---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:30:14 -0500
From: "Krupnick, Gary" <KRUPNICK@...>


2012 Smithsonian Botanical Symposium

20-21 April 2012

National Museum of Natural History
 

“Transforming 21st Century Comparative Biology using Evolutionary Trees”

In collaboration with the United States Botanic Garden

Supported by the Cuatrecasas Family Foundation

 
Over the last 20 years great progress has been made toward assembling a
phylogeny of life on Earth and our expanding knowledge of evolutionary
relationships is transforming 21st century biology. This is especially true
in comparative biology where phylogenetic methods and trees – usually based
on molecular data which is increasingly of genomics scale – are proving
effective tools to reveal new and often unexpected insights into how
organisms evolve and adapt to their environments. These advances span new
important questions and enable a fresh look at old questions that include:
diversification, role of extinction, response to climate change,
co-evolution, the influence of genetic architecture on morphological
evolution, and patterns of community assembly and interaction.
 
The 10th Smithsonian Botanical Symposium, hosted by the Department of Botany
and the United States Botanic Garden, will address the question: How do we
put the knowledge of evolutionary relationships to work to better describe
and understand the diversification of life on Earth? The invited speakers
will cover a wide range of organisms and topics to illuminate how molecular
phylogenetics can be used to understand evolutionary and ecological
processes. 

Symposium speakers

·         David D. Ackerly, University of California, Berkeley

·         Charles F. Delwiche, University of Maryland

·         Michael Donoghue, Yale University

·         Scott V. Edwards, Harvard University

·         James W. Horn, National Museum of Natural History

·         Karen Osborn, National Museum of Natural History

·         Richard Ree, The Field Museum

 
Information and registration at http://botany.si.edu/sbs/

Fax: 202-786-2563 – e-mail: sbs@...

Registration is now open

 

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Chris Puttock suggested that this be forwarded.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Maryland Native Plant Society <info@...>
Date: Sun, Feb 12, 2012 at 9:05 AM
Subject: Don't Forget: MNPS Field Trip: Cheverly Nature Hike and Bird Count,
19 Feb 2012

A reminder that the Maryland Native Plant Societyhas scheduled:
MNPS Field Trip: Cheverly Nature Hike and Bird Count
19 Feb 2012 9:00 AM 
Cheverly Nature Park, Tremont Avenue

Co-Sponsoring Organizations:The Cheverly Green Infrastructure Committee

This hike will be guided by experienced  bird watchers who are also familiar
with the local trees. This is a great chance to learn about birds, your local
green infrastructure and, in general, to enjoy what the natural areas have to
offer in Cheverly.

Leaders: Matt Salo and others

Directions: Google map directions Cheverly Nature Park, Tremont Ave. Park on
the nearby streets. 

Contact: Matt Salo at 301-341-1261 or mtsalo1@...

If you wish to do the bird count on your own, or on the other Friday 2/17 or
Monday, 2/20 go to the website http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html for
directions on “How to Participate.” You may send your Cheverly counts for
submission to Matt at his e-mail address above, but be sure to use the
official tally lists provided at the above birdsource web site and mark your
location as “Cheverly,” rather than using the zip code which covers a far
wider are

Registration: Online or via Matt Salo

More information and online
registration:http://mdflora.org/ViewEvent.ashx?eventId=447003

Best regards,
Maryland Native Plant Society
http://mdflora.org/

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MNPS is sponsoring a winter tree and plant ID trip on February 18 led by
Rod SImmons.  It's to be at the Dora Kelley Nature Park in the City of
Alexandria.  It's free but one needs to register.  There's a limit of 25
people.

http://mdflora.org/trips.html?eventId=442570&EventViewMode=EventDetails

_______________________________________________________

Here's a squirrel of a different colour for you:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/02/couple-catches-purple-squirrel-in-\
pennsylvania/

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From a mail Julie Moore sent out:

I think we need a special outing something in Larry's honor that is
more widely announced than our regular spring outings. And something in
late April or May or even June to look at maturing/fruiting specimens..
And to a place that is easily accessible with good parking. At the
moment I don't have any place in mind. Do you have any ideas? Can query
the BSW folks about an appropriate place before the next meeting , then
we can discuss in depth at the March 6 regular BSW meeting. We can also
discuss the idea of an annual Larry Morse Field Trip.

Roosevelt Island is a good possibility but as you say, weedy. I have
fond memories of a trip in the Potomac Gorge when we walk around on the
rocks looking at disjunct species. Any other places you would suggest?

Julie H. Moore, Biologist
Branch of Candidate Conservation
Endangered Species Program, FWS
4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 420
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone 703-358-2096; FAX 703-358-1735
email Julie_H_Moore@...
_________________________________

Notes: There are three field trips scheduled for late March/early
April.

March 31 - Billy Goat Trail Area (Maryland)
April 7 - Billy Goat Trail Area (Maryland)
April 14 - Turkey Run (Virginia)
__________________________________

The next meeting is Tuesday, March 6.  Alan Whittemore will be speaking
and the topic will be research on the genus Celtis.

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One suggestion came in from Peg Kay of Ball's Bluff.  And another, below,
from Lynne Cherry about Ice Mountain in West Virginia.

