Happy Native Plant Appreciation Week!

Thanks to the Colorado Native Plant Society (CoNPS), June 10th-June 16th is now formally recognized by the state of Colorado as Native Plant Appreciation Week. The goal of Native Plant Appreciation Week is to recognize and celebrate the nearly 3,000 native plant species that are found in Colorado. The state contains 132 endemic plant species that are found only in Colorado. Additionally, a total of 521 of the state's native plant species are considered rare and are tracked by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. The observance coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Colorado Native Plant Society. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Native Plant Week in Colorado:

• Visit natural areas, public lands, and botanic gardens to see Colorado's native plants
• Join the Colorado Native Plant Society
• Take a native plant walk with CoNPS
• Landscape with native plants
• Donate to a non-profit that supports the conservation and/or restoration of native plants
• Volunteer your time to help with restoration projects that use native plants

Arkansas Valley evening primrose (Oenothera harringtonii) is found only in Colorado, and is tracked by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program as a rare plant species.