> <br /> -Montana presentations gave both commercial growers and home gardeners exposure to native plants. <br /> <br /> -More than 1.25 million Plant Select plants were sold and purchased by commercial companies and home owners in 2011, resulting in more satisfied gardeners since growing adaptable plants for this region.<br /> <br /> Outputs: <br /> <br /> -WERA1013 members published the proceedings from the 2010 annual meeting. This file is available at http://www.uwyo.edu/wera1013support/docs/2010%20navite%20plants%20report%20-%20final%20draft.pdf <br /> <br /> -The presentations from the 2011 ProGreen native plant panel generated four new files for educational and extension purposes. <br /> <br /> -The Berry Building green roof project has generated numerous outputs (although I cannot take credit for all of them) including a brochure available at the gate to the roof, a web site (http://www.uwyo.edu/berrycenter/greenroof/), a blog (http://berryprairie.blogspot.com/), and an entry in my own blog (http://karenpanter.wordpress.com). <br /> <br /> -Developed a University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Special Publication: Some Good Native Plants for Great Basin Landscapes.<br /> <br /> -Montana Master gardeners completed work on a native plant database for the MSU native plant garden. Signs for the research/demonstration garden were completed.<br /> <br /> -Two plant patents are pending for two of the 2011 Plant Select introductions.<br /> <br /> Activities: <br /> <br /> -The ProGreen panel activity was a one-hour presentation plus question/answer period on 10 February 2011. <br /> <br /> -The Berry Building green roof has been a collaborative effort involving a campus-based committee, landscape designers, and the green roof consultant. We all worked together to determine plants species for the roof. The landscape designers located the plant material and seeds, and I was in charge of growing 26 species from seeds to planting on the roof.<br /> <br /> -Kratsch presented at the Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association Conference in Boise, ID, January 21, 2011 on New Plants for Native-Inspired Landscapes.<br /> <br /> -Modified our Master Gardener curriculum to include a class on Native Plants in Water-Efficient Landscapes.<br /> <br /> -Presented a talk during Nevada Landscaping that Works series on Bloom Where You are Planted: Living in Balance with Nature.<br /> <br /> -Started a Nevada Master Gardener Native Plants Club.<br /> <br /> -Completed research on the ecophysiology of Shepherdia rotundifolia (roundleaf buffaloberry) and have created a hybrid with Shepherdia argentea to foster landscape success.<br /> <br /> -Worked with Dayton Valley Conservation District on native plant recommendations for the demonstration garden in front of their building in Dayton, NV.<br /> <br /> -Dr. Dougher supervised undergraduate project analyzing data from native and adapted fine fescue mowing height study relating to consumer preference, weed competition, and survival.<br /> <br /> -Dr. Dougher identified a graduate student to further research on the limitations and ranges of native plants in the built landscape.<br /> <br /> -Worked with the Montana Master Gardener program to educate volunteers on the use of native plants<br /> <br /> Milestones: <br /> <br /> -Additions to the WERA 1013 website, particularly the plant descriptions database were made on a regular basis. This goal was set forth at the 2010 annual meeting. <br /> <br /> -The major milestone for the green roof was planting the vast majority of the plant material in the summer of 2011. The roof is open to the public and anyone can view it at any time.<br /> <br /> -Cooperation planned for testing for salt tolerance with Texas WERA-1013 member on certain Plant Select plants. Also, research protocols developed for evaluating future Plant Select introductions for two research sites in Colorado<br />