It was on a TNC trip to Ice Mountain in 1990 that I initially met Larry.
--Kathy

SOme links for these areas:
http://www.loudounwildlife.org/blog/2009/04/wildflowers-at-balls-bluff/
http://www.historichampshire.org/scenic/icemt.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Mountain

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:10:28 -0500 (EST)
From: lncherry@...
To: kathy@..., BSW@...
Subject: Re: [BSW] Ice Cave for a field trip in Larry's honor

hello, The place that I most associate with Larry is the ice cave in
western Maryland. He took groups there twice and it is amazing.  It's a
bit far but he loved that cave.

Lynne

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More comments and ideas:

From: p2zamora@...      Pat Ford

Larry also enjoyed the Cranberry Glades in West Virginia.  The BSW did
a field trip there about 5-6 years ago.  See this article that Larry
wrote with Paul Harmon.
http://botsoc.org/CranberryGladesWV.pdf

----------

From: "Soreng, Robert" <SORENGR@...>

I like the Ice Mountian trip idea. It was one of my first trips with
Larry also, but several years later.
Not been to Ball's Bluff, but that sounds good also, and close by.

Rob

PS: hope the timing works for both Paul and I as we will be in Africa
from early May to mid July.
____________

From: Cjfleming@...   Cris Fleming

Another idea closer to home is Chain Bridge Flats.  Many years ago,
Larry told me that he would spend his lunch hour there......just across
the river from his office at TNC.

Cris Fleming

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From: "Marion B, Lobstein" <mblobstein@...>
Subject: Re: [BSW] Ice Cave for a field trip in Larry's honor

Hi Kathy, I think TR Is, Balls Bluff, or Ice Mtn are all great
possibilities. I know all 3 sites very well and would be glad to help out.
Take care, Marion
__________________________________________

From: Laurie Eyde <laurieeyde@...>
Subject: RE: [BSW] More ideas and comments about upcoming trip(s) in honor
      of Larry

I'm enthusiastic about the Ice Mt. trip.  I probably can't attend because
my bilateral knee replacement will occur on March 19th.
___________________________________________


Permits now required for visiting Thompson WMA trilliums
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/access-permit/

Dead for 32,000 Years, an Arctic Plant Is Revived
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/21/science/new-life-from-an-arctic-flower-that-di\
ed-32000-years-ago.html?_r=1

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Re: Ice Mountain suggestion:
From: "Faden, Robert" <FADENR@...>

I think that is a great idea.  It certainly was one of the most memorable
trips that I have been on with the BSW.  We went in June, 1989, if I recall
correctly.  The air temperature was about 90 whereas the thermometer
inserted in one of the cold vents read 38ºF!  Larry was indeed the leader of
the trip. Bob Faden
________________________________________________________________

Next BSW meeting - Tuesday, March 6
Alan Whittemore will be the speaker.
Topic: Evolution and classification of the hackberries (Celtis subg. Celtis)
Flyer:  http://botsoc.org/mar12.doc
_________________________________________________________________

Butterfly Gardening talk on Thursday

Join WABC for its February butterfly gardening program Thursday, Feb.
23, 7:30 pm at Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington.  This year’s
speaker is Marie Rojas.
http://leplog.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/butterfly-gardening-talk-at-wabc-feb-24/
   (Webpage may still say Feb 24, but it's Feb. 23.)
_________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, February 28 - Cris Fleming is going to be doing a workshop on
Winter Oak Identification in Kensington, MD.
http://www.mdflora.org/events.html?eventId=425309&EventViewMode=EventDetails
_________________________________________________________________

Sunday, March 4 Winter Tree ID at Prince William Forest Park
http://www.vnps-pot.org/news/march4wintertreeidentificationatprincewilliamforest\
park
_________________________________________________________________

Doug Tallamy: Bringing Nature Home - Tuesday, March 20 in Cheverly
http://www.mdflora.org/events.html?eventId=447006&EventViewMode=EventDetails
_________________________________________________________________

The weekend of March 31-April 1
The BSW will have several members presenting papers at the Washington
Academy of Sciences Capital Science 2012 conference.
http://www.washacadsci.org/capsci12/body.htm
_________________________________________________________________

BSW Webpage http://botsoc.org

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Correction:

This is the correct link to see the information about tomorrow's butterfly
gardening talk.  (I got the other through googling and didn't realize I'd
gotten the page for last year.  I thought the date on the page was
incorrect.)

http://leplog.wordpress.com/category/washington-area-butterfly-club/

________________________________________________

From: Elizabeth F Wells <bfortsonwells@...>

I agree.� I was on that trip to Ice Mountain, and I think it would be a
fitting memorial trip.�

When we decide on the location, let's discuss what dates would be good.�

Beth Wells

________________________________________________
Unrelated

Night time snowboarding video:
http://www.nowness.com/day/2012/2/16/1893/jacob-sutton-s-l-e-d-surfer

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Below is a comment from Doug Ripley.  And following the comment, a link to
a picture of Larry that Doug sent to NatureServe and is posted on their
page.  I've put it online for the benefit of those who may not be able to
get to the NatureServe Facebook page.

