Some of IAE’s Accomplishments During 2016

• Started a seed production farm for Willamette Valley and coastal prairie species, helping fill an ongoing need for high-quality native plant materials for restoration.
• Launched the Southwest Seed Partnership to improve the supply and diversity of native seed for large scale restoration in New Mexico and Arizona.
• Planted over 130,000 native forbs and grasses, over 44,000 native riparian trees and shrubs, and over 20,000 plugs of rare Willamette Valley prairie species.
• Expanded the Sagebrush in Prisons Project to 11 prisons in six states, in support of vital sagebrush habitat for the greater sage-grouse.
• Sowed 1,000 pounds of native seed, and collected native seed from 35 coastal prairie sites to improve plant diversity for Oregon silverspot butterfly and coastal pollinators.

• Developed methods for maintaining native plant diversity in fire-maintained wet prairies and improving coastal prairie restoration in NW Oregon and SW Washington.
• Mapped future tidal wetlands across the entire Oregon coast, providing guidance for coastal land managers as they plan for climate change and, working with partners, set a new national standard for mapping accuracy.
• Initiated new projects to model the effects of climate change and fire on rare native plants to mitigate wildfire effects and inform restoration.
• Worked with Native Americans of the Yurok Tribe to develop strategies for adapting to climate change in the Klamath River estuary of California.

• Engaged 240 adult inmates and 64 youth inmates at 13 correctional facilities in nearly 1300 hours of hands-on ecology lessons, both in the classroom and out in the field.
• Developed Project Botany, a national native plant school curriculum that explores U.S. eco-regions and a New Mexico-specific curriculum, both expanding student knowledge about native plant communities and habitats.
• Provided hands-on experience in ecological research and habitat restoration through internships with college and high school students.
• Developed the Plants for People Project in collaboration with The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, to provide culturally-significant plants in habitat restoration sites.

During 2016, IAE collaborated with over 100 federal, state, and local government agencies, non-profits and private landowner partners, plus dozens of volunteers and donors to conserve native species and habitats.

We look forward to working together during 2017!