Publications

Broderick, SR, MR Stevens, B Geary, SL Love, EN Jellen, RB Dockter, SL Daley and DT Lindgren. 2011. A survey of Penstemons genome size. Genome 54:160-173.<br /> <br /> Cook, S and L.A. Rupp, 2011. Drought Tolerance: A Database of Irrigation Requirements of Woody Landscape Plants of Northern Utah. Utah State University Extension Factsheet. http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/Horticulture_Drought_2011-01pr.pdf<br /> <br /> Croft, A., Rupp, L. A., Kratsch, H. (2011). Landscape Maintenance Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West. (H. Kratsch, Ed.) Utah State University Press.<br /> <br /> Hayward, Pat (2011) What Makes a Great Plant Select Plant. Colorado Green 27(6) 24-26.<br /> <br /> Klett, James E. (2011) Plant Select for 2012  Colorado State University Research Update, Colorado Green. 27(5) 10-11.<br /> <br /> Klett, J.E., & Greeb L. (2011) Tough and Proven Perennials for Colorado. Colorado Green 27(6) 12-13.<br /> <br /> Klett, J.E., & Greeb L. (2011) Under Used Perennials for Colorado. CNGA LooseLeaf 29(6) 20.<br /> <br /> Kratsch, H. 2011. Some Good Native Plants for Great Basin Landscapes. University of Nevada Coop Ext Special Publication. <br /> <br /> Kratsch, H. 2011. Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West: a professional and do-it-yourself guide (Editor). Utah State University Press, Logan, UT.<br /> <br /> Love, S. 2011. Penstemon spotlight  Penstemon montanus. Bulletin of the American Penstemon Society 70:7-10.<br /> <br /> Love, S and T Salaiz. 2011. Domestication of native plants. Sage Notes (Idaho Native Plant Society) 33:8-12.<br /> <br /> Love, S and T Salaiz. 2010. Studies on Indian paintbrush establishment. Report of the Intermountain Native Plant Cooperative 2:15-19.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., D. Rodriguez, and M. Gu. 2011. Response of Sophora secundiflora to nitrogen form and rate. HortScience 46(9):13031307. <br /> <br /> Niu, G., D.S. Rodriguez, M. Wang, T. Starman, and D. Zhang. 2011. Response of zinnia to saline water irrigation. Acta Horticulturae (in press).<br /> <br /> Niu, G. and D.S. Rodriguez. 2011. Salt Tolerance of Selected Bedding Plants. Southern Nursery Association 56:146-151.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., D.S. Rodriguez, and C. McKenney. 2011. Salt tolerance of five wildflowers. 56:152-156.<br /> <br /> Panter, K. 2011. Berry Prairie Green Roof, http://www.uwyo.edu/berrycenter/greenroof/, accessed 11 November 2011.<br /> <br /> Panter, K. 2011. The Berry Prairie, http://berryprairie.blogspot.com/, accessed 11 November 2011.<br /> <br /> Panter, K. 2011. First Blog Ever, http://karenpanter.wordpress.com/2011/08/08/first-blog-ever/, accessed 11 November 2011.<br /> <br /> Panter, K. 2011. More Green Roof Plants, http://karenpanter.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/more-green-roof-plants/, accessed 11 November 2011. <br /> <br /> Richards, M.R. and L.A. Rupp. 2011. Propagating Bigtooth Maple. Utah State University Extension Factsheet. http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/Horticulture_Trees_2011-03pr.pdf<br /> <br /> Rosenberg, D. E., Kopp, K., Kratsch, H., Rupp, L. A., Johnson, P. G., Kjelgren, R. K. (2011). Value Landscape Engineering: Identifying Costs, Water Use, Labor, and Impacts to Support Landscape Choice. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 47(3), 635649.<br /> <br /> Rupp, L. A., Varga, B. A., Anderson, D. 2011. Selection and Vegetative Propagation of Native Woody Plants for Water-Wise Landscaping Proceedings of the 16th Wildland Shrub Symposium.<br /> <br /> Salaiz, T and S Love. 2010. Selection and improvement of Idaho fescue germplasm for turf applications. Report of the Intermountain Native Plant Cooperative 2:39-41.

Impact Statements

1. Long-term impacts for the native plant panel include future talks and discussions about the native plant material on which we are all currently working. Growers, retailers, and landscape design and maintenance professionals will all have several new species to add to their lists for sales and utilization. This will bring in additional income over the years which may potentially translate to additional hires.
2. Selecting superior plants and developing means of vegetatively propagating them will allow Utah growers to produce and market such plants. Multiple accessions of a number of woody plant species have been selected and means of propagation have been developed for several species, the most extensive work has been done with bigtooth maple. Workshops, presentations, factsheets, and a thesis have been published to benefit the industry.
3. Long-term impacts for the green roof include a huge educational aspect for campus visitors, industry personnel, extension educators, and anyone interested in learning more about growing and using native plants in the landscape. The roof will also be monitored and utilized as a tool for enticing pollinators such as bees. It is, and will be, a major research center for determining long-term survival and increase of native plants on the roof. A botany graduate student is already using the plants on the roof for his masters thesis work.
4. Texas, high quality water will be conserved by using alternative water sources for irrigating nursery crops. By providing quantitative information on plant responses to saline water irrigation, salinity threshold, and salinity of substrate, stakeholders can make better decisions.
5. Native plant nursery and landscaping companies are interested in market opportunities, concerned business owners and homeowners are interested in the potential for reduced use of resources offered by native plant options. Native plants have been prepared for market. Native plant education has increased knowledge of the potential for this landscaping option. This research has resulted in the creation of a new private-industry company called Native Roots. This company is depending on the development of native plant products from the University of Idaho to create a profitable marketing opportunity. Workshops, seminars, and expos have provided venues for educating industry representatives and the public on water-saving landscaping concepts based on the use of native plants.
6. Northern Nevadans are late adopters of the use of native plants in their home and commercial landscapes because of the efforts of other local programs to educate homeowners about wildfire safety. Cooperating with these groups in developing a common message has increased understanding of native plant conservation and wildfire issues, and has changed attitudes about native plants and their value.
7. A graduate student is being funded through a combination of Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships to cooperate with Dr. Tracy Dougher on the limitations and ranges of native plants in the built landscape.
8. Plant Select in Colorado received a Colorado Specialty Crops grant to help market Plant Select throughout the intermountain west especially in Utah, Idaho, and Montana. Plant Select talks were given in two of these states in 2011.

