Fourth Annual Kentucky Botanical Symposium Videos

“Coming together to discuss current botanical projects, conservation, and collaboration in Kentucky and beyond”

On Friday, February 2, 2024, the Kentucky Native Plant Society and the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves held our fourth annual, virtual, Botanical Symposium. Close to 200 folks were able to attend online to hear and see several presentations about our native plants and plant communities. We know that there are many who would have liked to participate, but were not able to do so. Here are videos of all of the presentations.

Presenter Bios

Download a list of presenter contacts and links discussed in the presentations.

KNPS Updates presented by KNPS President Jeff Nelson

Length: 14:17

State of Kentucky Plant Conservation presented by Tara Littlefield of Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves

Length: 22:28

Finding a Place for Bees in the Conservation of Apios priceana presented by Bashira Chowdhury of Mississippi State University

Length: 14:30

Invasive Plant Assessments for Kentucky, presented by Frannie Preston of University of Kentucky

Length: 10:07

Frolicking with Filmy Ferns, presented by Dr. Sally Chambers and Ricelle Gibson of Eastern Kentucky University

Length: 16:19

Studying Pollinator Interactions in Rare Species: Old Dog, New Tricks, presented by Shawn Krosnick and Chris Waters of Tennessee Tech University

Length: 20:44

2023 iNaturalist Highlights and Kentucky Botanist Big Year Winners, presented by Vanessa Voelker of Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves

Length: 11:26

Conservation Awards
KNPS Stewardship Award for 2023 – Zach Beyer
KNPS Plant Conservation Individual Award for 2023 – Jim & Tina Scheff

Length: 8:53

Tribute to Robert “Bob” Dunlap

Length: 8:10

President’s Message – May, 2024

Jeff Nelson – KNPS President
American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)

Hello fellow native plant enthusiasts. I hope everyone’s spring is going well and that you have been able to get out into Kentucky’s natural areas to enjoy our native plant communities. Last week I went down to the Ballard WMA in Ballard, Co. and saw one of my favorite spring natives, American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) in full bloom. Note the long racemes. Wisteria frutescens is generally described as having racemes 2″-6″ long and many of the ones on this plant were longer than that. This likely means that this specimen is W. frutescens var. macrostachya. Some taxonomists consider this variety a separate species, Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya). American wisteria has been sold in the nursery trade for many years and many cultivars are available. One of the most common of these cultivars is sold as Kentucky wisteria ‘Blue Moon’. Regardless of its taxonomic uncertainty, I hope you too get an opportunity to see this beautiful native growing wild in Kentucky.

kendall and kelsey at registration desk
KNPS Vice President Kendall McDonald and Outreach Committee Chair Kelsey Burge at the WW2024 registration table.
Photo courtesy of Pat Berla

Last month, on Friday, April 12th and Saturday, April 13, nearly 200 members and friends enjoyed KNPS’s 35th Wildflower Weekend, at Natural Bridge SRP! With more hikes, workshops, and kid’s activities than we have ever had and with many of the best botanists in Kentucky in attendance, Wildflower Weekend 2024 was an unqualified success.

In addition to our usual “all things botanical” hikes, we had hikes concentrating on birds, reptiles and amphibians, geology, fire ecology, and pollinators and butterflies. There were also a couple of workshops, “Non-Native Invasive Species Management” and an art workshop, “Reflecting on Nature through Artmaking”.

We have always tried to make Wildflower Weekend a family friendly event (kids 12 and under attend free). This year we had a great kid centered activity, “Junior Botanist Adventure for Kids!” on Saturday morning. This was so well received, that we hope to offer even more activities for kids at next year’s Wildflower Weekend.

Of course, we had our Members & Friends Social on Friday evening with a campfire, s’mores fixings, and a community gathering of like-minded nature lovers and botanists. On Saturday evening, we gathered in the Woodland Center for a short KNPS member meeting, followed by several great talks by a variety of experts. As we always do, we ended the evening with a raffle featuring prizes that included native plants, nature inspired art, and Wildflower Weekend 2024 merchandise.

