23rd Annual Colorado Rare Plant Symposium - ONLINE
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.
Please note: This is the online-only version of the symposium. If you would like to attend in person, please register for the event at the York Street location 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
Online
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
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