Environment DEC
From the August 2006 issue
State Agencies Announce Effort to Restore a Rare Plant in Stewart State Forest
These seedlings were carefully
grown at DEC's tree nursery
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) recently took part in an effort to restore the rare species purple milkweed in Stewart State Forest. DEC and DOT staff were joined by volunteers and they collectively planted 400 purple milkweed plants to enhance the existing population found on the property. Volunteer groups that assisted with the planting included: the Stewart Park and Reserve Coalition , Orange County Audubon, Orange County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, the Foxhill Bruderhoff Community and various local dog clubs.
Purple milkweed (Aesclepias purpurascens) is a rare plant that was discovered growing in Stewart State Forest. It was found near a wetland project that was recently completed by DOT. DEC and DOT ensured that no purple milkweed was destroyed during construction of the wetlands. To further enhance the population of this rare plant species, seeds were collected from the purple milkweed found on the property and successfully germinated at DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery.
Largest Purple Milkweed Population in the Northeast
DEC foresters worked with DOT staff
and volunteers planting the
fragile seedlings
Steve Young, Program Botanist for the Natural Heritage Program said, "This is the largest population of this plant in the Northeast possibly one of the top five in the country. We are very interested and encouraged that the long term monitoring and research planned at this site will provide a better understanding of the biology of this uncommon plant. The knowledge gained can then be applied to other sites throughout the range of this species."
The scheduled planting will increase the number of purple milkweed growing in Stewart State Forest by approximately 25 percent. Currently, the population is secure, however DEC will work to develop a long-term management plan for care and maintenance of plants at Stewart.
