Photo of Lewisia cotyledon by Dieter Wilken

Plant Taxonomy at the GardenBy Beth Painter, Research Associate

In order to conserve plant diversity, we first need to know the boundaries between different plant species. Plant taxonomy (also called plant systematics) is a science that embraces the discovery, identification, and classification of plant biodiversity, including the application of scientific names. Because plant taxonomists focus on the description of plant diversity, their work is fundamental to conservation biology, education, and interpretation. During the first half of the 20th century, plant taxonomists relied almost entirely on field studies, examination of herbarium (a systematically arranged museum collection of dried plants) specimens, and ecological distribution, but other data have become increasingly important in assessing relationships within and among groups of plants, including reproductive biology, anatomy, chromosome numbers, and biochemistry. Today, taxonomists continue to rely on these tools, augmented by the ability to unravel gene sequences, and interpret the differences based on evolutionary principles.

Plant taxonomists have played a key role in the history of the Garden, providing expertise, developing and curating the Garden’s Herbarium, and interpreting the plant diversity of the natural world. That history is described below, ending with the newest introduction to the Garden’s illustrious line of scientists.

Continued on page 12 »

Volume 22, Number 2 Summer 2014

Quarterly Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic GardenQuarterly Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

IronwoodIronwood

2 Summer 2014Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

tel (805) 682-4726 — fax (805) 563-0352www.sbbg.org

Garden Hours:March — October

Daily 9:00am - 6:00pmNovember — FebruaryDaily 9:00am - 5:00pm

Membership: (Ext. 110)

Garden Shop Hours: (Ext. 112)March — October

Daily 10:00am - 5:30pmNovember — FebruaryDaily 10:00am - 4:30pm

Garden Growers Nursery: (Ext. 127)Open on a self-serve basis during

Garden Shop hours.Staffed by volunteers 10:00am - 3:00pm daily

Class and Event Information: (Ext. 102)Registrar is available Monday — Friday

9:00am - 4:00pm

Volunteer Office: (Ext. 119)

Master Gardener Helpline: (805) 893-3485

IRONWOODVolume 22, Number 2 — Summer 2014

ISSN 1068-4026

The Ironwood is published four times a year by the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a private nonprofit institution founded in 1926.

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden fosters the conservation of California native plants through our gardens, education, and research, and serves as a role model of sustainable practices.

The Garden is a Member of the American Public Gardens Association, the American Association of Museums, and the California Association of Museums.

©2014 Santa Barbara Botanic GardenAll rights reserved.

Board of TrusteesChair John A. Brinker

Vice-Chair James O. Koopmans, CPASecretary Peter SchuylerTreasurer Carolyn Kincaid Henderson

Sue AdamsMargaret BakerPatrick ConnellyLou Greer FrostJohn GabbertElizabeth KeateAmy MillerCharles J. Rennie, III, MDEdward RoachGary RobinsonSusan SpectorSusan Van AttaJohn M. Wiemann, Ph.D.

Follow the Garden

www.facebook.com/sbgardenwww.youtube.com/sbbotanicgarden

ON WEB T H E

Director’s MessageEcosystem Services—A Different Way of Thinking About the Value of NatureMany of us believe in the intrinsic value of nature—the beauty and pleasure it provides by merely existing. But there are other, equally important ways to talk about the value of nature, based on the physical benefits—or ecosystem services—that nature provides for us. Aldo Leopold said that there are two “spiritual dangers” that come from being disconnected and losing sight of the many values nature gives to us: “One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, the other is that heat comes from the furnace.” Leopold recommended living on a farm to

overcome these dangers, but for those of us for whom this is not possible, it is a good idea to carefully consider the many goods and services we get from nature.

A 1997 economic study valued the combined goods and services we receive from healthy ecosystems at $33 trillion, annually. To put this in perspective, this is equivalent to the combined Gross Domestic Product of all the countries in the world during that year. Living in Santa Barbara, by the ocean, it is hard to doubt the bounty and economic value that is provided by the oceans, or the value of lumber production from forests. But many of the benefits are not as obvious. Much of the work of water purification is accomplished by natural landscapes that control erosion, speed infiltration, and remove many of the pollutants long before this water reaches the water treatment facilities. Plants, of course, also contribute to carbon regulation, taking in carbon and releasing oxygen. Native plants provide habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects that control pests, which ensure the continued existence of other wild species, as well as the productivity of many of our agricultural crops. We derive all these benefits from native plants and ecosystems.

Conserving and restoring these resources is the mission of the Garden. Perhaps our most important conservation role is helping to inspire both a love of native plants as well as an understanding of how critical they are to our daily lives and livelihoods. This is a change in the mindset of most Americans, and as a Garden member, I hope you can help us achieve this goal. Take some time to consider the value we derive from nature and don’t be afraid to remind your friends of the value of native plants and ecosystems, and bring them to the Garden to learn more.

Sincerely,

Steve Windhager, Ph.D.Executive Director

“The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.”