From: Douglas Ripley <Ripley@...>

All of those trips sound most appropriate and would be a wonderful tribute
to Larry.� Did you know that NatureServe is setting up a more detailed
memorial for Larry?� I sent them some photos which they were glad to
receive.� Maybe some of the other BSW members may want to contribute to it
as well.� The contact at NatureServe is:� Sam Sheline,�
Sam_Sheline@...

Picture: http://botsoc.org/larrymorse.jpg

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I received this email from the president of the Virginia Native Plant
Society, Sally Anderson, to let people know what they are doing and to to
invite participation from BSW members.


To the Botanical Society of Washington:

Following is a proposal from the Virginia Native Plant Society to begin a
fund at the Flora of Virginia Project to memorialize Larry Morse. Larry
was a charter member of the Virginia Wildflower Preservation Society,
which became�the Virginia Native Plant Society in 1989. Larry was�a board
member for about the first ten years of the society's existence, until he
joined NatureServe.�

Larry was active in establishing the VNPS Registry Program, which
continues to acknowledge special plant communities around the state. While
these properties are rarely unusual or large enough to qualify for Natural
Heritage Sites, we know that our interest in these properties has led to
better stewardship in many cases. As recently as 2008, Larry led a field
trip for our annual meeting in Northern Virginia. Past president Nicky
Staunton remembers him as 'an inspiring botanist of field trips, a quiet,
observant, kind man with a sense of humor.'

Our proposal is to have donations toward the Flora in any amount sent with
the designation 'Larry Morse Memorial'. Donations would be sent directly
to the Flora of Virginia Project, PO Box 512, Richmond, VA 23218-0512. We
have spoken with Bland Crowder and arranged that gifts will be
acknowledged by the FOVP. You can find out more about the FOVP at
www.floraofvirginia.org .

Our hope is that we might reach the $1000 level, Virginia Bluebell, which
would mean that his name would be listed in the first edition. With luck,
we might even reach a higher level, such as the $4000 Family Sponsorship,
or one of the higher levels. A copy of the new Flora of Virginia will be
delivered to Larry's sister when it is published in November.�

We plan to share this with our members in our upcoming Bulletin, and we
would be pleased if your organization wanted to join the effort to
remember our mutual friend.�


Sally Anderson
President, Virginia Native Plant Society
400 Blandy Farm Lane, #2
Boyce, VA��22620
540-837-1600
www.vnps.org

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Next Tuesday, March 6, at 7 PM Alan Whittemore will speak about
Evolution and classification of the hackberries (Celtis subg. Celtis)
Meeting details on webpage: http://botsoc.org/
Contact Robyn Everly if you need a badge to get into the building.
EverlyR@...
___________________________________________________

See this page for information about this summer's
June 10-14, 2012 (Sunday to Thursday)
Joint Field Meeting (BotSoc), Slippery Rock, PA
http://www.ansp.org/hosted/botany_club/field_trips.html
Here is a link to the invitation and registration.
http://www.ansp.org/hosted/botany_club/docs/botsoc2012.doc
___________________________________________________

A natural substance obtained from seeds of the “miracle tree” could purify
and clarify water inexpensively and sustainably in the developing world,
where more than 1 billion people lack access to clean drinking water,
scientists report. Research on the potential of a sustainable
water-treatment process requiring only tree seeds and sand appears in ACS’
journal Langmuir.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118112005.htm
____________________________________________________

From VNPS Potomack Chapter: (See their webpage for further info.
http://www.vnps-pot.org/ )

As a reminder, here is a brief listing of our current line-up of programs. 
Watch this group list, the web site and the upcoming newsletter for more
information on these, and others which we plan to add to this list:

March 4 – Winter Tree ID with Elizabeth Rives – co-sponsored with Prince
William chapter  (THIS EVENT IS FULL, WITH A WAITING LIST)

March 15 – Landscape Design for Pollinators with Susan Abraham, MLD (monthly
meeting)

April 7 – Early Spring Wildflower Walk with John Demary – co-sponsored with
Piedmont Chapter (flyer attached)

April 11 – Weeknight Wildflower Walk at Wakefield Park with John Dodge, 6:00
pm to 7:30 pm

April 21 – Full Spring Wildflower Walk at Turkey Run with Cris Fleming

April 19 – Pollen: A Window to the Past with Dr. Emily Southgate (monthly
meeting)

May 8 – Viburnum ID Workshop,  7 pm to 8:15 pm

May 17 – Native Plants program (monthly meeting, under development)

July xx – Fern ID workshop (classroom and field component, date is TBD)

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Below is a message from our president, Chris Puttock.  I have put
online a flyer that can be printed out and posted to help
advertise the conference. http://botsoc.org/capsci2012flyer.jpg

And here are the abstracts for the Sunday, April 1, Botanical Society of
Washingon presentations to be made at the conference:
http://botsoc.org/2012CapSciBotSoc.pdf

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2012 14:29:47 -0500
From: Christopher Puttock <christopher.puttock@...>
To: Kathy Bilton <kathy@...>, Paul Peterson <petersonp@...>,
      "Everly, Robin" <everlyr@...>
Subject: Simmons, Puttock, et al. presentations at the Biennial 2012 conference

Hi Kathy
 
WBS is presenting five seminars at Capital Science 2012 conference on April
1, 2012, including papers by Paul Peterson, Robin Everly, Rod Simmons, and
myself.  The other is by Chris Frye (MD DNR state botanist).
 
