SePPCon 2024 Welcome Remarks
SePPCon 2024 Welcome Remarks
In situ and ex situ conservation of imperiled plant species in the Southeastern United States
Emily E. D. Coffey*, Laurie Blackmore, Carrie Radcliffe Atlanta Botanical Garden
Video start time: 3:30
The Atlanta Botanical Garden (ABG) Southeastern Center for Conservation (SECC) is at the forefront of conservation science, leveraging over three decades of expertise in the recovery and conservation of rare and endangered plant species. The SECC’s efforts center on the often novel propagation of endangered plant groups, coupling ecological research, restoration, and management of their natural habitats with consideration of the conservation genetics of these rare taxa. A key aspect of our work involves both in situ and ex situ conservation methods, including specialized management and propagation techniques that range from field collection to laboratory research and nursery production of imperiled species. ABG’s innovative approach includes the diversification of conservation collections, employing techniques such as maternal line tracking in its extensive living collections, micropropagation, and both conventional and cryogenic seed banking, alongside tissue and DNA preservation. This comprehensive methodology underpins ABG’s commitment to not only conserve species but also restore and augment their natural environments. In addition to its scientific endeavors, ABG plays a pivotal role in capacity building within the conservation community. Through leading the Southeastern Plant Conservation Alliance and the Global Conservation Consortium for Magnolias, ABG fosters collaboration and leverages resources to enhance plant conservation efforts. These alliances aim to bridge the gap between local and global initiatives, driving collective action towards the preservation of plant diversity and preventing the extinction of critical plant species. ABG’s work exemplifies a holistic and collaborative approach to conservation, focusing on strong partnerships and science-based conservation actions.
A retrospective and vision for SePPCon & SEPCA
Carrie Radcliffe*, Sarah Norris, Emily E. D. Coffey Atlanta Botanical Garden
Video start time: 21:21
The Southeastern Plant Conservation Alliance (SE PCA) was formalized in 2020 and built upon years of strategizing and networking. Our goal is to bridge gaps between local and national efforts to prevent and restore the loss of plant diversity. This is achieved by building capacity, facilitating novel partnerships, and leveraging shared resources. Most of the momentum to launch the SE PCA came from the Southeastern Partners in Plant Conservation (SePPCon) gatherings in 2016 and 2020. Working with a wide range of stakeholders representing diverse interests and perspectives, these efforts stimulate collective successes in local, state, and regional plant conservation that are informed by partners’ needs and abilities. Actions undertaken to achieve the strategic goals of the SE PCA have included the following: conducting the gap analysis of ex situ collections (2022); developing the nation’s first list of regional species of greatest conservation need (RSGCN) for plants (2023); conducting conservation status assessments for priority species (2022, 2024); working towards metrics defined in the North American and Global Strategies for Plant Conservation, including securing rare plant species in ex situ collections, and implementing recovery and restoration programs that return ex situ material to the wild (in situ). Development of additional SE PCA working groups leading up to this event will further enhance our network. SePPCon 2024 has been planned by a set of strategic committees to support a shared, sustainable vision of future events being held in new locations as the alliance continues to grow in participation, scope, and impact.