Dear Members,

We are delighted to share some wonderful "hot off the press" news. The Bromley Charitable Trust has generously agreed to match the Hope Goddard Iselin Foundation's pledge of $500,000 over five years to collect and permanently store the seeds of the region's 387 imperiled plants. We gratefully thank these two forward-thinking foundations and all the individual donors whose support brings the total raised for the Seed Ark Campaign to $1,224,249-almost a quarter of the $5,000,000 needed to preserve these rare and endangered seeds throughout New England by 2020. What an exciting way to start the New Year!

The staff of New England Wild Flower Society

Fern Propagation

We recently upgraded Nasami Farm's capacity to propagate ferns. With a series of new indoor racks and lights, as well as expert horticultural know-how, we are dividing mature gametophytes into plug trays where they will shortly begin producing their first true leaves. Species currently in production to supply the Curtis Woodland Garden include Dryopteris intermedia, Phegopteris connectilis, and Adiantum pedatum.

World of Plant Genetics

From mutations to hybridization and polyploidy, plants have fascinating genetic qualities that allow them to survive and thrive on Earth. This class, taught by our Botanical Coordinator, Laney Widener, discussed the genetic qualities of plants and their interactions with Plant Conservation Genetics. Students first learned basic theory and then delved into examples, including some from Garden in the Woods.

New Gate Access for Winter Walking

The Garden has a new electronic gate to keep out the deer! Please read carefully the instructions on the new entry key pad to gain access to Garden in the Woods for Winter Walking.

Save Time! Save Trees!

Is one of your New Year's Resolutions to reduce paper and save time? We offer a convenient way to ensure you never receive membership renewal notices again! Our Life Member program provides you with all the Contributor level membership benefits...such as event invitations, publications, program and merchandise discounts...for LIFE! Contact 508-877-7630 x3802 to learn more, or join online.

Become a Garden Guide

If you like working with people, enjoy plants and the natural world, and have time to volunteer...consider becoming a guide at Garden in the Woods. Guides are trained to expand their own knowledge of the Garden's history, native plants, horticulture, and botany, while helping visiting children and adults make connections to the natural world around them. Apply online.

Nominate Your Favorite Nursery

Do you have a nursery you just love? Would you like to receive a discount from them? Send us a few lines about where they are located and how we can reach them. We will invite them join our 2016 Nursery Partner Program so members like you will benefit from this special relationship! Email your nominations today.

New for 2016

Advance notice...our world-renowned botanic garden, Garden in the Woods, will have new opening days and times in 2016. The Garden will be open to visitors EVERY DAY from April 16 to October 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including holidays. More hours for everyone to enjoy!

Pre-Publication Price Extended

Wildflowers of New England by Ted Elliman is available to our members at the special pre-order price of $20.25 (non-member price $22.50) until February 1, 2016. The book's original cover price is $27.95 from Timber Press. Plus tax and shipping. Pre-order your copy today. 508-877-7630 x3209.

Task Force Update

For each of the six states, the Society arranges annual Task Force meetings of botanic and conservation professionals for the New England Plant Conservation Program. So far in 2016, Task Forces in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts have met to review the status of rare plants in their respective states, discuss their 2015 plant surveys, and volunteer to monitor/collect seed of selected populations.

Don't forget to add membership@newenglandwild.org
to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!