The Conference is a two-day affair (March 31 and April 1) with many
interesting presentations covering many of the scientific organization in
the DC/VA/MD region.
 
Please advertise the presentations that are posted on the Washington Academy
of Science Website http://www.washacadsci.org/capsci12/body.htm.
 
We certainly would like as many of the botanical folks in the region to
attend.  We largely have to rustle up our own audience from the botanical
societies and schools in the region so please pass this onto any of our
university connections.  There will be a bus load of students from Salisbury
attending our sessions Sunday afternoon.  Students are free, adult
registration is $50 for the two days.
 
I am away in Hawaii until Friday 9th, so will not be at the meeting this
Tuesday
 
Many thanks: Chris

Dr. Christopher F. Puttock
Research Associate, Smithsonian Institution, NMNH (US)
(202) 262-9773 (cell)

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This evening at 7 p.m. Alan Whittemore will be speaking to the BSW about
the Evolution and classification of the hackberries (Celtis subg. Celtis).

Meeting location: Cathy Kerby Room (Room CE-340), Smithsonian Institution,
National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. and Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, DC. Use the Constitution Avenue entrance; wait to be escorted
up. All are welcome. As usual, light refreshments will be served prior to
and after the presentation.

Pre-meeting dinner: 5:30 P.M. at the Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant,
1201 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington. Phone 202-347-7707. The
restaurant is diagonally across from the Old Post Office Pavilion at 12th
and Pennsylvania, a few blocks from the Museum, with Federal Triangle the
nearest Metro station, and Metro Center also nearby.

___________________________________________________

A recent announcement on the VNPS-POT list told of the availability of
several podcasts of interviews with Doug Tallamy.

"The Timber Press shares podcasts of 5 interviews with Doug Tallamy
(author of “Bringing Nature Home”).  Click on this link and scroll down
until you see Doug Tallamy’s name and photo on the right:
http://www.timberpress.com/podcast/ "

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Capital Science is coming up at the end of the month. There will be 5
presentations made by the BSW on Sunday.
Register before March 11 to save on registration fee.
http://www.washacadsci.org/capsci12/body.htm
Here are abstracts for the botanical presentations:
http://botsoc.org/2012CapSciBotSoc.pdf
________________________________________________________

From Edd Barrows, some links regarding Ice Mountain (in West Virginia,
not too far from Capon Bridge which is about 20 miles west of Winchester,
VA) - including a nice video from West Virginia Public Broadcasting:

Interesting online info on Ice Mt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Mountain

A trip to Ice Mountain, Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBUUCESehms
________________________________________________________

Linda Davis passed along this link:
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/338945/title/Plants_reproductive_weap\
onry_unfurled
Plants' reproductive weaponry unfurled
Botanical tricks include adhesion and bubbles to spread their spores

She also sent along some interesting 'flower' pictures which I was able to
find online here: http://markbmp.posterous.com/flowers-made-up-of-people
________________________________________________________

Be on the lookout for a botanical memorial art installation on the grounds
of the National Museum of Natural History, created by a visitor to our
last BSW meeting, conceptual artist, Willem Boshoff.
________________________________________________________

Coming up on March 15 - free presentation at Green Spring Gardens
'Landscape Design for Pollinator Diversity'

http://www.vnps-pot.org/news/lecture315-landscapedesign
________________________________________________________

Our first field trip of the season is scheduled for Saturday, March 31 to
the Billy Goat Trail area along the towpath.  Though the parking area
there will not be available, however, it is thought that one will be able
to park not too far away, along McArthur Blvd. or in the nearby
neighborhoods.  However, one will need to be prepared to walk a ways to
get to the meeting spot which (at least so far) will be the same as if the
parking area were to be open. (Across the street from the Old Anglers
Inn.)

I have just phoned Great Falls and talked to a park ranger there about the
towpath and parking situation.

The towpath is closed between Old Angler's and Widewater.  So to get to
the area where we usually go, we would have to walk on the Berma Road for
a mile or so to get up and then back over to the towpath.

He said that though parking is illegal (Montgomery County) along MacArthur
Blvd. many people do park there but can be ticketed.  I also asked about
parking along neighborhood streets.  That is legal but lots of residents
have been complaining.

His recommenation was to park at Great Falls.  (There is an entrance fee
of $5 per car. If one doesn't already have one, those 62 and over can get
a lifetime NPS pass for $10. The pass can be bought at the entry and is
good for all in the car.)

Here is what's on the park website regarding the situation at Old Anglers
Inn: http://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/closures.htm

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Live Chat on Thursday, March 15: Surprising Ecological Effects of
Early Springs

Scientists will answer your questions about how early springs are putting
nature out of sync

http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=123511&org=NSF&from=news
_________________________________________________

Doug Tallamy: Bringing Nature Home - Tuesday, March 20, Cheverly
http://mdflora.org/events.html?eventId=447006&EventViewMode=EventDetails
_________________________________________________

It's not too late to catch the sight of Venus and Jupiter appearing quite
close together. Wednesday night, for example, they'll be separated by just
3.1 degrees. By Thursday, the gap between them will have extended to about
3.5 degrees.

http://www.astronomynow.com/news/n1203/09venjup/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46734632/ns/technology_and_science-space/#.T2FJvIwZ4\
bg

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You can see the archived live chat "Spring Forward--The Ecological Impact
of Climate Change on the Seasons" here:

http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2012/03/live-chat-spring-forwardthe-ecol.h\
tml
_______________________________________

One of the people from the live chat, Jake Weltzin, was interviewed on
this afternoon's All Things Considered.

