The ABQ BioPark has announced its acceptance as a Participating Institution with the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC), showcasing its dedication to saving endangered plant species regionally and nationally. The CPC, a network of 75 institutions focused on conserving North America's rarest plants, plays a vital role in caring for over half of the continent's 4,400 endangered plant species while upholding strict standards to ensure genetic diversity.
New Mexico, the fourth most botanically diverse state in the United States, is a key focus for the BioPark's plant conservation efforts. The institution serves as a refuge for rare plants impacted by construction projects, expands its plant collections, and houses a seed bank containing 12 rare plant species native to New Mexico. Through collaborations with various partners, the BioPark actively engages in plant conservation initiatives across the state.
"Our team is eager to collaborate with other CPC institutions and contribute to broader national plant conservation and restoration goals," expressed BioPark Associate Director Matthew Peterson regarding the new partnership.
With approximately 200 rare and endangered plants in New Mexico, the BioPark staff is enthusiastic about working with more partners to ensure their continued survival and to promote conservation education within the community.
For more information on ABQ BioPark's conservation efforts, visit https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/conservation.