Almost 50 KNPS members and friends volunteered hundreds of hours of their time making Widlflower Weekend 2024 an amazing event. Everything that the Kentucky Native Plant Society does, such as Wildflower Weekend, the Fall Meeting, workshops, field trips, symposiums, and more, happens through the efforts of volunteers giving of their time and creativity. You can help KNPS accomplish our mission of promoting education about, appreciation for, and conservation of our native flora. If you have ideas for new things that the Society could be doing or thoughts about doing old things better, we want to hear from you. If you want to be more active in areas such as organizing events, leading field trips, helping with membership, writing and editing articles for The Lady Slipper, helping with the website and social media, and more, we want to hear from you. Just send me your thoughts using the comment form below.

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Please use this form to ask questions, make suggestions, volunteer to help the Society, or just vent. Your comments will go directly to my email account. Thanks.

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Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Protecting Native Plant Species 

By Judith Gallova 

Native plants are great for the environment because they’re not only lower-maintenance, but they also provide shelter and food to local animals and insects. But unfortunately, not all insects are beneficial. That’s why gardeners need to learn to manage insect pests effectively. 

Nevertheless, don’t rush to the nearest store to buy a pesticide. Pesticides are strong chemicals that only deal with the problem short term. They’re expensive, and what’s more, may harm people, animals, and the environment. 

Instead, consider integrated pest management; a broad-based, eco-friendly approach for controlling pests long-term. Here are integrated strategies for protecting your native plants from unwanted intruders. 

How Integrated Pest Management Works 

Integrated pest management will be unique to each garden, but certain general principles can be applied to all landscapes. Here are the steps to implement integrated pest management strategies: 

  • Assess the problem: Which insects are a threat to your plants and which ones are beneficial? How much damage can the harmful insects do to your garden and do you need to protect your plants from them?
  • Monitor for and identify pests: Monitor your plants for insect pests, and identify them correctly. 
  • Determine action thresholds: Decide how much pest activity is enough that it warrants action. 
  • Explore treatments: Take a look at some of the pest management strategies below and use the ones that work for you. 
  • Evaluate results: Go back to the beginning and asses if the situation has improved. If not, reassess and try, try again. 

Physical Ways to Get Rid of Plant Pests 

These are a few physical methods you can use to prevent insect pests from getting where they want to go.  

  • Dispose of heavily infested plants. 
  • Prune plants where they’ve been attacked by bugs. 
  • Use strong sprays of water to remove bugs from plants. 
  • Use lateral barriers, like exclusion nets, to help prevent insect pests from getting to your plants. 

Cultural Ways to Get Rid of Plant Pests 

Cultural ways to eliminate plant pests involve things like good gardening practices and smart ways to store food, compost, and garbage. 

  • Plant insect pest-resistant species, for example, swamp milkweed.  
  • Consider using resistant rootstocks. 
  • Don’t use nitrogen in excess. 
  • Manage weeds effectively. 
  • Water your plants adequately, especially during periods of drought. 
  • Pick up fallen fruit from the ground. 
  • Don’t leave plant debris out in the open. 
  • Cover your garbage cans. 
  • Seal compost bins. 
  • Don’t store pet food near your plants, or put it in airtight containers. 

Biological Ways to Get Rid of Plant Pests 

Use natural insect pest predators, also called natural enemies. For example, you can use ladybugs or managing ants to help control aphids. Or, use beneficial mites to help wipe out spider mites. 

Chemical Ways to Get Rid of Plant Pests 

If your infestation is too problematic that the natural options aren’t effective, you may have to resort to pesticides. Chemicals can effectively remove insect pests, but they may also pose a risk to people, animals, and the environment. Before you take action with pesticides, ensure that you’ve taken all the other possible steps. Once you use chemicals to eradicate the problem, return to non-chemical options to maintain and keep insect pests from coming back. 