—President Theodore Roosevelt

The Garden's 2012 Annual Report Now available in electronic format at sbbg.org

Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 3

California Naturalist Program Capstone Projects

Docents In Depth Weekly WalksBy Cathy Rose

The California Naturalist program, which I completed in the fall of 2012, demanded its participants take an interest in absolutely everything in the natural world. It was not enough to be a plant specialist, a birder, or an entomologist. We had to study water and geology, soils and climate, energy and conservation. By the end of the course I indeed felt as if "the ears of my ears awoke and the eyes of my eyes were opened." My capstone project, DOCENTS IN DEPTH, is a series of ongoing weekly walks in the Garden. The purpose is to extend my own knowledge and that of the docents who choose to accompany me. Group size is usually between ten and fifteen. The subjects are varied, but the goal is always to enrich our knowledge of California natural history by exploring a theme in the context of the Garden. Topics have included evolutionary origin of the California flora, close examination of several Garden trails, study of resident birds, introduction to butterfly families, and forays into California's mountains, streams, and deserts using maps and representative plants and places in the Garden. I hope we can continue the weekly walks in the happy and stimulating spirit of the California Naturalist Program.

Barn Owl BoxesBy Deedy King

Barn Owl numbers have been significantly reduced over the last century, primarily due to a loss of habitat. Barn Owl boxes provide a safe living area for owls and their young. My Barn Owl boxes are modeled on a Steve Simmons design he’s used since 1995. Simmons was a shop teacher whose students produced over 10,000 Barn Owl boxes that were sold to local ranchers for rodent control.

These boxes give protection from predators by using an ellipse-shaped entrance hole and an interior divider, creating a safe living area. There is no ledge for predators to use, but grip grooves below the entrance help adult owls entering the box. The entrance is high enough that owlets can’t be pushed out of the box by other owlets hungry to be fed. Two hinged doors, on the top and lower side, help when cleaning and monitoring. Two Barn Owl boxes built by my husband, Charles King, are mounted in the Garden on 2” by 10’ steel poles, with 2’ set in cement and 8’ above grade. This height provides safety from predators and easy access with an 8’ ladder. Come to the Garden to view the Barn Owl boxes on the Woodland Trail and on the east side of the Porter Trail.

One of Deedy King's Barn Owl boxes installed at the top of the Meadow

Docent Cathy Rose, second from right, leading a 'Docents in Depth' walk at the Garden

BECOME A CALIFORNIA NATURALISTTraining begins October 2014. See Leaves of Learning on page 9, or visit sbbg.org.

4 Summer 2014

How is the Garden responding to the drought?By Bruce Reed, Horticulturist

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has adapted to our semi-arid climate by embracing the plants that are most naturally suited to thrive here—the California NATIVES! With a wide array of hardy plants genetically adapted to the environmental variation in California, our landscape displays are unique.

We take summer drought as a given, watering more generously in fall, winter, and spring, when plant growth is more active. We reduce watering moderately in summer, watering longer but infrequently. The Garden is very fortunate to have our own water well on site. We use this water exclusively to irrigate our landscape. While saving the Garden money, it also has the important benefit that water not lost to evaporation moves back into the soil and the water table, helping to sustain the Mission Creek watershed.

The pavers around many of the Garden beds are dry-set in sand and helpful in reducing run-off. Shale, which used to be the common surface treatment on our paths (and is still used on the Porter Trail), created more run-off in heavy rain. This is partly because shale breaks down into an impenetrable clay. The short, geometric lines between the pavers slow water down and allow it to percolate into the soil more easily.

Four years ago the Garden invested in a 'smart' computer irrigation controller, which has allowed us to program and isolate smaller areas of the Garden. Micro-emitters and MP rotator heads are easily adjusted by gardeners to water odd-shaped beds and further limit run-off onto paths.

The Garden irrigates in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation. Because there are so many irrigation zones which must run sequentially (to preserve water pressure), some may still be running closer to midday, even though we started in the wee hours.

In the near future, storm water runoff generated by the new John C. Pritzlaff Conservation Center will be captured in three 15,000-gallon underground cisterns and will flow into our existing irrigation system. This will contribute to securing our source of water and diminish our well draw on the water table, beginning with the rains of 2015-2016.

Replace your lawn with drought-tolerant alternatives:

visit sbbg.org for more information

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Photo: Bruce Reed

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Photo: Bruce Reed

Photo: Bruce Reed

Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 5

More information on saving water in your own landscape:www.sbwater.org

EASY EIGHT: Native Plants for Drought

1. Arctostaphylos ‘Howard McMinn’ (manzanita)Easiest tree-form manzanita for home gardens; smooth, redbark; sun to part shade

2. Rhus integrifolia (lemonade-berry)Versatile shrub for hedging or borders; white to pink flowers andshowy fruit; sun

3. Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’ (California lilac)Strong blue flowers; good as larger specimen or informal hedge;sun to part shade

4. Erigeron glaucus cultivars (California seaside daisy)Low, great for edging; deadheading spurs re-bloom; sun

5. Iris ‘Canyon Snow’Long-lived perennial with flowers; shade to part shade

6. Heuchera cultivars (coral bells)Spectacular in large numbers; red to pink to white flowers;shade to part shade

7. Salvia spathacea (hummingbird sage)Magenta flowers in spring; shade to part shade

8. Salvia 'Allen Chickering' or ‘Winnifred Gilman’ (sage)Fragrant foliage with pink or blue (respectively) flowers; sun

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6 Summer 2014

JUNE 21

Revisiting the Wisdom of Maya Food Forest Gardeners Speaker: Dr. Anabel Ford

UCSB archeologist Dr. Anabel Ford provides an update on her work at the El Pilar archeological site near the border of Belize and Guatemala where ancient farming practices are inspiring a new generation of farmers to adopt sustainable ways of growing food.