What's The Impact Of Early Blooms?

http://www.npr.org/2012/03/15/148698272/whats-the-impact-of-early-blooms
(audio available after 7 PM)
________________________________________

In honor of the topic, I made a brief trip a couple of miles down the road
from Sharpsburg to see what might be already blooming this afternoon along
the Ferry Hill Trail, across the Potomac from Shepherdstown:

Blooming:

Bloodroot
Cut-leaf toothwort
Early Saxifrage
Spring Beauty which have been blooming out here already a couple of
weeks
Carex pensylvanica (?)
Dirca palustris
Spicebush
Dutchmen's Breeches
Arabis laevigata

Leaves up, not yet blooming:

Shooting Star
Trillium sessile
Delphinium tricorne
Trout Lily
Virginia Bluebells
Stellaria pubera

A couple of Carex pics from today:
http://botsoc.org/pics/carex1.jpg
http://botsoc.org/pics/carex2.jpg

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Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:22:05 -0400
From: Betsy_Lyman@...
To: maipc@..., DRIPP@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Maipc] Fw: Vacancy Announcement: GS-12 Ecologist/Botanist - Vegetation
       Management Specialist


The Biological Resource Management Division's (BRMD) Restoration and
Adaptation Branch is recruiting for an inter-disciplinary GS-12 Botanist
(GS-0430) / Plant Ecologist (GS-0408) Vegetation Management Specialist to
be duty stationed in Fort Collins, CO.  Activities within the Restoration
Branch include providing  policy, tools and technical guidance necessary to
restore disrupted ecological processes and degraded ecosystems, and to
manage ecosystem resources for anticipated impacts of global environmental
change.� The Branch includes expertise in plant ecology, vegetation
inventory, remote sensing, soil ecology, restoration, invasive plant
management, and botany.� The candidate will apply expertise in plant
ecology / botany towards invasive plant management activities, vegetation
inventory efforts, plant conservation and restoration projects, issues
related to rare, threatened, and endangered plants, and other complex
botanical issues that impact park management.

BRMD provides leadership in conservation, preservation, restoration and
stewardship for the National Park Service (NPS). The Division provides
scientific expertise and technological assistance to support the management
and protection of biological resources and related ecosystem processes
based on credible and sound science within and adjacent to parks. BRMD
staff work with individual parks, the park system, NPS leadership, and
public and private partners on emerging biological issues.� BRMD is
organized into five branches: Development and New Initiatives, Human
Dimensions, Restoration and Adaptation, Wildlife Conservation, and Wildlife
Health.� As a Division within the Natural Resource Stewardship and Science
Directorate (NRSS), BRMD maintains offices in Fort Collins, Colorado, and
Washington, D.C.

The position is being advertised both for Merit Promotion and all sources
consideration:

Title:                        Ecologist/Botanist - Vegetation management
Specialist

Series/Grade(s):              GS-0408/0430-12

Promotion Potential:    GS-12

Duty Location(s):       Fort Collins, Colorado

Announcement No:        WO-COAB-12-624396-DE and WO-COAB-12-625804-MP

Open Period:                  3/19/2012   to   4/06/2012

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/312004700   (All sources
announcement)
http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/312035500   (Merit promotion
announcement)

In an effort to fill the vacancy with the best qualified candidate, we
greatly appreciate your sharing the announcement with interested candidates
or professional organizations.  If there are any questions about the
vacancy please let me know.

Thanks.

Pete
_____________________________________________
Peter Budde, Branch Chief - Restoration & Adaptation
Biological Resource Management Division
National Park Service
Natural Resource Stewardship and Science
1201 Oakridge Dr, Suite 200
Fort Collins, CO  80525

phone:  970.225.3559
e-mail:  peter_budde@...

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From our Vice President:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:50:34 -0400
From: "Everly, Robin" <EverlyR@...>
Subject: It's Cherry Blossom time in Washington D.C. !

Hi All,

Yesterday, seeing this article in the Post reminded me of my days at the
National Arboretum (USNA) when the Arboretum cherry trees as well as the
tidal basin ones are in full bloom.  Here’s the article from the Post about
Roland Jefferson, a retired USNA Botanist.

 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/for-retired-botanistcherry-blossoms-never-lo\
st-their-charm/2012/03/20/gIQAxLfJQS_story.html

(it will be freely available for the next 12 days)


A while back, I asked for his great little book on the history of the cherry
trees and an National Arboretum Contributions publications entitled, “The
Japanese flowering cherry trees of Washington, D.C. : a living symbol of
friendship to be scanned for BHL.

Right now, it is in the Internet Archive if you would like to download and
read it.  It makes a great subway read. 

http://www.archive.org/stream/japaneseflowerin04jeff#page/n3/mode/2up

And the Smithsonian Libraries has several books on cherry trees—history,
symbolism, gardening, and biology in its various Branches.  Keyword either
“cherry blossom” singular or plural to discover more on Prunus x yedoensis
(cv. Yoshino or Somei-Yoshimo) and its taxonomic relatives. 