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Report Information

Participants

Stevens, Mikel (mikel_stevens@byu.edu), Brigham Young University
Love, Stephen (slove@uidaho.edu), University of Idaho, Aberdeen*
Panter, Karen (kpanter@uwyo.edu), University of Wyoming
Rupp, Larry (larry.rupp@usu.edu), Utah State University
Kratsch, Heidi (kratschh@unce.unr.edu), University of Nevada, Reno
Graves, Bill (graves@iastate.edu), Iowa State University
Dougher, Tracy (tracyaod@montana.edu), Montana State University
Niu, Genhua (gniu@ag.tamu.edu), Texas A&M University
Klett, Jim (Jim.Klett@ColoState.edu), Colorado State University
Osuna, Pedro (osunapedro@hotmail.com), University of Juarez, Mexico
Gu, Mengmeng (mgu@tamu.edu), Texas A&M University
Rodriguez, Denise (drodriguez@ag.tamu.edu), Texas A&M University
Sun, Youping (youping.sun@ag.tamu.edu), Texas A&M University

Brief Summary of Minutes

" Minutes of the 2011 meeting were reviewed and approved unanimously. Bret Hess was excused from the meeting.
" Termination report: there is a requirement to complete a termination report and submit a renewal proposal. Genhua Niu will prepare the draft of the termination report.
" Renewal Application: Since the project will expire soon, Tracy Dougher, Heidi Kratsch, and Larry Rupp agreed to prepare the renewal application. The direction of future project and objectives were discussed.
" Discussion on research: The group discussed the future funding opportunities and research activities. Potential funding agencies and possible future activities were listed by the group. But the group did not come up with a decision on what and where to submit proposals or what type of future research activities to pursue at this time.
" Proceedings: Steve Love and Mike Stevens will continue to compile the proceedings of the annual meeting (a summary of the activity presentations).
" Future Meeting Locations: next years meeting locations will be held in Reno, Nevada for 2013 and Salt Lake City, Utah for 2014.
" Election: Larry Rupp will be chair and Genhua Niu will be chair-elect for 2013.

