Why Should We Care?
Every native plant in Indiana fills a unique niche, and each loss has a significant impact on our ecosystems. The loss of a species disrupts food webs and can have downstream consequences, meaning that the effect on overall biodiversity can extend beyond the loss of that single species.
Because 90% of insects are specialists on just one or a few plants, losing even one species can threaten the insects that feed on that plant, the birds and other animals that feed on those insects, and so on. Therefore, working to conserve as many of our native plant species as possible helps reduce our biodiversity losses.
Enlisting Community Scientists
Discover how community science programs play a crucial role in conserving our rare plants and learn about programs from across the United States.
Project Timeline
Get Involved
- Be on the lookout for a future call for volunteers.
We’re now recruiting retired botanists and skilled amateurs for the second phase of the program, and we will begin accepting general volunteers for the third phase, beginning in winter 2026. - Be a financial supporter.
Program facilitation for the rare plant monitoring program is partially funded by a grant from the Sam Shine Foundation. Please consider donating to support these efforts.