Finally, not only is the Cherry Blossom festival underway, but it’s the
100th  anniversary of this wonderful gift from Japan.  Japan, first sent us
the trees in 1909 but those had to be destroyed; it is the second gift given
to our Nation in 1912 we celebrate today.

Because it is a special anniversary, the festival is scheduled from March
20th to April 27th this year. 

Learn more at : http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/
_________________________________________

Robin A. Everly
Branch Librarian, Botany-Horticulture Library
Smithsonian Institution Libraries
National Museum of Natural History
Room W422, MRC 154
P.O. Box 37012
Washington D.C. 20013-7012
Phone: 202-633-1685
E-mail: everlyr@...
Website: http://www.sil.si.edu/libraries/bothort/
Help save trees by printing only what you need. 

Smithsonian Institution Libraries:  Connecting. Ideas. Information. You.

 

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Below is a link Joe Kirkbride thought would be of interest to the BSW.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:50:45 +0000
From: "Kirkbride, Joseph" <Joseph.Kirkbride@...>

An early spring!� Blame the heat from the urban landscape (big cities)?

http://www.umces.edu/al/release/2012/mar/11/mid-atlantic-suburbs-can-expect-earl\
y-spring-thanks-heat-big-city
_______________________________________________________�

Also, there was a discussion on the Diane Rehm SHow today about the
Effects of a Mild Winter.

http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-03-22/effects-mild-winter

One of the speakers, an allergist, said he was just this week seeing aspen
tree pollen, something he had never previously seen in the Washington
area.

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Electricity from trees
Plants have long been known as the lungs of the earth, but a new finding
has found they may also play a role in electrifying the atmosphere.
http://www.physorg.com/news/2012-03-electricity-trees.html
_____________________________________________________________

Peg Kay added a note about cherry trees:

A note in case you miss the main event.� Typically, the cherry blossoms at
Meadowlark Gardens arrive about 10 days after the blossoms at the tidal
basin.� And they are just as gorgeous.
______________________________________________________________

Don't forget that this year's Washington Academy of Sciences Capital
Science 2012 conference will be held March 31 - April 1, with the BSW
presentations being given on the 1st.
http://www.washacadsci.org/capsci12/body.htm
http://www.botsoc.org/2012CapSciBotSoc.pdf
_______________________________________________________________

The first BSW field trip of the season is scheduled for Saturday, March
31.  The plan is to do our regular trip to Billy Goat Trail near Old
Angler's Inn.  We will meet at 9 a.m. in the parking area across from Old
Angler's. Map to area: http://bit.ly/GWojnl
(See Paul Peterson's findings about the area below. ANd below that for
suggested things to bring.)

http://www.botsoc.org/Bear_Island_list_April_2011.pdf
http://www.botsoc.org/Bear_Island_key_April_2011.pdf

The next trip is scheduled for the same time and place on the following
Saturday, April 7.  And a trip to Turkey Run on the Virginia side of the
river will take place the next Saturday, April 14.

As you may know there has been concern about the parking across from Old
Angler's and you may wish to try to carpool and arrive early to try to be
sure to get a parking spot.  Here is what Paul Peterson found when he went
to scout the area on March 10:

[I'm sorry - I was quite certain I had already sent Paul's message out
shortly after I received it on March 12 but saw no sign of it just now in
the message archive.]

On 10 March 2012 I went with Kostya Romaschenko and my kids to hike along
the Billy Goat trail from our usual meeting place across from Old Angler's
Inn.  There is limited parking in the regular lot and along McCarther
Blvd. There was no construction activity, probably because it was
Saturday, and I saw no construction workers.  So parking in the regular
lot was allowed.  I saw plenty of people using the regular parking lot and
it was nearly full (parking lot across from Old Angler's) when I arrived
at 2 pm.  However, I parked along McCarther with another 50 or so
vehicles.  I did not receive a ticket upon returning at around 6 pm.  We
walked to the entry to the Billy Goat trail, first crossing the bridge
over the canal to the west side near the Potomac River.  We then proceeded
directly to the river an hiked up this for about 100 meters then returned
to the towpath.  There were many people using the towpath here and yes
there is construction, and large drainage structure ins nearly finished
near the first bend in the path just below Widewater near the large Rock
outcrop.  The path is in excellent shape (smooth and well grated) and wide
enough to drive two pickups side by side here.  There is an additional
fence at the lower end of widewater a few hundred meters before you
connect to the Billy Goat trail but there is a short, well-worn trail that
cuts on the river side to go around this.  So, yes there is a fence
immediately below Old Angler's resticting movement, although most walkers
stepped over this rather than take the detour (trail) we took via the
river to go around the fence; and then another fence at the lower end of
Widewater.  I think we should all enjoy our regular scheduled field trips
as planned!  Saludos...Paul

_______________________________________________________________

Suggested items to bring:

Handlens, sunscreen, field guide(s), binoculars, lunch, raingear if
weather is iffy, hat, printout of plant list and key, camera, good walking
shoes, jacket (maybe not needed this year!)

