Congratulations to EDR’s Megan Aubertine-Wilkes, Field Ecologist, and Sara Stebbins, Senior Environmental Analyst, for recognition as contributing botanists by the New York Natural Heritage Program.
The New York Natural Heritage Program publishes the Rare Plant Status Lists of vascular plants annually, which is used by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to produce the regulatory Protected Plant List for New York. The recognition of Aubertine-Wilkes and Stebbins in the 2024 publication highlights their expertise and dedication to botanical research.
Their contributions play an important role in advancing the understanding and protection of rare plant species across New York State. We’re proud to have passionate team members actively representing EDR’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
As part of their work, Sara captured images of rare plant species documented in 2024 and reported to NYNHP:
📸 Left photo: scarlet paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea), listed as endangered in New York.
📸 Right photo: white death camas (Anticlea elegans), listed as threatened in New York.
Check out the 2024 Rare Plant Status List here: Read the full document