Golden Paintbrush Challenge!

Golden paintbrush
(Castilleja levisecta)

Is there anymore Golden paintbrush out there, anywhere? This endangered species has dwindled to just a few populations in Washington and is believed to be extinct in Oregon. If biologists could find more populations in the wild, conservation of this species could be vastly improved.

Golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) is a perennial member of the Scrophulariaceae that is endemic to the Pacific Northwest in western British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. The species is currently considered extirpated from Oregon. Paintbrush species are hemiparasites, meaning their roots attach to the roots of other plants and draw resources from them. Golden paintbrush is listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as endangered.

The USFWS, Washington Natural Heritage Program, the Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, and many others have teamed up to produce a "wanted poster" to call attention to golden paint- brush. Getting the word out to landowners, especially private parties, may be key to finding new sites. The poster can be downloaded from the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) web site at: http://www.appliedeco.org/gp.htm.

The IAE has volunteered to coordinate a reward for discovery of new populations. Anyone who would like to send a donation to the "Golden Paintbrush Challenge" conservation fund is welcome to do so. Remember, they have one anonymous donor of $100, and several others have committed to donating $25. The IAE welcomes any and all contributions. If no rewards are made or if funds are left over, they will be used for on-the-ground restoration of golden paintbrush. Checks should be made out to "Institute for Applied Ecology."