If you’ve decided to apply chemical treatments: 

  • Consider insecticidal soaps, plant-derived oils, and horticultural oils. They can help to get rid of insect pests without posing as much harm as pesticides. 
  • If you do apply pesticides, avoid using the same one repeatedly, or the insect pests may build resistance to it. 
  • Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides so you don’t kill beneficial bugs who prey on insect pests. 
  • Always read and follow the instructions printed on the pesticide label. 

FAQ 

  • Which insect pests commonly attack plants in Kentucky? 
    • Kentucky plants deal with a variety of insect pests. Common ones include aphids and spider mites. 
  • Which plants are native to Kentucky? 
    • Kentucky has a number of native plants you can buy at local plant suppliers. For example, the purple coneflower, wild bergamot, and swamp milkweed. 
  • Which plant is resistant to insect pests? 
    • Swamp milkweed is a Kentucky native that is insect pest-resistant. It thrives in local swamps and wetlands. 
  • Where can I learn more about IPM?
    • Contact your county extension agent for more information about IPM. You can send pictures of the pest and the damage. You might be asked to bring in a specimen to send to UK.

Final Thoughts 

Incorporating long-term, chemical-free strategies into your garden is the best way to protect your plants from insect pests long-term. There are more solutions than you may initially realize, so if you can avoid using chemicals as much as possible, you’ll be doing the best thing for the environment. 

Judith is a freelance home and yard improvement writer. Using her skills and research, she explores the essentials of plant care, helping you maintain a beautiful garden. In her free time, Judith likes to spend time with loved ones, stroll through nature, and study the Bible. 

Join Us At Natural Bridge This Weekend for Wildflower Weekend 2024!

Everything is set for KNPS’s 35th Wildflower Weekend, on Friday, April 12th and Saturday, April 13, at Natural Bridge SRP! With more hikes, workshops and kid’s activities than we have ever had, many of the best botanists in Kentucky in attendance, and with beautiful weather forecast, Wildflower Weekend 2024 would be a great destination for everyone this weekend.

In addition to our usual “all things botanical” hikes, we have a hikes concentrating on birds, reptiles and amphibians, geology, fire ecology, pollinators and butterflies. There will also be a couple of workshops, “Non-Native Invasive Species Management” and an art workshop, “Reflecting on Nature through Artmaking”.

We have always tried to make Wildflower Weekend a family friendly event (kids 12 and under attend free). This year we are offering two kid centered activities, a “Junior Botanist Adventure for Kids!” on Saturday morning and then, on Saturday afternoon, the “Kids Activities Table“, a drop-in activity (no registration required), with fun botanical and nature activities designed for the young naturalist. See details in the schedule below.

Of course, we will have our Members & Friends Social on Friday evening at Picnic Shelters #3 and #4, with smores fixings and a community gathering of like-minded nature lovers and botanists. Saturday evening, we will gather in the Woodland Center for talks by a variety of experts and our raffle featuring prizes that include native plants, nature inspired art, and Wildflower Weekend 2024 merchandise.

Online registration has closed, but there is still space available in many of the hikes and activities. Just show up in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge and Natural Bridge and you can quickly register and enjoy Wildflower Weekend. If you have any questions, just email us at WildflowerWeekend2024@knps.org .

Hope to see you at Natural Bridge!

Schedule of Events

This is the listing of hikes and activities that still have spaces available.

Friday, April 12th – Afternoon Hikes

12:15PM – Fire Ecology Hike, Heidi Braunreiter & Jason Nally
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. This is a difficult, 1.5 mile hike with a 420 foot ascent. Original Trail-Balanced Rock Trail-Sand Gap Trail. Original Trailhead.
Join fire practitioners from OKNP to discuss the impacts of fire on the landscape, while traveling along the ridgetop burned by a wildfire in April 2023 at Natural Bridge State Park and Nature Preserve. We will discuss how fire suppression, wildfire, and prescribed fire play a role in shaping Kentucky’s landscape today. Note- as this hike will be along a dry ridgetop, fewer wildflowers will be visible, but we will hike along natural bridge and get landscape vistas. This hike has ~420 foot ascent and is moderately difficult. There are several shelters and benches on the Original Trail for rest breaks.

