23rd Annual Colorado Rare Plant Symposium

The 23rd Annual Rare Plant Symposium is hosted jointly by the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, and Colorado Parks & Wildlife. This is a great opportunity to get plugged into rare plant conservation efforts, learn about the latest science, and network with other professionals and enthusiasts.

Unable to attend in person? An online version of this symposium is also available. View the online symposium here.

Who should attend the Colorado rare plant symposium?

• Rare plant enthusiasts and community scientists


• Researchers, students, and educators


• Scientists and staff from conservation institutions


• Non-profit partners and land trusts


• Environmental consultants and industry professionals


• Government professionals from federal, state, and local agencies


• Anyone else interested in learning more about Colorado’s rare plants and engaging in our collaborative community!

Purpose of the Colorado Rare Plant Symposium

• Celebrate successes and inspire new partnerships and collaborations


• Increase awareness of and appreciation for our state’s botanical treasures


• Share new research and best practices for rare plant monitoring and conservation


• Showcase impactful work happening across the board, from university labs to public lands and community projects

Agenda

23rd Annual Colorado Rare Plant Symposium

Friday, November 6, 2026

Denver Botanic Gardens – Mitchell Hall

1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206

Theme: Celebrating 50 Years of Colorado Rare Plant Conservation

8:30-9:00 | Registration and Check-in

9:00 AM-9:10 | Welcome

Savanna Smith (Colorado Parks & Wildlife), Jessica Smith (Colorado Natural Heritage Program), and Michelle DePrenger-Levin (Denver Botanic Gardens )

9:10-9:40 | History and Celebration of Rare Plant Conservation in Colorado

Susan Panjabi, Colorado Natural Heritage Program

9:40-10:00 | Break

10:00 – 10:50 | Agency Panel: Priorities & Progress

Sarah Quadt and Jay Ruebens, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Jessica Smith, Colorado Natural Heritage Program

Michelle DePrenger- Levin, Denver Botanic Gardens

Savanna Smith, Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Carol Dawson, Bureau of Land Management

Moderated by Rebecca Hufft, Denver Botanic Gardens

10:50- 11:10 | Updates on Colorado Rare Plant Genetics: Ripley’s milkvetch, Rocky Mountain cinquefoil, and more

Mitchell McGlaughlin, University of Northern Colorado

Natalie Hieber, University of Northern Colorado

11:10 – 11:25 | Updates from the Colorado Native Plant Society’s 50th Year

Leo Bruderle, Vice President on the CONPS Board of Directors

11:30-1:00 | Lunch on your own

1:00 – 2:10 | Review of Colorado Rare Flora: A Historical Perspective + Highlights from 2026 “Rare Plant Hunts”

Becca Harris, Colorado Natural Heritage Program

Thomas Green & Karl Bellerjeau, CONPS Volunteers

2:10-2:30: Break

2:30 – 2:50 | Scaling Up Demographic Monitoring for Avery Peak Twinpod

Will Petry, North Carolina State University

2:50 – 03:40 | Breakout Sessions - Collaborating for Rare Plant Conservation

Join us for interactive, small-group discussions focused on turning shared plant conservation goals into action. We will gather input on State Wildlife Action Plan and Global Biodiversity Framework targets, identify critical research gaps and conservation opportunities, and explore new cross-sector partnerships.

03:40 – 04:00 | Report Out from Breakout Groups & Closing Remarks