Accomplishments

The initial objectives of WERA1013 were to:<br /> 1. Establish a regional system for development, evaluation, and introduction of new native plant materials and cultivars, especially plants that facilitate water conservation.<br /> <br /> Several research projects were initiated in each of the respective regions while collaborations were established across the region. Research projects included, evaluation of Idaho fescue for turf applications, evaluation of fine fescues for turf applications, completion of a five-year trial of the shrub species Dirca with ongoing work on the genetics and ecology of the shrub, shrub congeners from eastern and western North America in the genera Ptelea and Sambucus, salinity tolerance of native plants for low quality water used for irrigation, identification and clonal propagation of Acer grandidentatum, and development of seed-propagated Epilobium canum.<br /> <br /> Coordinated efforts at development and evaluations occurred across IA, CO, UT, ID, NV, and MT. Approximately 500 accessions of native plants, representing over 300 species, were evaluated for performance as low-water landscape specimens across the intermountain west. Approximately 150 superior selections of native plants were established into seed increase and propagation blocks. Exchange of plant material occurred between several of these states. Recommendations and selections have been released throughout the intermountain west through the Colorado Plant Select program and the Idaho partnership established with Conservation Seeding and Restoration, an Idaho-based native plant nursery. <br /> <br /> 2. Coordinate regional efforts to provide education to both the public and industry professionals on native plant propagation/production, water conservation benefits and use in ornamental landscapes, and maintenance of native-plant-dominated ornamental landscapes for efficiency of water use.<br /> <br /> Since 2010, the University of Wyoming has been hosting the official web site (http://www.uwyo.edu/wera1013/) for the WERA1013 Native Plants project with a title of Native Plants for the Intermountain West. We have requested a change in the url for the page since few people would know to look for wera1013. Over the last year the plant list has grown to include 32 native species. Information on each species includes common and Latin names, descriptions, cultural requirements, and landscape values. It also includes a list of native plant growers in 10 western states (AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WY). Unfortunately, the number of hits the website received is not known. UW completely revamped its web sites in early October 2012 and the numbers are not available. An e-journal was developed for publication of our respective findings on the website. <br /> <br /> Throughout the intermountain west, WERA1013 experts addressed various native plant production, design, and planting issues in presentations to a range of groups from homeowners to landscape designers to growers. A coordinated exchange of experts reached growers and designers at the Idaho Horticulture Expo, Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association, Wyoming Growers Conference, Montana Nursery and Landscape Association, ProGreen Expo in Denver, CO, Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, American Society for Horticulture Sciences. Education within each state also occurred locally at nurseries, retirement communities, master gardeners, native plant societies, schools, and garden clubs. <br /> <br /> Native plants were incorporated into Master Gardener programs in NV and MT with classes on water-efficient landscapes and participation in research on native plants. Master Gardener volunteers were organized and educated in maintaining and collecting data and seed of the native perennial research/demonstration gardens. <br /> <br /> Plant recommendations were distributed to several local conservation districts.<br /> <br /> Short-term Outcomes: <br /> 1. Increased knowledge about the reliability and regional adaptability of native plant materials targeted for use in water-conserving landscapes.<br /> Evaluation gardens and green roofs have been established in several of the intermountain states (UT, ID, MT, WY, NV) providing valuable information on reliability and adaptability. <br /> <br /> Native plant information on the WERA 1013 website benefitted consumers through knowledge of plant availability and general care requirements. Higher success rate in growing plants on the consumer end resulted in decreased costs to them for replacement plants.<br /> <br /> Scientifically, researchers on this project have provided more information on the limits of several species for landscape use and hybrids and accessions are being distributed to growers. Information on these species are available through our scientific publications.<br /> <br /> 2. Opening of new regional markets for native plants, facilitating production of native plant materials on a larger scale and resulting in greater profitability for propagators and growers.<br /> <br /> The web site for the Native Plants for the Intermountain West provided information for enhanced production of various native plants in the intermountain west. This resulted in reduced losses and costs for commercial growers and increased success in producing these plants.<br /> The ProGreen Expo, Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association, Idaho Horticulture Expo, Wyoming Growers Conference, Montana Nursery and Landscape Association, Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, American Society for Horticulture Sciences talks included over 500 people in the audience who wanted to ask far more questions of the speakers/panels than there was time for. Several in attendance were from Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah greenhouses and nurseries. Attendees learned about potential new plants for niche markets and opened discussion on the issues facing the industry.<br /> <br /> 3. Regional education and outreach programs leading to greater willingness of homeowners to adopt native plant concepts and landscape professionals to promote native plant designs.<br /> <br /> Presentations on native plants in various aspects (adaptability to the region, tolerance to environmental stress, etc.) gave both commercial growers and home gardeners exposure to native plants. Outreach to Master Gardeners who attended local presentations and classes increased awareness of the value of using native plants in their yards and gardens. Interest was created in Master Gardener Native Plants Clubs. Demonstration gardens were created across several of the WERA1013 regions to provide further knowledge about use of native plants in water-efficient landscapes.