Friday, April 12th – Members & Friends Social

7:30pm Members & Friends Social, Natural Bridge SRP, Picnic Shelter #3 & #4 (37.779750, -83.676750)
Join us around the fire pit to gather with fellow wildflower enthusiasts. Meet the KNPS board members & officers. Meet at Picnic Shelters #3 & #4 which are across the road (Rt. 11) from the Whittleton Campground. Utilities include restrooms, parking, picnic tables and a small playground. S’more fixings will be provided. Bring your own chair, drinks (no alcohol allowed), flashlights, and weather appropriate clothing/gear.

Saturday, April 13th – Morning Hikes

8:00AM – Biodiversity Hike, Dan & Judy Dourson
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. This is an easy to moderately difficult walk of 1-2 miles. The Wild’s Trail. 200 Punkin Hollow, Stanton, KY 40380. Site is ~20 min drive from NBSRP.
Join authors Dan & Judy Dourson on a walk through Punkin Hollow to look at all things nature. For a great plant guide of the area, check out their book “Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge and the Greater Red River Basin.”

8:00AM – Birding for Beginners Hike, Rod Botkins & Dan Patrick
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. This is an easy walk of 0.25 miles. Gladie Visitor Center. 3451 Skybridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380. Site ~30 min drive from NBSRP. Binoculars suggested.
New to birding? Join OKNP Natural Areas Technician Rod Botkins and birder Dan Patrick on a gentle bird watching trip at the Gladie Visitor Center designed for those just getting into bird watching. Guests will listen and look for spring migratory birds of the Red River Gorge. Binoculars suggested. This hike has minimal walking and is considered a gentle activity.

8:00AM – Ecology Hike (Role of Wildflowers in our Ecosystems), Zach Lemmon & Stephen Pate
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. This is a moderately difficult hike of 2.0 miles with an ~250 foot ascent. Gray’s Arch Trail. Gray’s Arch Trailhead. 37.80809, -83.65758. Trailhead ~15 min drive from NBSRP.
Join U.S. Forest Service Forest Technicians Zach Lemmon and Stephen Pate on a hike through the ridgetops to the scenic Gray’s arch area. Learn about the role of wildflowers in the Red River Gorge Ecosystem, and keep your eyes (and noses!) peeled for the state rare Sweet Pinesap (Monotropsis odorata). The majority of the trail is relatively flat, but there is a short steep section of trail with some stairs that leads down to Gray’s Arch. This trail has ~250 foot ascent and is moderately difficult.

8:30AM – Moss and Fern Hike, Dr. Allen Risk
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. This is an easy hike of 1.5 miles with ~100 foot ascent. Whittleton Trail. Whittleton Campground Trailhead. 37.782712, -83.673068.Trailhead ~5 min drive from NBSRP. Handlens suggested.
Join Dr. Allen Risk of Morehead State University on a walk through the rich cove of Whittleton Branch to learn about the non-flowering, seedless plants of NBSRP. These organisms are best appreciated with magnification, so a handlens is suggested. This trail has ~100 foot ascent and is considered easy.

8:30AM – Spring Plant Life Hike, Rob Paratley & Rachel Cook
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. This is a moderately difficult hike of <3.0 miles with a ~300 foot ascent. Bison Way Trail. Bison Way Trailhead. 37.836831, -83.609732. Trailhead ~25 min drive from NBSRP
Join retired UK herbarium curator Dr. Rob Paratley and Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves botanist Rachel Cook on a hike to learn about spring plant life. Not only will you learn to identify the plants seen, but hike leads will discuss their plant families and their unique ecologies. This trail has ~300 foot ascent and is moderately difficult.

