Endangered species propagation and reintroduction

The Northern Monkshood (Aconitum noveboracense, Gray) is the only federally listed
endangered species in the Catskill Mountains.

The Olive Natural Heritage Society, under contract withthe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), monitors stands in the Catskills, attempts germination of seeds collected in the wild, propagates nursery stock and identifies potential sites of reintroduction of the species in suitable locations in the Catskill Mountains. The ONHS, in 1998, initiated population monitoring of Catskill sites where the Monkshood is known to exist in small relict stands. A census of the population has been completed annually, data on microclimate were obtained and seeds were successfully germinated. We presently have over 100 seedlings in the nursery. At least one candidate site with potential for repopulating has been identified.

For more information on the Northern Monkshood project, read the article "Focus on Research", written by Bonnie Farrell, in the Fall 1999 (vol. 2, #2) ONHS newsletter. Fall 1999 Newsletter.

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