Wine Sponsor: Alma Rosa

JULY 19

Mission Creek: The Steelhead Trout FreewaySpeaker: George Johnson

The City of Santa Barbara’s Creek Supervisor, George Johnson, provides an update on the progress of Mission Creek’s restoration and explains why we need the Southern California steelhead trout in our state’s waterways, and in this creek, specifically.

Wine Sponsor: Lucas & Llewellyn

AUGUST 16

Living on the Edge: Santa Barbara’s Complex Wildland-Urban InterfaceSpeaker: Max Moritz

What do we know about the ecological implications of living so close to nature? Fire ecology and management expert, Max Moritz explains why invasive species, wildfires, and habitat loss are just some of the issues that make Santa Barbara an ideal laboratory for learning how to co-exist with nature in a changing climate.

Wine Sponsor: Zaca Mesa

SEPTEMBER 20

Filming with Sharks and Other Adventures of a Naturalist PhotographerSpeaker: Morgan Ball

Morgan Ball, founder of Wildlands Conservation Science shares insights on some of his most challenging and surprising nature photographs and how he came to be in the right place at the right time. For a preview, visit morganballphotography.com.

Wine Sponsor: Smashberry

Reserve today:www.sbbg.orgor call (805) 682-4726, ext. 102

Series Passport: Four remaining events $80 members; $120 non-members

Individual Lectures: $25 members; $35 non-members

Wine and Cheese Botanic LecturesSaturdays, from 4:00pm—6:00pm

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There are still four more opportunities to enjoy great wines and smart talk in the Garden. Bring a friend or give a series passport as a gift. Each gathering begins in the Garden Courtyard for a tasting and appetizers with our wine sponsor. Enjoy an after-hours stroll around the Meadow following the lecture.

7 Summer 2014 Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 7

CALENDAR OF CLASSES, EVENTS, AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE GARDENRegister for classes at www.sbbg.org, call 682-4726 x 102, or email registrations@sbbg.org.

Classes held at the Garden include admission.

Leaves of Learning

JUNE JULY

Specialty Tour: Meadow Revival Saturday, June 7 10:00am—Noon

Learn about the design and renovation of our iconic Meadow and how you can bring the beauty of native plants to your own home flower garden on this docent-led tour. To reserve a spot for specialty tours, please contact Education Program Assistant Kate Davis at kdavis@sbbg.org

Free with paid Garden admission

Environmental Book ClubMonday, June 16 4:00pm—6:00pm Blaksley Library

Everyone is welcome to join in these lively and interesting discussions centering around a non-fiction book on an environmental topic. To reserve a spot or get more information, contact facilitator Betsy Green at bjgreen07@gmail.com.

Free

Summer Morning Bird Walk Wednesday, June 18 8:30am—10:00am Entrance Kiosk

Be the first morning visitors in the Garden and enjoy watching the diverse and beautiful bird species that make the Meadow, woodlands, and creekside their home. Join our expert naturalist leader Rebecca Coulter as she looks and listens for woodpeckers and quail, wrens and raptors, and many more.

Fee: $5 members / $10 non-members

Journals for JuniorsSaturday, June 28 9:30—Noon Arroyo Room

Our exciting new journal class for children is taught by Karen Czuleger, a graduate of the renowned UCSC science illustration certificate. Suitable for children 8-12 years old and the young-at-heart, and a perfect preparation for our July Garden Explorations series.

Fee: $25 members / $35 non-members

Specialty Tour: Native Plants for Drought-Tolerant Landscapes Saturday, July 5 10:00am—Noon

Join an expert docent for this special tour and learn about native plants that are drought-tolerant and attractive during the summer. To reserve a spot for specialty tours, please contact Education Program Assistant Kate Davis at kdavis@sbbg.org

Free with paid Garden admission

Summer Morning Bird Walk No bird walk in July

Native Trees of CaliforniaFridays, July 11, 18, 25, & August 1 1:00pm—3:00pm

Through walks in the Garden and indoor reviews with instructor Mary Carroll, learn about some of the common and unusual native trees growing in the Garden. Bring a 10x hand lens if you have one.

Fee: $85 members / $100 non-members

Child-friendly Garden Exploration SeriesSaturdays, July 12, 19, & 26 10am—Noon

Three hands-on, summertime classes. Children with accompanying adults are welcome to join us for these exploratory classes geared towards all ages, but class is also suitable for adults without children. A perfect introduction to this series is the new Journaling for Juniors class (June 28).

July 12—Bees and Flowers: Conservation and Education Director, Denise Knapp, leads this morning’s exploration of the Garden’s flowers, and the native bees and other insects that visit them.

July 19—Creek Critters: Expert Docent Diana Kennett leads an exploration of the insects and other small creatures that live in Mission Creek. Wear shoes that can get wet!

July 26—Milkweed Community: Education Program Manager, Frédérique Lavoipierre, leads an exploration of the many insects that rely on milkweed, including Monarch butterflies, lacewings, tarantula hawks, native bees.

Fee: $10 members / $15 non-members All three classes: $25 members/ $35 non-members

Docent-led tour

Bird walk

Class or lecture

Arts & crafts

For children

Trip

Book discussion and/or signing

8 Summer 2014

CALENDAR OF CLASSES, EVENTS, AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE GARDENRegister for classes at www.sbbg.org, call 682-4726 x 102, or email registrations@sbbg.org.