9:00AM – Junior Botanist Adventure for Kids!, Dr. Kelly Watson, Destiny Cornett, & EKU Students
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. An easy walk of less than 0.25 miles. Hemlock Lodge Area.
Calling all junior naturalists! Join Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for Environmental Education Director and Professor Dr. Kelly Watson, EKU Program Specialist Destiny Cornett & EKU Students on a botanical scavenger around the NBSRP Hemlock Lodge. NBSRP is a wonderfully biodiverse area that provides an excellent setting for young learners to engage with nature.

Saturday, April 13th – Afternoon Hikes

12:30PM – Art Workshop: “Reflecting on Nature through Artmaking”, Laura Mentor
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. This is a moderately difficult hike of 1.5 miles with a ~420 foot ascent. Original Trail to Shelter on top of Natural Bridge. Original Trailhead.
An opportunity to spend time observing and reflecting on nature through artmaking. Participants may choose from basic art materials provided, but are encouraged to bring their own as desired. Any subject from landscape painting at the top of Natural Bridge to close studies of native plants, incorporation of text into imagery or using imagery to enliven journaling is welcome. Time allowed for sharing and discussion. Of particular interest to the leader are ideas of how artists’ work can promote understanding of our vital relationship with the natural world around us. This trail has ~420 foot ascent and is moderately difficult. There are several shelters and benches on the Original Trail for rest breaks. If you would like to attend this workshop and cannot hike up to the top of Natural Bridge, you may use the Skylift to reach the top for an additional fee. Art supplies provided by KNPS.

12:30PM Kids Activities Table, Dr. Kelly Watson, Destiny Cornett, & EKU Students
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. Easy. >0.25 miles. Hemlock Lodge Area.
Drop-in activity, no registration required. Join Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for Environmental Education Director and Professor Dr. Kelly Watson, EKU Program Specialist Destiny Cornett & EKU Students for fun botanical and nature activities designed for the young naturalist! This activity requires minimal walking and is considered a gentle activity.

1:00PM – Non-Native Invasive Species Management Workshop, Kenneth Mills & Jason Nally
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. Easy. 0.25 miles. Woodland Center. This is an indoor workshop with a small hiking component.
Join Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves’ Natural Areas Technician Kenneth Mills and OKNP Natural Areas & Recovery Branch Manager Jason Nalley in this workshop about non-native invasive plant species. Eradicating invasive species from your property is crucial for improving conditions for native flora and fauna. Whether you own or manage 0.05 acres or 50,000 acres, this workshop equips you with key skills to identify invasive species and develop effective management plans to promote native species. Additionally, we will explore potential funding sources to support your invasive species management goals. Join us to learn practical strategies for conserving biodiversity on your land. Weather permitting, this workshop will include a short walk around the Natural Bridge State Parks grounds to identify invasive species and discuss potential management strategies.

1:00PM – ¡Despierta, Bosque! Un paseo de la primavera de los polinizadores, Dr. Valerie Peters & Dr. Jennifer Koslow
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. A moderately difficult hike of 2 miles. Rock Garden Trail. Original Trailhead.
Venga al bosque para una caminata bilingüe en español y ingles para aprender sobre las flores de la primavera y sus polinizadores, durante el tiempo del año cuando el bosque esta despertando del invierno. Las familias y la gente de todas las edades están bienvenidos. La Dra. Valerie Peters, quien estudia las polinizadores de KY y en Costa Rica, seria encargada de dirigir la caminata en español. La Dra. Jennifer Koslow, una ecóloga que estudia plantas en KY, estaría co-líder de la caminata, en Spanglish. 1-2 millas, caminata fácil a moderadamente difícil.

Wake up, Woods! A spring pollinator walk; Come take a bilingual (Spanish and English) walk in the woods to learn about spring wildflowers and their pollinators as the forest wakes up from its winter slumber. Families and people of all ages welcome. Dr. Valerie Peters, who studies pollinators in Kentucky and Costa Rica, will lead the walk in Spanish, while Dr. Jennifer Koslow, a plant ecologist who works in Kentucky, will assist in Spanglish. 1-2 miles, easy to moderately difficult walk.

