Following in the Footsteps of California’s Pioneer Plant Collectors Carol W. Witham, VernalPools.Org

Webber’s Ivesia (Ivesia webberi)

status of Ivesia webberi in California as of 1989… : numerous historic collections 1962: collected from Dog Valley 1988: added to CNPS Inventory List 1B* 1989: Dog Valley proposed for a land swap between the Toiyabe National Forest and Westpac Utilities for a proposed drinking water reservoir *Dog Valley Ivesia described in 1988

global status of Ivesia webberi as of 1989… two extant occurrences Dog Valley, CA Pine Nut Mtns, NV

project goal - find more populations of Ivesia webberi…

“a neat and very distinct little species…” Described in 1874 by Asa Gray in Proceedings of the American Academy 10:71. “In ravines, Sierra and Indian Valleys, California at elevation of about 5,000 feet, Dr. Webber, J.G. Lemmon… It was first found near the residence of Dr. Webber, the owner of Webber Lake, a gentleman much interested in natural history and who has efficiently furthered botanical research in the very interesting district in which he is almost the oldest settler. Wherefore this new species may most appropriately bear his name.”

historical California collections of Ivesia webberi… J. G. Lemmon 4 between labeled “California” 1 in 1874 labeled “Sierra Nevada Mountains” 6 between labeled “Sierra Valley”* 1 in 1875 annotated “Webber Lake” Plummer (relative of Sara Plummer Lemmon?) 1 in 1879 labeled “Sierra Valley” Mary HunterAustin 1 in 1886 labeled “American Valley, Quincy” Nothing labeled “Indian Valley” or “Dr. Webber” *One actually said four miles north of Loyalton

locating this “neat little species” in Sierra Valley… 18 miles 25 miles

was like looking for a needle in a haystack… Weeks of wasted field time driving around in circles No GIS capabilities and insufficient data to use GIS anyway The project needed a new approach Who was John Gill Lemmon? Where did he spend his time? Who did he visit? How did he travel? Are there any clues in his papers and correspondence?

a little detective work and deductive reasoning pays off… x

global status of Ivesia webberi as of 1999… Seven extant populations in California Plumas, Lassen and Sierra Counties Dog Valley reservoir has never been built American Valley probably extirpated Webber Lake & Indian Valley erroneous Eight extant populations in Nevada Douglas and Washoe Counties Pyramid Lake collection mislabeled 15 mapped and documented populations

global status of Ivesia webberi as of 2006… 2000: Status Survey Report completed 2003: Added to the Nevada Critically Endangered List

the current generation of pioneer plant collectors… Plants previous thought to be extinct are being rediscovered About ten species of new plants are discovered in California every year A number that has stayed steady since the 1850s Most discoveries are made just off the beaten path

new discoveries and rediscoveries… new discoveries and rediscoveries…

the next generation of pioneer plant collectors… NEEDS YOU!