This book provides a general overview of the natural landscapes and vegetation types of the U.S., the key plant species that help define them, the pressures faced by natural ecosystems and the imperative for conservation and restoration. It addresses the policies that have been introduced to manage healthy ecosystems and the practical progress that is being made in restoration. A particular focus is on the production of diverse native plant materials currently required by the National Seed Strategy. Case studies demonstrate how native plant materials are essential to support the conservation of healthy ecosystems with their biodiversity and functions as well as supporting a productive and sustainable agricultural sector and healthy ecosystems for all.

The authors are closely connected with major national and international networks of botanic gardens, ecologists and conservation scientists at Board level and through other professional links. Condensing a wide range of current information into a concise format, this book fills a need by experts and informed amateurs interested in the natural environment, including gardeners, botanic garden and protected area visitors, government agencies, the private sector native seed industry, and NGOs.

Autorentext
Sara Oldfield is a freelance biodiversity expert with internationally recognised expertise in rare plant conservation and global policy. Sara is Co-Chair of the IUCN/SSC Global Tree Specialist Group. From May 2005 to February 2015 she was Secretary General of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). Prior to that she was Global Programmes Director of Fauna & Flora International (FFI) from August 1998 to September 2004 and previously Senior Projects Officer at UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC).  She has worked as a freelance consultant in the past and also as a staff member of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Peggy Olwell is one of the world's leading advocates for botanical conservation. Employed as the Plant Conservation Program Lead, USDI BLM, she has successfully championed the conservation of native plant species for over twenty years with the Bureau. Her work establishing Seeds of Success and in ecological restoration is internationally recognised.  Peggy is Chair of the Federal Committee of the Plant Conservation Alliance. Previously Peggy has worked for the National Parks Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and Center for Plant Conservation. Dr Nancy Shaw is a Research Botanist Emeritus working with the USDA Forest Service. Nancy has a Ph.D. in Crop Science from Oregon State University. Nancy has a highly distinguished career record with areas of research experience including seed technology and physiology, seedling establishment, native plant materials development, ecological restoration in semi-arid systems and shrubland ecology. An important facet of her work in native plant development has been with private sector seed growers. Nancy has coordinated a collaborative research project between the USDI BLM Great Basin Restoration Initiative, the USDA Forest Service Grassland, Shrubland, and Desert Ecosystem Research Program and 20 major cooperators. Nancy is on the Board of the Society for Ecological Restoration and the International Network for Seed-based Restoration.

Dr. Kayri Havens is a leading botanist  and restoration ecologist currently employed as the Medard and Elizabeth Welch Director, Division of Plant Science and Conservation; Senior Scientist, Chicago Botanic Garden. In this capacity she oversees research programs in Plant Biology, Restoration Ecology, Conservation Training, and Conservation Projects. She also works in partnership with other Garden staff on informal science education, citizen science, and the Science Career Continuum. Dr. Havens' primary research interests include: ex situ conservation of plants, restoration genetics, plant responses to climate change, and the biology of rarity and invasiveness. She is a Board member of Botanic Gardens Conservation International-US and chairs the Plant Conservation Alliance Non Federal Committee.

Inhalt
Chapter1: Introduction.- Chapter2: The importance of native plants and the pressures they face.- Chapter3: The importance of ecosystems.- Chapter4: Conservation of plant species.- Chapter5: Land ownership, land management and land use.- Chapter6: Restoring the future.- Chapter7: Looking ahead.