Who cares about VA pitchers?

[meadowview]

Hi Folks:

We met with the landowner of the northern most pitcher plant bog in Virginia today. The bog is a short walking distance from Meadowview. We now have a price from him, $1200.00, for a one year renewable lease on the bog which will allow us to do clearing and bring in visitors. The lease matter is now before our board.

One question the landowner had was:

"How many people are interested or care about the plants in this bog?"

So.. I ask you to comment and tell me if you are interested or care about this bog. We had a story on this site in our 2009 newsletter (see newsletter link at www.pitcherplant.org and read Central VA Preserve story).

Also, please spread the news on this story and have people contact me at [e-mail] to tell me they care. I will compile the data on who cares and let you know the result.

Sincerely,

Phil Sheridan, Ph.D.
Director
Meadowview Biological
Research Station

[Brian Barnes]

Hey Phil and All,

I encourage everyone who reads this to support Meadowview's efforts!

Phil, Do you wish for folks to post here, or is there a link provided on your site for comments?

We're behind you...

Brian Barnes,
ICPS Director of Conservation.

[meadowview]

Hi Brian:

Folks can cast their vote of support here, as a post, or send an e-mail to me at [e-mail].

Sincerely,

Phil Sheridan
Meadowview

[philgreen]

Id say this is two questions

1) "How many people are interested or care about the plants in this bog?"
I'd bet all of us, so Thousands ?

2) Is being able to manage someone elses land for them and being able to lead a few walks on it - for an unspecified period of time, with no guarantee that the land will be preserved in the long run, worth $1200 a year ?
To me NO. I'd want some commitment and guarantee to it's long term survival.

[meadowview]

Hi Phil:

So I'll take the first answer as a yes but let me address the second response.

"I'd say this is two questions

1) "How many people are interested or care about the plants in this bog?"
I'd bet all of us, so Thousands ?

2) Is being able to manage someone Else's land for them and being able to lead a few walks on it - for an unspecified period of time, with no guarantee that the land will be preserved in the long run, worth $1200 a year ?
To me NO. I'd want some commitment and guarantee to it's long term survival. "

What we are buying is good will from a landowner who over the years has allowed us to monitor the site and allowed us to bring people in to see the plants. The gentleman is in financial difficulties and is really not in a position to be magnanimous. We are trying to get a toehold of ownership and the lease provides a way in. The lease also helps someone in need who has helped our efforts. Also, purchase of the property or a legal easement would cost much, much more so this is a measure to get some temporary, economical preservation and restoration. The lease should also be viewed in light of the fact that one of our members is buying an adjacent 14 acres for $95,000 and donating the conservation easement to Meadowview. We need to continue to work with the native pitchers on the lease land so we have abundant seed and seedlings to stock the adjoining land we will be managing. The landowner could just say "get off my land" and that would be the end of things. That wouldn't be productive for either party so again the lease buys good will, allows us to continue our work, and keeps the door open for eventual purchase.

So.. you see, there is a lot more to the lease than originally meets the eye. The lease also sets us up for eventual purchase of the property by not alienating the landowner in a time of his need. You might reconsider then that $100.00/month lease to temporarily protect the last two purple pitcher plants at the northern part of their range in Virginia a good deal.

Sincerely,

Phil Sheridan, Ph.D.
Director
Meadowview Biological
Research Station

[philgreen]

Hi Phil,

The extra info, does make a difference. Especially it being a future seed source for the adjoining land. And lets hope you can aquire this land in the future.

Good luck with those extra 14 acres. I look forward to seeing pic's in the future.

[Christian]

Hi Phil,

please count me in!

I had the great pleasure to visit that site with Phil this may. I can asure you, there is no time to lose! I really hope the land can eventually be bought and the plants can be safed.

regards,
Christian

[meadowview]

Hi Folks:

The survey results are in from the list serve, Terraforums, and the ICPS Forum on "Who cares about pitcher plants in Virginia?" Specifically, this was the question posed by the owner of the northern most S. purpurea bog in VA. The site is down to 2 plants and we are working on renting/purchasing/restoring the site and surrounding property. The answer: 30 individuals from around the world voted that they care. If anybody else would like to state they care please drop me an e-mail or state so publicly on one of these forums.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Phil Sheridan, Ph.D.
Director
Meadowview Biological
Research Station

[Fred P]

Count me in Phil. Great work you're doing! Keep it up.

Fred

[regina]

I care and I think it is good to help some one and something at the same time.

[marcel]

Of course we care Phil

[ABACUS]

I care too! ;D Can't wait to see some pics of the place!

[PitcherPlanter]

Don't forget me!

[Michael]

Me too -- I'm part of the group who care! :-)

[Brian Barnes]

Yes Phil!

We do indeed care about your endeavors!

The ICPS fully supports Meadowview's conservational efforts 100%.

Happy Growing,

Brian Barnes
ICPS Director of Conservation