<br /> <br /> 4. Increased use of water-conserving native plants by landscape professionals and by the consuming public as measured by increased sales of native plant materials by growers and retailers. <br /> <br /> Several home gardeners have shared with WERA 1013 participants that they are altering their landscapes to include more native plants to reduce water consumption in their landscape.<br /> <br /> Industry professionals can now select a regionally appropriate Sphaeralcea species that is stable genetically to result in increased plant landscape performance and consumer confidence in the native plant production industry.<br /> The Plant Select program has seen increased plant sales (sales grew from $1.46 million in 2007 to $1.68 million in 2012) to commercial companies and home owners each year, resulting in more satisfied gardeners since growing adaptable plants for this region.<br /> <br /> Outputs: <br /> Annual meeting of WERA-1013 involved both public and private stakeholders. <br /> <br /> WERA 1013 website includes plant descriptions, annual meeting proceedings, membership list, and regularly updated native plant growers list.<br /> <br /> E-Journal of the WERA1013 research and station reports at the annual meetings. This file is available at http://www.uwyo.edu/wera1013/publications.asp.<br /> <br /> Plant evaluation forms and descriptive parameters were developed to assist with native plant information management.<br /> <br /> The presentations from the 2011 ProGreen native plant panel generated four new files for educational and extension purposes. <br /> <br /> A special publication at University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Special Publication was developed: Some Good Native Plants for Great Basin Landscapes. <br /> <br /> A book (2011) was published, Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West, that includes a chapter on native and drought-adapted plants.<br /> <br /> In Colorado, two plant patents are pending for two of the 2011 Plant Select introductions. One Plant patent was received for our 2012 Plant Select® introduction, Delosperma P001S  Fire Spinner" Ice Plant. <br /> <br /> Report of all WERA-1013 outputs was published and placed on plantselect.org website for WERA-1013. Also, plantselect.org has been updated with information on all of our 2012 recommendations and introductions including how to use in landscape situations.<br /> <br /> A University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Special Publication was developed: Boron- and Salt-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs for Northern Nevada, which includes many recommendations for native plants.<br /> <br /> From all member states, a number of oral and poster presentations from their research results were given over the past 5 years at professional meetings.<br /> <br /> Activities: <br /> Activities of the web site sub-committee are ongoing as the site needs consistent updating and maintenance. We are able to do this with the assistance of Randy Anderson (recently retired) and now Ann Tanaka, the UW College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications and Technology web site coordinator. <br /> <br /> WERA1013 members regularly add to the plant list database of information and the UNR Master Gardeners update the grower list.<br /> <br /> Idaho Botanical Gardens coordinated a CSREES-Specialty Crop Research Initiative Research and Extension Planning grant on "Increasing Intermountain Native Plants in the Horticulture Industry" that involved the Intermountain Native Plant Growers Association, University of Idaho at Aberdeen, Utah State University, and Montana State University. <br /> <br /> Individual states continue to collaborate on their native plant evaluation programs. <br /> <br /> The Berry Building green roof has been a collaborative effort involving a campus-based committee, landscape designers, and the green roof consultant. We all worked together to determine plants species for the roof. The landscape designers located the plant material and seeds, and Karen Panter was in charge of growing 26 species from seeds to planting on the roof. In 2012, activities have centered on monitoring overwintering survival of plants on the green roof and also monitoring their regeneration from either seeds or underground systems. Now that the plants on the roof were removed and replanted, this presents an opportunity to quantify their survival from a catastrophic event.<br /> <br /> UT, NV, MT Master Gardener and university curriculums were changed to include native plant benefits and care. Master Gardeners were educated and involved in development of demonstration gardens as well as native plant research.<br /> <br /> More than 15 presentations have been given at the major grower and landscape association in each of the WERA 1013 states by WERA1013 participants, including a multi-expert panel discussion at the ProGreen Expo. <br /> <br /> Milestones: <br /> The WERA 1013 website went live in 2010 and initial information for the site was gathered. The site currently lists members of the WERA1013 committee, as well as industry and federal partners. A native plant list has been started with some containing plant descriptions and production information. A grower list has been added and links to other pertinent web sites will be added as time goes on. Additions to the WERA 1013 website, particularly the plant descriptions database were made on a regular basis since 2012.<br /> <br /> In 2010, we developed a speaker's bureau for our project, and secured speaking engagements for our members in our respective states. Several of us presented at various state nursery and landscape association meetings each year. These workshops and seminars were specifically designed to educate the public to the value and use of native plants.<br /> <br /> The major milestone for the green roof was planting the vast majority of the plant material in the summer of 2011. The roof is open to the public and anyone can view it at any time. <br /> <br /> Cooperation planned for testing for salt tolerance with Texas WERA-1013 member on certain Plant Select plants. Also, research protocols developed for evaluating future Plant Select introductions for two research sites in Colorado. <br /> <br /> Utah and Idaho researchers distributed plant materials to a commercial nursery for the first time.