1:00 PM – Wildflower and Geology Car Tour of Red River Gorge, Ron Jones & Mark Sweet
Meet in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge. Driving tour with some walking. Carpooling required. Join Ron Jones, retired professor from EKU and Mark Sweet, owner of ProComp Services, on a car tour examining the botany and geology of the Red River Gorge. The group will carpool and make stops at Mill Creek Lake, Nada Tunnel, and Rock Bridge. This is a driving tour, so carpooling will be required due to limited parking in the RRG area.

Saturday, April 13th – Evening Talks in the Woodland Center at Natural Bridge SRP

6:00PM – Welcome/Introductions – Kendall McDonald

6:05PM – Celebration of 35th Anniversary of Wildflower Weekend
To celebrate 35 years of WW, KNPS members and friends were asked to send in photography of weekends in the past. The photography has been curated into a short video that highlights all the wonderful education and experiences members and friends have had with us in these decades.

6:10PM – KNPS Business Meeting, Heidi Braunreiter & David Taylor

6:30PM – iNaturalist BotanyBlitz Results, Vanessa Voelker
iNaturalist BotanyBlitz lead Vanessa Voelker will give guests a preliminary update on the results of the BotanyBlitz, covering current rankings in the competition and featuring any interesting botanical finds.

6:35PM – Pollinator Garden Grant Recipient Update, Liberty Hall Garden Curator
In 2023, KNPS began our pilot Pollinator Garden Grant Program. Liberty Hall, an historical institution and landmark in Kentucky’s capital of Frankfort, utilized the grant to begin to convert the popular garden to a diverse native plant garden. The Hall’s Garden Curator will provide us with an update on the success of their native plantings and plans for the future.

6:45PM – Fire on the Cumberland Plateau, Mary Arthur Because of the complexity of the hardwood forests of the Cumberland Plateau, it has only been in the last 50 years or so that scientists have come to understand the intertwined roles of humans and fire on these landscapes. Contemporary fire ecologists and land managers are tasked with harnessing that understanding in order to apply fire as a disturbance agent in the sustainable management of upland forests. Mary Arthur is a forest ecologist and professor emeritus at UK. Her research over 30 years examined the role of prescribed fire and wildfire on the ecology of upland forest ecosystems on the Cumberland Plateau of Kentucky, and helped to shape fire management and fire policy in the region.

7:00PM – Giant Cane Ecology and Restoration Methods, Dr. David Brown
Giant Cane (Arundinaria gigantea) is a native bamboo valuable for wildlife and ecosystem services. Historically widespread in Kentucky, Giant Cane has been reduced to small remnant patches. Restoring Giant Cane comes with unique challenges, but propagation methods have been developed. Landscape scale restoration will require training programs and available stock from nurseries. Restored canebrakes may effectively exclude invasive plant species.
David Brown is an ecologist and land manager who has worked at Eastern Kentucky University for 15 years. He conducts research on migratory birds and trains students in wildlife conservation and natural resource management.

7:30PM – Break

7:40PM – Fungi and their Relationship to Plants, Dr. Kristen Wickert
This talk will go over three broad categories of relationships that plants have with fungi: “The good, the bad, and the ugly” aka Symbiotic, Decomposer and Pathogenic relationships. While the broad general concepts of these relationships will be discussed, a few specific examples in Kentucky will also be highlighted.
Over the past eight years Dr. Kristen Wickert has utilized the social media app Instagram to educate the general public on the natural world around them. The posts to her personal Instagram account, with the username KaydubsTheHikingScientist, include information about organisms and conservation efforts to expose the public to the world around them, especially in the wild and wonderful world of Appalachia. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s in Forest Biology and a master’s and PhD in Plant Pathology. She studies fungi and how they affect plant life and how insects act as vectors in spreading disease causing fungi.

8:30PM – Q & A Session/Raffle Set up

8:40PM – Raffle This year’s raffle prizes include a wood carving by Bob VanHoff, a native flower paper sculpture by Vanessa Voelker, Wildflower Weekend 2024 Logo Merch, and native plants from several native plant growers across the state.