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Next BSW meeting: 7 pm Tuesday, 3 April

The topic will be Maine�s low bush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium )
fine scale spatial genetic structure.  The speaker will be Daniel Bell.

A flyer is available at http://botsoc.org/apr12.pdf

Meeting location: Cathy Kerby Room (Room CE-340), Smithsonian Institution,
National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. and Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, DC. Use the Constitution Avenue entrance. Let Robin Everly
(EverlyR@...) know by the 2nd that you will be coming so a badge can be
made for you.

All are welcome. As usual, light refreshments will be served prior to and
after the presentation.

Pre-meeting dinner: 5:30 P.M. at the Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant,
1201 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington. Phone 202-347-7707. The
restaurant is diagonally across from the Old Post Office Pavilion at 12th
and Pennsylvania, a few blocks from the Museum, with Federal Triangle the
nearest Metro station, and Metro Center also nearby.

______________________________________________________

MNPS Monthly Meeting: The Flora of Virginia Project
27 Mar 2012 7:30 PM�
Kensington Library, Kensington, MD

Speaker: Marion Lobstein

Virginia, for its landmass, has the greatest diversity of vascular plants of
any state in the US, with Maryland not far behind. Virginia had the first
flora (Flora Virginica) among the original thirteen colonies but has not had
a flora published since. A mere 250 years later, the final editing of a
modern Flora of Virginia is being completed in early 2012 for publication by
Botanical Research Institute of Texas later in 2012. In this program Marion
Lobstein, an active member of the Foundation of the Flora of Virginia
Project, will describe this exciting project and why the new Flora of
Virginia will be important and useful to MNPS members.

Marion Blois Lobstein is a recently retired Associate Professor of biology
at the Manassas Campus of NVCC. Along with Cris Fleming and the late Barbara
Tufty, she is a co-author of Finding Wildflowers in the Washington-Baltimore
Area. Marion is on the Board of Director of the Foundation of the Flora of
Virginia Project, a Fellow of the Virginia Academy of Science, and former
Board of the Foundation of the State Arboretum (at Blandy Experimental
Farm), and active member of the Virginia Native Plant Society. She is also a
member of the Audubon Naturalist Society.

Location: Kensington Library.

Directions: From the Washington Beltway (I-495)

Take Connecticut Avenue north to the third signal after the Beltway. Turn
left onto Knowles and go 2 1/2 blocks to the library on the right.

The meeting is open to non-members.

Registration is not required.

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Reminder: There is a field trip tomorrow, March 31.  Meet at 9 a.m. in the
parking area across from the Old Angler's Inn on MacArthur Blvd.
See this message for more details:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/botsoc/message/487

Weather calls for 30% chance of showers so bring raingear.

A couple of cell phone numbers to have on hand:
Rob: 240-855-5551
Kathy 301-991-5470

Flower note:  Twinleaf in the Shepherdstown area has already bloomed, at
least in the couple of areas I checked today and two days ago.  Floerkea
was in full bloom.
_______________________________________________________

Don't forget that this year's Washington Academy of Sciences Capital
Science 2012 conference will be held March 31 - April 1, with the BSW
presentations being given on the 1st.
http://www.washacadsci.org/capsci12/body.htm
http://www.botsoc.org/2012CapSciBotSoc.pdf
_______________________________________________________

Maybe some will remember the cutting down of more than an acre of trees
beside C and O Canal property.  The ranger who blew the whistle about it
has recently released a book about his trails and tribulations, and early
good days with the NPS.  he title is: Worth Fighting For (A Park Rangers
Unexpected Battle Against Federal Bureaucrats and Washington Redskins
Owner Dan Snyder) by Robert Danno.  A review is here:
http://www.anpr.org/dannobook.htm


http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/03/only-on-7-whistleblower-in-dan-snyder-scand\
al-writes-a-book--73602.html
__________________________________________________________

Recently released invasive plant app:

Mid-Atlantic Early Detection Network
By UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
View More By This Developer
Description
Mid-Atlantic Early Detection Network (MAEDN) is a vast network of land
managers, field experts, citizen scientists, naturalists, gardeners and
others interested in documenting invasive plant occurrences in the
mid-Atlantic region for the purposes of early detection, improved
management and better coordination. The region includes Delaware,
Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and
the District of Columbia.

The current focus is on invasive plants but additional invasive insects
and diseases have been included in this App. Releases of approved
biological control agents can also be reported using EDDMapS but not
currently included in this App. Thanks to support from Invasive Plant
Control, Inc., National Park Service and USDA Forest Service, EDDMapS,
MAEDN and the MAEDN iPhone app is available to users at no cost.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mid-atlantic-early-detection/id501239698?mt=8
__________________________________________________________

   Fwd: Climate-associated phenological advances in bee
        pollinators and bee-pollinated plants (Peter Bernhardt)

http://lists.sonic.net/pipermail/pollinator/attachments/20120327/18cf659b/attach\
ment.obj

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The next field trip is this coming Saturday, April 7. We will meet at 9
a.m. in the parking area across from Old Angler's. Map to area:
http://bit.ly/GWojnl Also see http://botsoc.org/bswfieldtrips.html

We had no issues with parking on the trip this past Saturday.  The upper
lot is open on the weekends. In case of difficulty or late arrival, Rob's
cell number:  240-855-5551
___________________________________________________________

Tuesday, April 3 at 7 PM

Daniel Bell will be speaking about Maine�s low bush blueberry (Vaccinium
angustifolium ) fine scale spatial genetic structure.