Classes held at the Garden include admission.

Leaves of Learning8 Summer 2014

AUGUST

The Garden Summer Camp: STEMS and BudsMonday-Friday, July 14—18 9:00am—3:00pm

The Garden offers a week-long session of STEMS and Buds for children ages 6-12. Our day campers explore the Garden, discovering science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and sustainability (STEMS) through engaging play. The camp is led by our expert docents, working with teenage ‘buddies’ to provide a rich, inquiry-based experience.

Fee: $235 members / $285 non-members

California Native Plant Society Thursday, July 17 6:30pm—8:00pm Blaksley Library

Please join us in welcoming the local Channel Islands chapter of the California Native Plant Society to the Garden as we host their Santa Barbara area meetings. Come early to enjoy social time and a chance to bring plants to ID, or exchange native plants from your garden.

Free

SBBG Environmental Book ClubMonday, July 21 4:00pm—6:00pm Blaksley Library

Everyone is welcome to join in these lively and interesting discussions centering around a non-fiction book on an environmental topic. To reserve a spot or get more information, contact facilitator Betsy Green at bjgreen07@gmail.com.

Free

Specialty Tour: Native Plants for the Home GardenSaturday, August 2 10:00am—Noon

It’s time to make plans for fall planting and our upcoming plant sale. Join our expert docent and learn which native plants will perform best in your home garden. To reserve a spot, please contact Education Program Assistant Kate Davis at kdavis@sbbg.org.

Free with paid Garden admission

Environmental Book ClubMonday, August 18 4:00pm—6:00pm Blaksley Library

Everyone is welcome to join in these lively and interesting discussions centering around a non-fiction book on an environmental topic. To reserve a spot or get more information, contact facilitator Betsy Green at bjgreen07@gmail.com.

Free

Summer Morning Bird Walk No Bird Walk in August

Nature Journal: Science Meets ArtThursday, August 21, 28, September 4, 11, & 18 11:00am—2:00pm Arroyo Room

Journals are a wonderful way to enhance and record your experiences in nature. A nature journal may include photographs, drawings, rubbings, poetry, quotes, paintings, writing, and is as unique as your own experience of the world. Capture special moments, sights, feelings, and sounds while exploring a range of journal styles and techniques. Led by Jo Ann Metzger, this class is suitable for beginner to advanced participants. All materials for the first class will be provided.

Fee: $125 members / $150 non-members

Private Domecar Botanic Day TripsSaturday, August 30 10:00am—5:00pm

Al l aboard! Jo in expert botanist and storyteller Steve Junak for a rare glimpse of some of the last original native coastal landscapes in Southern California —all from the picturesque windows of the beautifully restored Vista Dome Lounge-Dining Car. Enjoy a

narrated, scenic adventure through Gaviota, Hollister Ranch, and Vandenberg Air Force Base. A buffet lunch and libations will be served onboard. Change levels and sides for new and different views on the return trip. Trips go rain or shine.

Fee: $160 members / $185 non-members

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JANUARY

CALENDAR OF CLASSES, EVENTS, AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE GARDENRegister for classes at www.sbbg.org, call 682-4726 x 102, or email registrations@sbbg.org.

Classes held at the Garden include admission.

Leaves of LearningIronwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 9

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Botany BasicsFridays, September 12 and 19 9:00am—Noon

Join Sally Isaacson for an introductory exploration of plant structure and function. During each of our two meetings we will spend time examining plants on Garden walks and with microscopes in the lab.

Fee: $60 members / $75 non-members

Project Planning and Management for Ecological RestorationSeptember 11, 12, and 13 8:30am—5:00pm

This 3-day course will cover the framework and issues associated with conducting an ecological restoration project. Through a series of presentations, exercises, and group discussions, attendees will become familiar with the various aspects of ER projects from beginning to management. Included with the course will be a copy of the book with the same title. Course is taught by authors John Rieger and John Stanley. Space is limited.

Fee: $550 members / $600 non-members

California Naturalist ProgramWednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 November 5, 12, & 19, December 3, & 10 4:00pm—7:30pm 4 Saturday field trips to be announced.

In partnership with UCSB’s Natural Reserve System, we’re delighted to continue offering this innovative UC program. Join a committed

corps of volunteer naturalists and citizen scientists ready to take an active role in local natural resource conservation, education, and restoration. Provides the foundational curriculum to become a Santa Barbara Botanic Garden or UCSB Natural Reserve docent. Find the application online at sbbg.org.

Fee: $320

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Teahouse and GardenThe Teahouse is open the second Saturday of every Month from Noon—2:00pm. Visitors and members are welcome to experience our ShinKanAn Teahouse and Garden. Trained Teahouse volunteers will be available to share their skills and answer questions about the rich traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony.

• More about SkinKanAn: shinkanan.wordpress.com/about/• For more information about private lessons, please contact

Mrs. Sokyo Kasai at shinkanan@hotmail.com• View the Teahouse video: http://tinyurl.com/sbbg-teahouse

GLOBAL EXPLORATION WITH THE GARDEN IN 2015

GuatemalaFebruary 2015: TBD

Visit Guatemala and Belize with Dr. Anabel Ford, UCSB archaeologist. This new expedition will include the El Pilar archaeological site, the subject of Dr. Ford’s Wine and Cheese Botanic Lecture on June 21. Travel is planned for early February.

