15 March 2004 Dear Natural Historians, Here is the latest news from the Delta Institute of Natural History in Bowdoin, Maine. DELTA INSTITUTE COURSES Registration for the four courses arranged by the Delta Institute of Natural History is progressing well, but there are still openings for each course. Here are the courses and number of open spots: Salix (Willows), June 1113, instructor: George Argus 10 openings Carex, July 3, instructor: Tony Reznicek 8 openings Dryopteris and Hybrids, August 2728, instructor: James Montgomery 12 openings Isoetes, August 2021, instructor: Carl Taylor 13 openings Spaces remaining are updated almost every day and can be seen at the Institutešs home page (http://www.vfthomas.com/deltahome.htm). Purchasing a conservation easement or a tract of land to protect a population of a rare species will cost many thousands of dollars and much time and effort. Eradicating invasive plants can be equally expensive. Decisions about these matters are based on the survey work of one or sometimes a few individuals whose correct identification of the species in question is critical. It is equally important that rare species are not overlooked. How well do you know Salix, Carex, Dryopteris hybrids, and Isoetes? NEW ENGLAND WILD FLOWER SOCIETY COURSES The New England Wild Flower Society (NEWFS) has announced its schedule of courses, including course fees and enrollment limits, for the summer and fall of 2004. The three that will be held at the Delta Institute are 3-day courses taught by instructor Arthur Haines. They are: Introduction to Grass (Poaceae) Taxonomy June 18, 25 and July 9 Introduction to Taxonomy of Free-sporing Tracheophytes July 15, 30 and August 6 Northern New England Shrubs August 27 and September 3, 10 Registration for these courses is handled by the New England Wild Flower Society. Please call the registrar at 508-877-7630 ext. 3303 or e-mail [log in to unmask] HERBARIUM ACQUISITION During the summer of 2003, a number of friends of the Delta Institute collected and pressed plants for the beginning of what was anticipated to be a slowly growing herbarium. In addition, several individuals contributed personal collections of mounted and unmounted material for the herbarium. Things took a dramatic change in early 2004 when Clark University in Worcester, MA, contributed the Hadwen Botanical Clubšs collection that focused on Worcester County, MA, but with many of the speciesš being found throughout New England. The collection had been carefully packaged in ninety-nine(!) 18" x 18" x 18" boxes. Now, instead of a planned acquisition of one herbarium case every year or so to accommodate the herbarium as it grew, an order will be placed soon for five double-wide cases. These will be in place in time for the June 1113 Salix course with George Argus. COMPLETION OF BUILDING RENOVATION In early March, the contractor and crew who had developed the lecture and lab portion of the Delta Institute during the fall of 2003 returned to renovate the remaining portion of the building to house the library and the herbarium. Progress is remarkably rapid, and the anticipated completion date is early to mid-May. VISITING HOURS I welcome visitors to stop by and see the progress. I am almost always here, but it is best to call (207-266-5748) or e-mail to be sure. Directions are posted on the Delta Institute web site (http://www.vfthomas.com/deltahome.htm). As usual, if you prefer not to receive news from the Delta Institute, please let me know and I will remove your name from the Institutešs e-mail list. I am also pleased to hear from individuals who wish to be added to the list. I hope to see you this summer. Tom Thomas F. Vining V. F. Thomas Co. Delta Institute of Natural History 219 Dead River Road Bowdoin, ME 04287 207-266-5748 = 207-BOOKS-4-U http://www.vfthomas.com