Are You On the 2024 Botany Blitz Map?

Each orange square is a location where Botany Blitz observations have been made

The KNPS Wildflower Week 2024 Botany Blitz began on Saturday, April 6th with six Kick-Off Hikes across the Commonwealth; from Hematite Lake in Trigg County in the west, to Lower Howard’s Creek in Clark County in the east. Running through Sunday, April 14th, the Botany Blitz is an effort to document as many plant species as possible within Kentucky during the week preceding Wildflower Weekend. Observers have already recorded more than 1,000 observations of over 300 species of plants in the state.

This is the fourth year for our spring wildflower-focused Botany Blitz, which is hosted on the community science website iNaturalist. Using either the iNaturalist mobile app or website, participants upload photos of budding and blooming plants they observe in local parks, state parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature preserves across the state. Like many other plant identification apps, iNaturalist analyzes the visual information in photos and offers identification suggestions. But unlike other AI-based apps, the iNaturalist website is also a robust community of people, from new nature enthusiasts to experienced naturalists and expert biologists. The observations you make can be reviewed by the community, and the identifications you select can be confirmed or corrected by other members.

We encourage anyone interested to sign up for an iNaturalist account if you’re not already a user, and to make sure your observations get counted in this year’s blitz, join the Botany Blitz 2024 project (just click “Join” in the top right corner of the project page), and download the mobile app for iPhone or Android. Then get out and look for native plants in parks and other natural areas in your part of KY and make your observations. If you’re new to the platform, check out this helpful Getting Started guide, and browse the observations made by Botany Blitz 2024 participants (or the view the results from 2021, 2022, and 2023).

Plant shrubs now for vibrant colors this fall

Now that spring is really here, it’s time to start planning for the fall. Right now, is the perfect time to critically review your property for areas that fall flat during the winter. You can still see the empty spots and it’s time to plant! What follows is a list of shrubs that provide a bouquet of fall colors for you to consider.

Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire)

  • Growth: 3 to 5 feet tall.
  • Autumn Colors: Red to orange.
  • Notable Features: This shrub shines with its small cascading white flowers in summer and vibrant fall foliage, making it an excellent alternative to burning bush, an invasive species, although it doesn’t get as tall as burning bush.

Rhus glabra (smooth sumac)

  • Growth: 9 to 15 feet tall.
  • Autumn Colors: Orange to red.
  • Notable Features: Recognized for its striking color and upright fruit clusters, smooth sumac is drought-resistant and adaptable to various environments.

Viburnum opulus L. var. americanum Aiton (American cranberrybush)

  • Growth: 8 to 12 feet tall.
  • Autumn Colors: Purplish-red.
  • Notable Features: Not only does it display vibrant fall foliage, but it also bears bright red berries that persist in winter, offering food for birds.

Viburnum prunifolium (blackhaw viburnum)

  • Growth: Up to 15 feet tall.
  • Autumn Colors: Purple-red.
  • Notable Features: This large shrub or small tree provides spring flowers, autumn color, and fruit for wildlife. It’s drought tolerant once established.

Physocarpus opulifolius (ninebark)

  • Growth: Up to 6 feet tall and wide.
  • Autumn Colors: Red, though not as vivid as other shrubs.
  • Notable Features: Ninebark stands out for its peeling bark, spring flowers, and a form that provides visual interest throughout the year.

Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry)

  • Growth: Up to 12 feet tall.
  • Autumn Colors: Fiery reds and oranges.
  • Notable Features: Beyond their delicious berries, highbush blueberries offer striking fall foliage. They require acidic soil and adequate moisture to thrive.

Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry)

  • Growth: Up to 6 feet tall and wide.
  • Autumn Colors: Subtle foliage change; renowned for vibrant purple berries.
  • Notable Features: The neon lavender berries of American beautyberry steal the show in fall and winter, creating a spectacular contrast with its foliage and attracting wildlife.