Publications

[2009]<br /> Love, S.L., K. Noble and J. Robbins. 2009. Short-Season/High-Altitude Gardening and Landscaping: Landscaping with Native Plants. UI Bulletin No. 862.<br /> <br /> Love S.L., T. Salaiz and M. Stevens. 2009. Bear River Range native seed collection excursions. Sage Notes INPS 31:1, 5-7.<br /> <br /> Love, S.L. 2009. Methods for cleaning penstemon seed. Bull Amer Penstemon Soc 68:89-92.<br /> <br /> Love, S.L. 2009. Penstemon spotlight - Penstemon fremontii. Bull Amer Penstemon Soc 68:2-4.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., M. Gu, and D.S. Rodriguez. 2009. Effects of substrate and salinity of irrigation water on the growth of Sophora secundiflora. Proceedings of Southern Nursery Association 54:1-7.<br /> <br /> Niu, G. and D.S. Rodriguez. 2009. Salt tolerance of ten bedding plants. Proceedings of Southern Nursery Association 54:405-410.<br /> <br /> Reed, M. and L.A. Rupp. 2009. The effect of etiolation on rooting of Acer grandidentatum cuttings. International Plant Propagators Society Western Region Annual Meeting. (Abstract).<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A., M. Reed, W.Varga, V.P. Rasmussen, and C. Neale. 2009. Collecting Acer Grandidentatum clones in northern Utah: An overview. The International Plant PropagatorsSociety Combined Proceedings. 58:379-380.<br /> <br /> Stott, L., L. Rew, & T.A.O. Dougher. 2009. Native Multispecies Sod: An Alternative Rehabilitation Method for Disturbed Lands. Restoration Ecology. Early view published online 17 June 2009.<br /> <br /> Beddes, T. and H.A. Kratsch. 2010. Nodulation of Seaside Alder Topdressed with Controlled-release Fertilizer. HortTechnology 20(4): 740-745.<br /> <br /> Boyer, N.Z. and W.R. Graves. 2009. NAA is more effective than IBA for rooting stem cuttings of two Nyssa spp. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 27:183-187.<br /> <br /> [2010]<br /> Broderick, S.R., M.R. Stevens, B. Geary, S.L. Love, E.N. Jellen, R.B. Dockter, S.L. Daley and D.T. Lindgren. 2010. A survey of Penstemons genome size. Genome (In Press).<br /> <br /> Lenahan, O.M., W.R. Graves, and R. Arora. 2010. Cold hardiness and deacclimation of Styrax americanus from three provenances. HortScience:in press.<br /> <br /> Love, S.L. and T. Salaiz. 2009. Selectable variation among species and accessions of plants included in the Idaho Native Plant Domestication Project. Report of the Native Plants Cooperative 1:7-9.<br /> <br /> Love, S.L. 2010. Penstemon spotlight Penstemon albomarginatus. Bulletin of the American Penstemon Society 69:2-4.<br /> <br /> Peterson, B.J. and W.R. Graves. 2009. Variation in development and ?response to root-zone pH among seedlings of Dirca palustris (Thymelaeaceae) from three provenances. HortScience 44:1319-1322.<br /> <br /> Peterson, B.J., Graves, W.R., and J. Sharma. 2009. Color of pubescence on bud scales conflicts with keys for identifying species of Dirca (Thymelaeaceae). Rhodora 111:126-130. Richards, M.R. 2010. Selecting and Propagating Clones of Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum Nutt.). Thesis. Utah State University.<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A., W. A. Varga, and D. Anderson. 2010. Selection and Vegetative Propagation of Native Woody Plants for Water-Wise Landscaping. Proceedings of the 16th Wildand Shrub Symposium. May 2010, Utah State University. (in press)<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A. and W. A. Varga. 2010. Locating, Documenting, and Collecting Clones of Native Utah Plants. Annual Report to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A. and D. Anderson. 2010. Propagating Superior Clones of Native Utah Plants for Use in the Landscape Industry. Annual Report to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.<br /> <br /> Stevens, M.R., B. Geary, S.R. Broderick, B.J. Ewell, R.B. Dockter, M.A. Mendenhall, S.L. Daley, J.D. Daley, T.J. Mock and S.L. Love. 2009. Understanding Penstemon diversity in an effort to initiate a breeding program within the genus for urban landscapes of the Intermountain West. Report of the Native Plants Cooperative 1:4-6.<br /> <br /> Stott, L., L. Rew, and T.A.O. Dougher. 