The C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) is focused on the long-term conservation of rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) plant species throughout the Park. Its comprehensive strategy to conserve these plants includes identification, monitoring, habitat protection, seed collection, plant propagation, and establishing new populations of RTE species in unique habitat niches in the Park. That strategy has recently come full circle as the first several hundred plants from five species of RTE plants, processed and propagated from collected seeds, have been outplanted into appropriate habitats in the Park.
Since the creation of the C&O Canal NHP in 1971, over 1,500 plant species have been identified. More than 200 RTE plant species have been recorded, some of which are globally rare and unique, however, that number appears to be dwindling, and many species are likely now locally extinct. Invasive non-native plants, regional urbanization, surging visitation, and climate change have all taken their toll on the fragile habitats that make such diversity possible. The C&O Canal NHP has faced additional challenges as a result of ongoing shortfalls in the National Park Service operating budget. Through the generosity of over 70 individual donors, the C&O Canal Trust has assisted with funding this critical biodiversity initiative since 2020.
More outplantings from the 11 remaining RTE species will be done throughout the growing season as plants mature and are available from Mt. Cuba Center. So far in 2023, seeds from five additional species have been collected, which include harbinger of spring (Erigenia bulbosa), Carey’s sedge (Carex caryana), eastern leatherwood (Dirca palustris), white trout lily (Erythronium albidum), and eastern shooting star (Primula media). Collection from additional species is planned as plants produce fruits and seeds throughout the growing season.