Aronia spp. (chokeberry)

  • Growth: Up to 6 feet tall.
  • Autumn Colors: Red.
  • Notable Features: Chokeberry is notable for its glossy summer foliage, white to pink spring flowers, and dark berries, along with its striking fall color. It’s a hardy, versatile plant suitable for various landscapes.

Corylus americana (American Hazelnut)

  • Growth: 10 to 16 feet tall and wide.
  • Autumn Colors: Yellow, orange, and red foliage.
  • Notable Features: This shrub is celebrated not just for its autumn color but also for its edible nuts that serve as important wildlife nourishment.

Lindera benzoin (spicebush)

  • Growth: 6 to 12 feet tall.
  • Autumn Colors: Bright yellow leaves in autumn.
  • Notable Features: It’s a crucial host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. Fragrant yellow flowers in early spring and red berries in fall make it a year-round interest plant.

 Euonymus americanus (strawberry bush)

  • Growth: 4 to 6 feet tall.
  • Autumn Colors: Reddish-purple leaves with bright red seed pods that reveal orange seeds.
  • Notable Features: Known colloquially as Hearts-a-Bustin’, this shrub offers unique visual interest with its colorful seed pods in addition to its fall foliage​.

Rhus aromatica, fragrant sumac

  • Growth: 2 to 6 feet tall, making it an excellent ground cover or low shrub option.
  • Autumm Colors: A brilliant display of scarlet, orange, and purple leaves.
  • Notable Features: Drought-resistant and aromatic, this shrub is notable for its attractive foliage and berries that support local wildlife​.

Planting these native shrubs in spring ensures they become well-established by fall, ready to showcase their brilliant autumn colors. Each species not only adds visual interest to the landscape during the cooler months but also supports local biodiversity by providing habitat and food for wildlife.

Comments are open, so please feel free to add your own favorites for fall color.

Wildflower Weekend 2024 – Registration is Now Open!

Kentucky Native Plant Society’s
Wildflower Weekend 2024
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Friday, April 12th & Saturday, April 13th, 2024

The schedule is set and registration is now open for Wildflower Weekend 2024, April 12th-13th, at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Join nature lovers, families, community scientists, amateur naturalists, and professional botanists from across the Commonwealth, as we explore the beauty and diversity of Kentucky’s natural history. Wildflower Weekend is open to the public and family-friendly.

This year we are celebrating 35 years of Wildflower Weekend! That’s right! Naturalists and nature lovers from all across Kentucky have been gathering in the spirit of botanical appreciation, fellowship and education at Wildflower Weekend since May 1989! We are proud to host this year’s event at Natural Bridge SRP, the original location of the very first KNPS Wildflower Weekend.

We are offering over 20 different hikes this year, the most we have ever had at any Wildflower Weekend! In addition to our usual “all things botanical” hikes, we have a couple of hikes concentrating on birds, a couple of hikes concentrating on reptiles and amphibians, and one featuring butterflies. There will also be a couple of workshops, “Non-Native Invasive Species Management” and an art workshop, “Reflecting on Nature through Artmaking”.

We have always tried to make Wildflower Weekend a family friendly event (kids 12 and under attend free). This year we are offering two kid centered activities, a “Junior Botanist Adventure for Kids!” on Saturday morning and then, on Saturday afternoon, the “Kids Activities Table“, a drop-in activity (no registration required), with fun botanical and nature activities designed for the young naturalist. See details in the schedule below.

Of course, we will have our Members & Friends Social on Friday evening and the Saturday evening talks and raffle in the Woodland Center.

Pre-registration is required using the form at the bottom of this page (click here to go to the form). Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for ages 13-17, and free for ages 12 & under. The agenda for the weekend is listed below.

KNPS will have staffed tables in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge where you can ask questions, meet old and new native plant friends, see the items that will be raffled off on Saturday night, purchase raffle tickets, and purchase some other native plant related items.

The hikes are limited as to the number of people who can sign up. This is done so that everyone will have a rich and positive experience. Last year hikes filled up fairly quickly, so register as soon as possible to get the best choice of hikes.

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