Fee: TBD

Costa Rica April 6—13, 2015

Experience the pristine beauty of Costa Rica on an unforgettable expedition. Discover its botanical treasures on a guided trip with Holbrook Travel, accompanied by the garden's epert botanist Steve Junak.

Fee: $2,570 (per person, double occupancy, based on esti-mated airfare)

NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONSTake place the first Monday of each month at 5:30pm—6:00pm. Contact Kathy Castaneda at kcastaneda@sbbg.org or visit sbbg.org for more information.

Landscape for LifeTuesdays, October 14, 21, & 28, November 4, & 11 2:00pm—5:00pm

Plan ahead for our newest certificate program! Developed at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, this course covers all aspects of sustainable landscaping, including soil and water resources, plant choices, and design and installation. We focus on the use of native plants in creating drought-tolerant, ecologically healthy home gardens.

Fee: $150 members / $175 non-members

10 Summer 2014

If you were moved by the spectacular color in the Garden’s Meadow this spring, you know the inspirational power of native plants. Help us maintain the Meadow and other Garden treasures while enhancing our important work conserving and protecting native ecosystems. Become an Annual Fund donor today.

Donate $100 or more to the Annual Fund by July 1 and receive a limited edition packet of “Meadow Mix” seeds ready for planting this fall.

Tequila SunsetUPPER-LEVEL MEMBER CELEBRATION

Friday, July 25, 2014 5:30 to Sunset

Hosts: Edward Roach & Elizabeth O’Rourke

A festive evening of tequila tastings, margaritas, and Southwest-inspired cuisine in appreciation of our upper-level members. Space is limited. Please reserve early by calling (805) 682-4726, ext. 102.

To become an upper level Garden member and join the fun, call Nina Dunbar (805) 682-4726 ext. 151

Mapping the Garden: The GIS Mapping ProjectBy Betsy Lape, Living Collections Coordinator

Why is it Necessary to Identify and Map Garden Collections?The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a living museum which preserves the genetics of both wild collected populations and horticultural varieties of California native plants in its displays. The Garden’s collections contain species that are threatened in the wild by habitat loss due to development, competition from invasive species, and climate change. Keeping track of the identities of each of our specimens is critical to their scientific value. Metal tags on stakes in the ground near the plant tie the specimen to its provenance information stored in databases. However, for many years, the Garden lacked a comprehensive map of our collections. Plants were located solely by their grid coordinates, within a 2500 square foot area. The vulnerability of our collection’s identities was made clear in 2009 when the Jesusita fire not only burned our plants, but melted their labels, disconnecting the surviving plants from their records.

Garden Awarded Grant for ProjectIn 2010, the Garden was awarded a grant to secure our valuable collections by creating a high tech mapping system called a Geographic Information System, or GIS. The grant, from the Institute of Library and Museum Sciences, funded the establishment and implementation of a GIS using a data model created specifically for botanic gardens. The project required the acquisition of equipment, staff time

and training, and expert consultation. The Garden secured additional grants and in-kind donations to match the federal grant, and ESRI, the GIS software company, donated their software and training.

Creating the Garden's GISA GIS contains software that stores large amounts of spatial data on different layers. Software users design maps by deciding which information to present and how to display it. A base map for the GIS, including trails, topography, structures, and other features, was created through a professional survey by Davis Land Surveying. Additionally, the grid markers in the ground were resurveyed and reset to restore the accuracy of the grid. Over the course of three years, staff, volunteers, and interns added the locations and identification information of the plants in the Garden using sophisticated data collectors that calculated GPS positions. Several student interns who participated in the project received great work experience during the GIS project.

How GIS Improves the Garden and Visitor ExperienceThe Garden’s GIS is a powerful and versatile tool, affecting not only how we interact with data to manage our collections, but also how we communicate information for education and research. When asked for the location of a plant in the Garden, we can direct the scientist, student, or visitor to the exact location with a map. Using the

GIS, we are able to plan specialty tours, such as the Oak and Conifer Self-guided tours and provide maps for these tours. In addition to the ongoing work of managing the collections, the GIS will be instrumental in the planning of our new gardens. We can analyze aspects such as shade, topography, and canopy cover. The GIS has helped with the Landscape Masterplan, the Cultural Landscape Masterplan, the Meadow Revival Project, and in the creation of tree protection plans for current construction efforts. An upcoming project will map our irrigation system into the GIS. This technology increases our capacity to use the Gardens to educate about California native plants.

Betsy Lape uses specialty equipment to calculate GPS positions in the Garden

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Give today for a greener tomorrow!Spring Fund Drive Continues

Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 11

Fifth Annual Trails ‘n’ TailsSave the Date: Saturday, August 23, 2014 10:00am – 3:00pmThe Garden is a great place to spend time with your dog, with its easy walking paths, doggie fountains, and lots to sniff! Trails ‘n’ Tails is a celebration of all things canine, featuring fun activities, specialty vendors, and goodies for your four-legged friends. With the mercury rising, please take good care of your pets in the late summer months.

Ten Points About Canine Heatstroke from a SponsorBy Mary Ellen McLoughlin, DVM

1. Elevated body temperature caused by environmental factors iscalled heatstroke or hyperthermia.

2. A dog's normal body temperature is between 100º – 102º Fahrenheit—higher than 105º is life-threatening.

3. A closed car with a pet inside can be a death trap! On a mere78º day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar between100º – 120º in minutes. Animals can sustain brain damage or evendie from heatstroke in just 15 minutes.

