Intermountain Regional Evaluation and Introduction of Native Plants

This project began as a multi-state research project, WDC 011, in 2007 and became an official WERA activity in 2008. It incorporates two broad objectives. The first is to establish a regional system for development, evaluation, and introduction of new native plant materials and cultivars, especially plants that facilitate water conservation. The second is to 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.

WERA 1013 members will be identifying candidate native plant species, common to some or all states, for further evaluation. Evaluation will include suitability for production and growth in the region as well as potential for marketing. It is anticipated that species will be evaluated for at least three growing seasons at participating sites. Characteristics to be checked will include heat and drought tolerance, cold hardiness, ease of production, invasiveness potential, and limits of environmental adaptation. The group will meet at least annually to share results and plan educational and outreach programs. A website is also being developed to ease information sharing and increase awareness about native plant use.

Outcomes expected in future years are increased knowledge of native plants for water-conserving landscapes, increased knowledge and production of natives by propagators and growers, regional education and outreach programs about native plant concepts, and increased use of water-conserving native plants by landscape professionals and the public.

New members are welcome! Contact Heidi Kratsch (heidi.kratsch@usu.edu) or Karen Panter (kpanter@uwyo.edu) if you’re interested. Membership in WERA 1013 is encouraged from both public institutions and industry representatives within the Intermountain West. However, no geographic limitations are in place and all interested parties are encouraged to become official members. Currently, members list addresses in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Texas, Alaska, Oregon, and Iowa.