What is Plants of Concern?

Plants of Concern is a community science effort to locate and assess rare plant populations with the goal of promoting healthy humans and habitats. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Plants of Concern has engaged participants in data collection since 2000.

What is community science?

Community science is public participation in the inquiry and discovery of scientific knowledge; it's also known as citizen science, participatory science, collaborative science, and neighborhood science.

How can I participate?

You must complete the online training and sign a confidentiality agreement.

Why should I participate?

Plants of Concern participants make important contributions to the conservation of rare plants, which are important components of a healthy, biodiverse landscape. The loss of just one species, or the introduction of a new one that is detrimental to its habitat, can set off a chain reaction that affects biodiversity and weakens our planet’s fragile ecosystem. More than a quarter of the world’s plant species face extinction. Participants are critical in the work to address these environmental challenges, plant by plant.

What kind of data do participants collect?

Plants of Concern participants visit and collect data on rare plant populations and their habitats. For example, participants may visit a population of a native orchid, like the small white lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium candidum), where they would search for and count the number of plants, measure the size of the area over which they occur, take GPS readings that can be used to re-visit the population in future years, and evaluate associated native and invasive plants. Monitors also record any management efforts they observe, which helps assess how management affects population trends.

What kinds of things are you learning from the data collected by participants?

The results of the data our participants collect have ranged from the creation of a new Illinois Plant Watchlist, to research improving our understanding of how restoration practices could include rare species and even informing how species and their habitats are responding to climate change.

To learn more about how Plants of Concern and our community scientists are making a difference for rare plants, please take a look at our Impact page above!

Where do participants monitor plants?

Participants monitor plants across Northeastern, Northwestern, and Southern Illinois, primarily on land owned by federal, state, and county agencies, such as park districts, forest preserve districts, and departments of natural resources.

Is there an age minimum for Plants of Concern participants?

You must be 18 years old to monitor with Plants of Concern, though younger people can participate alongside a parent or guardian.

Do I have to be an expert botanist?

Nope! While it helps to have some familiarity with plant identification, you do not need to be an expert. If you are interested in plants, have keen observational skills, and a willingness to learn, you can be a rare plant monitor. If you want to learn more about plant identification, check out our resources page.

Are there any physical requirements or hazards?

Participants walk to plant populations, often off-trail through brush or other vegetation, while carrying equipment. Bending and stooping to count populations is often necessary. There is considerable variation in the physical challenge of monitoring different populations, and we try to work with our monitors to find an appropriate assignment. Participants may also be exposed to ticks, mosquitos, chiggers, and poison ivy, as they would during most outdoor activities.

If you would like to participate but have concerns related to the physical requirements, contact us at info@plantsofconcern.org to discuss further.

Will I need any special equipment?

Although some of our monitors obtain a set of equipment for themselves, equipment is available for loan from Plants of Concern and many of our partner agencies. Equipment used includes measuring tapes, compasses, and stake flags. Populations are often in areas that are best accessed by car, though in some cases public transportation or a bicycle can be used to access populations.

What is the training process like?

We offer online training through a series of six video modules that you can view at any time. All modules together take approximately 45 minutes to watch. Short quizzes (less than 5 min each) separate each module. Once a volunteer has completed online training, we encourage them to attend one of our group field events (forays) to get practice with our protocol alongside Plants of Concern staff and other seasoned volunteers. Forays occur 1-2 times a month, but in-person training can be coordinated outside of those events on a case-by-case basis.

Once you're ready to monitor, staff will assign you to a site and species!

What kind of time commitment will I need to make?

The minimum commitment is visiting one population once during its flowering time. Some monitors choose to take on more than one population. Participants often re-visit the same population year after year.

Do I need to sign up for a Plants of Concern account?

Once you complete training and are ready to monitor, Plants of Concern staff will provide an account for you, which will allow you to access your assignments and make reports on our website and the mobile app!

If you run into any technical difficulties with your account, please let Plants of Concern staff know at info@plantsofconcern.org

Is a background check required for Plants of Concern participants?

At the moment, Plants of Concern does not require a background check to participate in the program. It is worth noting that at this time, monitoring with Plants of Concern does not count as volunteering with the Chicago Botanic Garden (i.e. for Garden volunteer benefits).