Native Plant Production
College of Agricultural Sciences
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
El Paso
County
(Denver)
- Horticulture
- In the field
Primary Topic:
Horticulture
Other Topics:
Natural Resources
Internship Overview:
Nursery-propagated native plant species are a tool for habitat restoration, and their use extends beyond wildland areas as urban residents seek to create wildlife corridors. As perceived demand for native plants increases due to water conservation concerns and restoration practices, the industry is working to develop protocols for growing these species, which have unique growing requirements. Native plants can underperform in the retail market due to lack of research on native plant propagation, marketing strategies, and lack of public knowledge regarding native plants.
We seek to optimize native plant performance through examining substrate components used during the finishing period, defined as the growth period spanning from propagule to acceptable retail size. We previously found that cultivated native plant species have a high tolerance of, and, in some cases, a preference for non-peat organic matter. We investigate how native plants finished using these alternatives perform in a retail setting and provide community education and outreach regarding use of native plants in the landscape. These findings will identify pathways for reducing peat use within the industry and will elucidate characteristics that consumers look for when purchasing native plants.
We seek to optimize native plant performance through examining substrate components used during the finishing period, defined as the growth period spanning from propagule to acceptable retail size. We previously found that cultivated native plant species have a high tolerance of, and, in some cases, a preference for non-peat organic matter. We investigate how native plants finished using these alternatives perform in a retail setting and provide community education and outreach regarding use of native plants in the landscape. These findings will identify pathways for reducing peat use within the industry and will elucidate characteristics that consumers look for when purchasing native plants.
Goals, Scope and Objectives:
An intern is needed to assist with plant maintenance and will have opportunities to assist the PhD student, who is also the extension mentor, with achieving educational objectives and community outreach regarding native plants. Intern will spend approximately 60% of the time in the field and 40% of the time working on other projects, including professional development and outreach.
With which stakeholder group(s) will the intern work?
Extension, horticulture, and green industries.
What student learning outcomes do you anticipate and what are the opportunities for professional development?
The intern will gain hands-on experience in the horticultural aspects of container production of native plants. Additionally, the intern will interact with professionals and gain experience in the areas of Extension and horticulture. The intern will also assist with outreach and community events refining their public speaking and engaged scholarship skills. Therefore, the intern will not only learn about the scientific aspects of these areas but also network with professionals.