4. Anatomy matters! Short-nosed breeds are at greater risk.

5. Pets with obesity, heart disease, or seizure history are atincreased risk.

6. Pets with separation anxiety or reactive pets should never be leftin a confined space.

7. Pavement and sand heat up quickly. Heat is transferred to your petby reflection and directly through its paws.

8. Signs of heatstroke can include restless/distressed behavior, pacing,excessive panting, drooling, and poor responsiveness.

9. If you think your pet is overheated move to a cool, shaded location.Place cool (not ice water), wet towels on the back of the neck,armpits, and groin. Wet ear flaps and paws.

10. Go immediately to the nearest veterinarian for further care.

Become a Trails 'n' Tails SponsorIf you love the Garden and dogs contact Laura Muasher at lmuasher@sbbg.org or (805) 682-4626, ext 110 to learn about sponsorship opportunties.

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Dr. McLoughlin is an emergency veterinarian at Advanced Veterinary Specialists (www.avs4pets.com or 414 E. Carrillo Street Phone: (805) 729-4460).

Special offer to Individual and Family/Dual level members

Lock-in Your Membership Rate!

Lock-in your current membership rate for the next two years. New membership pricing is coming January, 2015 so commit now and save!

Offer good now through December 31, 2014. Contact Laura Muasher (805) 682-4726 ext. 110, or membership@sbbg.org.

Just in Time for SummerA beautiful array of items are waiting for you at the Garden Shop. Hats, summer-weight scarves, bags, planters, fascinating books, and so much more! Stop in and see what's new.

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12 Summer 2014

Dr. Frederic Clements, who played a key role in the early conceptual design of the Garden, was an eminent plant ecologist. With his wife Edith, Clements also co-authored several popular books, including “Rocky Mountain Wildflowers”, and “Flower Families and Their Ancestors.” Prior to coming to Santa Barbara, Clements and Harvey Monroe Hall, his colleague at Stanford University’s Carnegie Institute, published “The Phylogenetic Method in Taxonomy”, which introduced the important idea of framing plant taxonomy in an evolutionary context.

Dr. Reid Moran, whose career included a lifelong study of live-forevers (Dudleya) and the flora of Baja California, began his career as a staff botanist at the Garden, assisting Director Maunsell van Rensselaer in his 1948 revision of the “Trees of Santa Barbara.” Reid’s collections of tree specimens deposited in the Garden’s Herbarium serve as an historic record of plants occurring in Santa Barbara’s parks and estates. Van Rensselaer also worked with Dr. Howard McMinn, a professor at Mills College, to produce the first definitive book on the genus Ceanothus in 1942, later revised by Dave Fross, owner of Native Sons Nursery, and Dr. Dieter Wilken, former Director of Conservation at the Garden. As a research associate, Dieter continues to study systematics of the sky-rockets (Ipomopsis) and contributes to key California taxonomy references, the Jepson Manual and California Consortium of Herbaria database.

Clif Smith, long-time staff botanist at the Garden, contributed significantly to the Herbarium collections while developing the knowledge for his book, “Flora of the Santa Barbara Region.” Clif personally inspired many laypersons to take an interest in our flora, and was regularly consulted for identifications and information, which he shared freely. The Garden’s Herbarium bears his name in tribute to his contributions.

Dr. Ralph Philbrick, former staff taxonomist and later Director of the Garden, specialized in the taxonomy of prickly pear cacti (Opuntia), and initiated studies of the Channel Islands' flora. His publications included “The Plants of Santa Barbara Island”, and he

was instrumental in establishing a series of symposia on Channel Islands biology.

Steve Junak, former Curator of the Herbarium, built on these strengths, conducting inventories, especially of rare plants and invasive aliens. He enhanced the Herbarium with comprehensive collections of island plants, which lead to published floras of Santa Cruz and San Nicolas islands. Steve also established a standard for high-quality interpretative field trips, during which he shared his extensive knowledge with both laypersons and professional resource managers.

The Garden also has benefited from talented research associates. Dr. Bob Haller, an expert on western pines, and Dr. Nancy Vivrette, an expert on the iceplant family (Aizoaceae), wrote important treatments for the Jepson Manual and the Flora of North America. Charis Bratt and Dr. Shirley Tucker, accomplished lichenologists, have contributed to and curated the Garden’s lichen collection. Dr. Tucker’s comprehensive Catalog of California Lichens is the primary source for the inventory of California’s lichen flora. (See article on Dr. Tucker on page 13.) Dr. Sherwin Carlquist, a world authority on island biology and wood anatomy, spent most of his career at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden but, since retiring to Santa Barbara, has continued his work as a research associate of the Garden. While at the Garden, he has made important contributions to understanding relationships among and within plant families and has mentored students at UC Santa Barbara and local high schools.

The tradition of taxonomy at the Garden continues with the arrival this summer of Matt Guilliams, currently a Ph.D. candidate at UC Berkeley. Matt’s research interests are broad, including evolution of the popcorn flowers (Plagiobothrys), bitter-root (Lewisia), and pussypaws (Calyptridium). His interest in the California flora will be challenged by his first task at the Garden, to produce a flora of Santa Catalina Island, thus continuing a Garden research tradition. (Read more about Matt Guilliams on page 16.)