2010. Native Multispecies Sod: An Alternative Rehabilitation Method for Disturbed Lands. Restoration Ecology. 18(5):742.<br /> <br /> [2011]<br /> Broderick, SR, MR Stevens, B Geary, SL Love, EN Jellen, RB Dockter, SL Daley and DT Lindgren. 2011. A survey of Penstemons genome size. Genome 54:160-173.<br /> <br /> Cook, S and L.A. Rupp, 2011. Drought Tolerance: A Database of Irrigation Requirements of Woody Landscape Plants of Northern Utah. Utah State University Extension Factsheet. http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/Horticulture_Drought_2011-01pr.pdf<br /> <br /> Croft, A., Rupp, L. A., Kratsch, H. (2011). Landscape Maintenance Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West. (H. Kratsch, Ed.) Utah State University Press.<br /> <br /> Hayward, Pat (2011) What Makes a Great Plant Select Plant. Colorado Green 27(6) 24-26.<br /> <br /> Klett, James E. (2011) Plant Select for 2012 Colorado State University Research Update, Colorado Green. 27(5) 10-11.<br /> Klett, J.E., & Greeb L. (2011) Tough and Proven Perennials for Colorado. Colorado Green 27(6) 12-13.<br /> <br /> Klett, J.E., & Greeb L. (2011) Under Used Perennials for Colorado. CNGA LooseLeaf 29(6) 20.<br /> <br /> Kratsch, H. 2011. Some Good Native Plants for Great Basin Landscapes. University of Nevada Coop Ext Special Publication.<br /> <br /> Kratsch, H. 2011. Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West: a professional and do-it-yourself guide (Editor). Utah State University Press, Logan, UT.<br /> <br /> Love, S. 2011. Penstemon spotlight Penstemon montanus. Bulletin of the American Penstemon Society 70:7-10.<br /> <br /> Love, S and T Salaiz. 2011. Domestication of native plants. Sage Notes (Idaho Native Plant Society) 33:8-12.<br /> <br /> Love, S and T Salaiz. 2010. Studies on Indian paintbrush establishment. Report of the Intermountain Native Plant Cooperative 2:15-19.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., D. Rodriguez, and M. Gu. 2011. Response of Sophora secundiflora to nitrogen form and rate. HortScience 46(9):13031307.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., D.S. Rodriguez, M. Wang, T. Starman, and D. Zhang. 2011. Response of zinnia to saline water irrigation. Acta Horticulturae (in press).<br /> <br /> Niu, G. and D.S. Rodriguez. 2011. Salt Tolerance of Selected Bedding Plants. Southern Nursery Association 56:146-151.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., D.S. Rodriguez, and C. McKenney. 2011. Salt tolerance of five wildflowers. 56:152-156.<br /> <br /> Panter, K. 2011. Berry PrairieGreen Roof, http://www.uwyo.edu/berrycenter/greenroof/, accessed 11 November 2011.<br /> <br /> Panter, K. 2011. The Berry Prairie, http://berryprairie.blogspot.com/, accessed 11 November 2011.<br /> <br /> Panter, K. 2011. First Blog Ever, http://karenpanter.wordpress.com/2011/08/08/first-blog-ever/, accessed 11 November 2011.<br /> <br /> Panter, K. 2011. More Green Roof Plants, http://karenpanter.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/more-green-roof-plants/, accessed 11 November 2011.<br /> <br /> Richards, M.R. and L.A. Rupp. 2011. Propagating Bigtooth Maple. Utah State University Extension Factsheet. http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/Horticulture_Trees_2011-03pr.pdf<br /> <br /> Rosenberg, D. E., Kopp, K., Kratsch, H., Rupp, L. A., Johnson, P. G., Kjelgren, R. K. (2011). Value Landscape Engineering: Identifying Costs, Water Use, Labor, and Impacts to Support Landscape Choice. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 47(3), 635649.<br /> <br /> Rupp, L. A., Varga, B. A., Anderson, D. 2011. Selection and Vegetative Propagation of Native Woody Plants for Water-Wise Landscaping Proceedings of the 16th Wildland Shrub Symposium.<br /> <br /> Salaiz, T and S Love. 2010. Selection and improvement of Idaho fescue germplasm for turf applications. Report of the Intermountain Native Plant Cooperative 2:39-41.<br /> <br /> [2012]<br /> Anderson, R.M. and L.A. Rupp. 2012. Selecting and Evaluating Accessions of Epilobium Sect. Zauschneria (Onagraceae). Poster presentation. International Plant Propagators Society  Western Region Meeting, Ventura, CA.<br /> <br /> Cope, K.R. and L.A. Rupp. 2012. Cutting Propagation of Juniperus osteosperma. Poster presentation. International Plant Propagators Society  Western Region Meeting, Ventura, CA.