Events

Rare species are considered a bellwether of ecosystem decline as they are more dependent on functioning intact ecosystems than common species. Understanding the conservation status of rare species at regional, national, and global scales requires current high-quality data. Michigan Natural Features Inventory manages the Michigan Natural Heritage Database that currently tracks the status of more than 344 rare animal species, 451 rare plant species, and high-quality examples of 80 natural communities. These data are used by stakeholders including state and federal agencies, utilities, and land trusts to assist in conservation planning. Tyler Bassett will examine changes to the list of plant species thought to be rare, from its genesis in the 1970s to the most recent update in 2023. Using case studies, he will illustrate how data is gathered and managed, how accuracy and quality is ensured, and how impactful high-quality data is for guiding conservation of rare species and the ecosystems in which they are embedded.

Doors open at 6:00 for social time.