Taxonomy, continued from page 1

Find out more about plant taxonomy and other research at the Garden:

http://tinyurl.com/sbgardenresearch

Photo of Lewisia cotyledon by Dieter Wilken

Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 13

Ken and Shirley Tucker Endow Garden's New SystematistThe Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is pleased to announce longtime supporters Ken and Shirley Tucker have made a provision in their estate to establish an endowment for the position of Plant Systematist, the Garden’s first endowed position. By paying one staff member's salary and related expenses, an endowed position results in stability for the organization overall. "The unique element of an endowed position is that it provides long-term assured funding for one of the principal activities of the Garden," said Dr. Steve Windhager, Executive Director.

Dr. Shirley Tucker Dr. Shirley Tucker, a botanist, completed her doctoral work at UC Davis (1956). Her research accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades and were supported nearly continuously by the National Science Foundation from 1957—2000. She has published over 140 papers on floral morphology, plant systematics, and the lichens of California, 35 of those post-retirement. Since 1995, Shirley has been a research associate at the Garden, focusing her expertise on our lichen collection which today contains over 40,000 specimens and is one of the most extensive collections of California lichens in existence

Dr. Kenneth TuckerDr. Kenneth Tucker, an entomologist who specialized in honeybee genetics, earned his doctorate at UC Davis, and worked at the federal bee research laboratory in Baton Rouge, LA. He studied Africanized bees in South America before the bees migrated northward to the United States. Ken was born in Santa Barbara and served in the U. S. Navy in World War II. The Tuckers retired to Santa Barbara in 1995.

Perhaps no one understands the importance of plant taxonomy and the challenges of funding it better than the Tuckers. They have witnessed the decline of financial support for basic botany positions across numerous institutions. As federal support for herbaria has dwindled, botanic gardens have increasingly taken responsibility for them.

Making a Difference The Garden steadfastly maintained its research positions through the recession but in light of recent retirements and continued strained budgets, hiring new staff has been dependent on new sources of income. The Tuckers decided it was time to set the example of how an important position like this can be supported in perpetuity. While they cannot change the world, the Tuckers determined they would make a significant and permanent difference at the Garden.

For incoming Systematist, Matt Gulliams, the endowment is a very real form of institutional recognition. "It's a clear, unmistakable identification by the Garden that this staff position is crucial," he said.

Donors who generously endow positions know they are not only ensuring excellence in research today, but that theirs is truly a gift to the future. Endowed positions are living tributes, perpetuating the donor’s name, and signifying a permanent commitment to quality work.

Seed the FutureAs of May 31, the Garden’s Seed the Future comprehensive campaign has raised $11.4 million or 81% of goal including $2.8 million for the Garden’s endowment. Endowed positions are crucial for recruiting and retaining the highest-quality staff and the Garden is exceedingly pleased to have our first one.

Establish an EndowmentFor more information on establishing a named endowment at the Garden, please contact Gina Benesh, Director of Development at gbenesh@sbbg.org or call (805) 690-1697.

"The unique element of an endowed position is that it provides long-term assured funding for one of the principal activities of the Garden."

—Dr. Steve Windhager

Ken and Shirley Tucker

14 Summer 2014

Volunteer Awards 2014Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor the exceptional services provided by our dedicated volunteers. Congratulations! And thank you one and all. We are pleased to announce the 2014 recipients:

Unsung Hero: Elena RiskindAway from the crowds, in the Hort Unit, and in the Blaskley Library, Elena Riskind provides essential help preparing plants for the Garden grounds and invaluable assistance with Library collections care and preservation.

Seedling Award: Sam BabcockHis first year as a Garden volunteer, Sam is leading weekend public tours as a docent, and working at special events including the Plant Sales, Holiday Marketplace, Beer Garden, and Native Garden Tour. Sam also finds time to work with college service groups, and serves as an Instructional Assistant to Geologist Susie Bartz.

Da Vinci Award: Carolyn PidduckLast summer, Carolyn helped create an educational and fun experience for the children attending Camp Wildflower. Carolyn continually strives to improve the school programs by adding interactive lessons with the school tours and at Science Night events.

Volunteer of the Year: Betsy ThiesSince 1971, Betsy has been ensuring quality and creativity in our Garden Guild. Her outstanding leadership and continued dedication are the foundation of the Guild where she can be found nearly every Tuesday morning. Find the beautiful crafts created by the Guild in the Garden Shop.

Anna Dorinda Blaksley Bliss Award: Nancy VivretteSince 1979, Nancy has been a valuable asset to the Garden. As a docent, and leading group tours with her husband Dr. Bob Haller, Nancy has contributed to the Garden’s mission by providing and sharing her passion and experience with the public.