Meeting location: Cathy Kerby Room (Room CE-340), Smithsonian Institution,
National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. and Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, DC. Use the Constitution Avenue entrance; wait to be escorted
up. All are welcome. As usual, light refreshments will be served prior to
and after the presentation.

Pre-meeting dinner: 5:30 P.M. at the Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant,
1201 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington. Phone 202-347-7707. The
restaurant is diagonally across from the Old Post Office Pavilion at 12th
and Pennsylvania, a few blocks from the Museum, with Federal Triangle the
nearest Metro station, and Metro Center also nearby.

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Robin Everly thought some may be interested to know about these positions:

   (Full info on: http://www.brit.org/about/employment)

Botanical Conservation Biology

   The Botanical Research Institute of Texas seeks applicants for a
full-time researcher position to begin in summer 2012. We seek a creative
individual with experience conducting research on systematics or
conservation biology of biodiversity hotspots. The successful applicant
will have a Ph.D., preferably with postdoctoral experience, formal
training in botanical systematics, and experience generating and managing
competitive research grants resulting in peer-reviewed publications.
Submit curriculum vitae; three letters of reference; top publications;
specific statements about training, research accomplishments and
objectives; and leadership experience, to: jjones@.... Applications
will be considered until the position is filled. Selection of applicants
will be made through assessment of: 1) training/expertise, 2) research
accomplishments and objectives, 3) competitive grant acquisition
experience, 4) references, and 5) leadership.


Applied Grasslands Ecology

   The Botanical Research Institute of Texas seeks applicants for a
full‐time position to begin in June 2012. We seek a creative individual
with experience conducting research on grasslands ecology and/or plant
biology. The successful applicant will have a Ph.D., preferably with
postdoctoral experience, formal training in botanical systematics, and
experience generating and managing competitive research grants resulting
in peer‐reviewed publications. Submit curriculum vitae, three letters of
reference, top publications, and specific statements about training,
research accomplishments and objectives, and leadership experience, to :
jjones@.... Applications will be considered until the position is
filled. Selection of applicants will be made through assessment of: 1)
training/expertise, 2) research accomplishments and objectives, 3)
competitive grant acquisition experience, 4) references, and 5)
leadership.

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When: Saturday, 14 April 2010, 10:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m.

   Where: Turkey Run Park, part of the national park The George Washington
Memorial Parkway

   Cost: Free, open to the public.

   Species list for Turkey Run:
http://www.botsoc.org/2000_list_Earth_All_110416_425 kb.rtf

Notes: The walk involves level paths and paths downhill and up a low
hill. We will meet in the parking lot (Lot C - which is the first lot you
get to coming into the park) by the Ziz-zag Stairs, walk down the
Stairs, and walk on the Potomac Heritage Trail west to near the American
Legion Bridge. We'll visit a riverine floodplain forest, upland forest,
cliff habitat, and a sandy area. The organisms that we'll note range from
archaeans and bacteria through protistans (algae) through fungi, plants,
and animals. Emphasis is on plants and insects. Many of the the spring
wildflowers should be at their peak during our visit. We will likely see
several bird species. Edd will have a downloadable handout for the
adventure.

   Contact: Edd Barrows, barrowse@...

   More information: Turkey Run Park is located in McLean, Virginia, two
miles south of the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) in the national park
the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP). From Beltway Exit 14,
follow the GWMP south 2 miles to the Turkey Run Park exit on the right.
Follow signs into the Park. From Washington, D.C., and Old Town
Alexandria, take the GWMP north approximately 8 miles and exit right at
the Turkey Run Park sign. Make the first right turn into the Park.

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Rob pointed out that the URL as given in the last email and also on the
webpage would not work. (It had a space in it.)

Anyway, the correct URL is:

http://www.botsoc.org/2000_list_Earth_All_110416_425kb.rtf

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Next meeting: Tuesday, May 1, 7 PM
Speaker: Cavan Allen
Topic: Planted Aquariums: the hobby and the search for suitable new
species
Flyer:   http://www.botsoc.org/may12.doc

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A field trip to Ice Mountain in honour of Larry Morse has been arranged
for 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 9th.  Details will be provided in upcoming
weeks. Ice Mountain is about 10 miles beyond Winchester.   It's about a 2
hour drive from Washington.

Here is Steve Bailes' page about visiting Ice Mountain:
http://stevebailes.org/icemountain/visit.htm

Some may wish to go to the area the day before.  Steve's page  has some
possible lodging sites listed.  The old resort of Capon Springs is also
located not too far away, about 30-40 minutes from the meeting spot for
the field trip.  http://caponsprings.net/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

National Wildlife Federation, working with Landscape Designer John Magee,
is sponsoring a 15-location wildlife garden tour in Fairfax and Loudoun
Counties Virginia on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

Details at: http://online.nwf.org/site/Calendar?id=105981&view=Detail

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Early Bloomers
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/19/opinion/early-bloomers.html


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