<br /> <br /> Dougher, T. Rocky Mountain Maple photograph in Portneuf Valley Tree Guide, http://pocatello.us/se/documents/residents/lawn/2012%20Portneuf%20Valley%20Tree%20Guide%20small.pdf.<br /> <br /> Greeb, Lidsay and James E. Klett. (2012). Long Lives Perennials. CNGA Looseleaf. 30(5)18.<br /> <br /> Klett, James E. (2012) Horticulture Related Water Studies. Colorado Water. 29(2)6-7.<br /> <br /> Klett, James E. (2012). Perennials that pack a punch. Colorado State University Research Update. Colorado Green. 28(2) 16-17.<br /> <br /> Klett James E. (2012). Plant Select for 2013  Colorado State University Research Update. Colorado Green 28(6)12-13 .<br /> <br /> Klett James E. (2012). Top Perennial Performers. CNGA Looseleaf. 30(2)(18-19.<br /> <br /> Kratsch, H., J.A. Skelly. Designing Landscapes for Northern Nevadas Arid Climate. UNCE Special Publication 11-15.<br /> <br /> Love, SL. 2011. Designing, installing, and maintaining native plant landscapes and xeriscapes. In: INLA Certification Committee (Eds.), Certified Nursery Professional Manual. Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association, Idaho Falls, ID<br /> <br /> Love, SL. 2012. Penstemon spotlight  Penstemon atwoodii. Bulletin of the American Penstemon Society 71:2-6.<br /> <br /> Love, SL and T Salaiz. 2011. Commercialization of native plant species; Evaluation of Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) germplasm for use as native turf. Report of the Native Plants Cooperative 3:10-17.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., M. Wang, D. Rodriguez, and D. Zhang. 2012. Responses of zinnia to saline water irrigation. HortScience 47(6):793797.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., D. Rodriguez, and S. McKenney. 2012. Response of selected wildflower species to saline water irrigation. HortScience 47(9):1351-1355.<br /> <br /> Niu, G., P. Osuna, Y. Sun, and D. Rodriguez. 2012. Seedling emergence, growth, and mineral nutrition of ornamental chile peppers irrigated with saline water. HortScience (in Press).<br /> <br /> Norris, K.D. and W.R. Graves. 2012. A Narrowly Endemic Dirca from Mexico Outperforms its Broadly Distributed Congener in the Upper Midwest. HortScience in press.<br /> <br /> Richards, M.R., L.A. Rupp, R. Kjelgren, and V.P. Rasmussen. 2012. Selection and budding propagation of native bigtooth maple for water-conserving landscapes. HortTechnology. 22:669-676.<br /> <br /> Richards, M.R. and L.A. Rupp. 2012. Etiolation Improves Rooting of Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum) Cuttings. HortTechnology. 22:305-310.<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A. 2012. Cercocarpus ledifolius var. intricatus in the Landscape. WERA-1013 website. http://www.uwyo.edu/wera1013/plantlist_cercocarpus-ledifolius.asp<br /> <br /> Rupp, L.A., R.M. Anderson, and M.R. Richards. 2012. Mound Layering of Selected Acer grandidentatum clones. Poster presentation. International Plant Propagators Society  Western Region Meeting, Ventura, CA.<br /> <br /> Sriladda, C., H.A. Kratsch, S.R. Larson, and R.K. Kjelgren. 2012. Morphological and Genetic Variation among Four High Desert Sphaeralcea Species. HortScience 47:715-720.

Impact Statements

1. WERA-1013 has, for the first time, pooled the talents and efforts of individuals from both the private and public sectors to cooperatively pursue common objectives with regard to increasing the use of native plants for water conservation.
2. Long-term impacts for the native plant panel include future talks and discussions about the native plant material on which we are all currently working. Growers, retailers, and landscape design and maintenance professionals will all have several new species to add to their lists for sales and utilization. This will bring in additional income over the years which may potentially translate to additional hires.
3. Through various venues of grower conferences, university classrooms, public programs, and Master Gardener activities, native plant education has increased knowledge of the potential for this landscaping option.

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