Annual Service Awards

5 years Juanita Carney, Alena Donati, Wil Gilbert, Claire Johnson, Melanie Lansing, Dennis Lewis, Arthur Lindo, Susan Mumford, Julien Stuart, Linda Van Buren

10 years Carolin Allbright, Linda Bizzelle, Patrick Connelly, Christine Riesenfeld, Bob Roux, Dan Weiner

15 years John Carson, Nancy Johnke, Carolyn Kincaid Henderson, Karen Robinson

20 years Pam Dahl, Betty Gerig, Diana Kennett

35 years: Nancy Vivrette

Learn more: Become a Garden volunteer

Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 15

Garden Parties Big and SmallThis spring the Garden took a break from hosting the Orchid Show Gala to rethink how this important fundraiser might look on our own beautiful grounds in 2015. Former Garden Trustee, Sharon Bradford has graciously agreed to chair this new and improved gala in the Meadow and already has a list of great ideas for next April. Attendees of our sold-out Santa Barbara Beer Garden tour last February let me know that it was the classiest beer festival around and should become an annual affair. This fun, garden-wide event was the brain-child of the Hutton Parker Foundation and it seems natural that Robyn Parker, with her corgis in tow, will chair the next beer event scheduled for February 21, 2015. You don’t have to wait till 2015 to support the Garden and enjoy a good drink at the same time—try some great wines this summer at one or more Wine and Cheese Botanic Lectures or become a Circle Level member and join us at the gorgeous home of Trustee Edward Roach and Elizabeth O'Rourke for our annual Tequila Sunset social (see page 10).

Celebrating the John C. Pritzlaff Conservation CenterThe Garden docents put in a lot of overtime during the spring with the Cultivating the Wild Native Gardens Tour, school visits, and crowds seeking their regularly scheduled walking tours. Still, Carolyn Pidduck and four other docents managed to find the time to learn and share, being taught by the Chumash how to build a Chumash 'ap (home) along with school children at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden. Trustee and docent, Carolyn Kincaid Henderson and her Community Gifts Campaign Committee hosted two Footprint Parties for docents and Master Gardeners at the Pritzlaff Conservation Center construction site. A few weeks later, over 100 guests gathered at the site for a Golden Shovel Party to officially kick-off the building’s two-year build-out on the first day of spring. The Center’s major donor, Mary Dell Pritzlaff joined current and former trustees Ed Birch, John Brinker, John Gabbert, and John Wiemann to oversee the hill-top celebration with everyone enjoying plenty of champagne, cake, and amazing views. Frank Schipper Construction, Tierra Contracting, Flowers & Associates, and Douglas Singletary, and Classic Party Rentals served as the event sponsors.

We Want YOU! The Garden hosts hundreds of school tours each year, but when you see a large group of adults wearing matching t-shirts, it’s more likely to be some of our corporate volunteers. Levi Strauss, Patagonia, Citrix and the Montecito Rotary Club are just a few of the local businesses that have recently supported the Garden through volunteerism and philanthropy. Thank you! Contact Volunteer Manager Kathy Castaneda at kcastaneda@sbbg.org if you would like to see your company get involved.

Photo captions top to bottom:

• Robyn Parker and friends at the Santa Barbara Beer Garden

• Carolyn Pidduck and other Garden docents generously share their time and knowledge with fourth graders at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden

• Mary Dell Pritzlaff (left), Dr. Steve Windhager (center), and Garden trustee John Weinman (right) celebrate at the Golden Shovel event for the John C. Pritzlaff Conservation Center

• Corporate volunteers from Levi Strauss.

Garden PeopleBy Nina Dunbar

Welcome to a new Ironwood column updating you on the many activities, accomplishments, and transitions of the Garden's members, volunteers, and staff. Please know that this column only has space to capture a fraction of what is happening at the Garden. Help me keep up to date on things I might have missed by sending Garden-related news to ndunbar@sbbg.org.

Photo: Eric Isaacs

Photo: Michelle Warren Photography

Photo: Stacy Bloodworth

Photo: Kathy Castaneda

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden1212 Mission Canyon RoadSanta Barbara, CA 93105-2126(805) 682-4726www.sbbg.org

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Ironwood – Summer 2014

Stacy Bloodworth, Assistant Garden Shop Manager, grew up in Southeast Missouri and spent many summers

in Santa Barbara visiting family. Her history with the Garden includes being a volunteer photographer as well as spending time enjoying the hiking trails, and all of the beauty the garden has to offer. Stacy is a graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography (2003). She has over 10 years of business management experience, and has recently joined our team as the Assistant Garden Shop Manager. Please stop in to introduce yourself and say hello when you have a chance.

Katelin Davis, Education Program Assistant, is a Santa Barbara local and current graduate student

with Oregon State’s eCampus working towards an M.S. in Free-Choice Learning Science Education. This program focuses specifically on learning that occurs outside of the classroom and in informal settings like the Garden. She began as a volunteer conducting surveys and observations studying visitor motivations, experiences and interactions at the Garden. Prior to her current studies, Katelin graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Art and a minor in Education. She realized her passion for conservation education while working at Santa Barbara Zoo’s summer camp and interning for the Natural History Museum in Santa Cruz. Katelin is excited to continue her work in education as our new Education Program Assistant.

Matt Guilliams, Ken and Shirley Tucker Systematist, is a Ph.D. Candidate in Integrative Biology; his

degree from UC Berkeley expected in August, 2014. He is interested in the Boraginaceae (particularly Plagiobothrys) and Montiaceae. Matt has three dozen publications pending, accepted, or in print and has a wide variety of practical research and education experience. He has worked for a variety of institutions including the USDA Forest Service, San Diego State University, Terra Peninsular A.C., RECON Environmental, and AMEC Environmental.

New Faces in the Garden

Matt Guilliams,Ken and Shirley Tucker Systematist

Katelin Davis, Education Assistant

Stacy Bloodworth, Assistant Garden Shop Manager

ENJOY THESE SPECIAL MEMBER COUPONS AS OUR WAY TO SAY THANK YOU!