The delicate wildflowers that dot the hillsides through spring and summer protect the soil from rampaging rains as they have done for thousands of years. Without adequate plant cover, wind and water erodes the thin mantle of soil upon which our existence depends. Forest and marshes, for example, can greatly moderate local climates. Natural disasters, such as drought, have been attributed to the destruction of forests and other critically important plant communities. Plants and plant communities provide the habitat necessary to sustain wildlife and fish populations.
Plant communities are the basis for virtually all terrestrial animal life.
As described above, diverse plant communities are extremely important for sustaining healthy ecosystems. Plant habitats must be protected before species become critically endangered. With your support, we can conserve the more than 472 threatened and endangered plants and the 5,000 other plant species which are at risk of extinction. Wildflower Conservation and Etiquette Wildflowers are the jewels of the public lands. Like any treasure, they must be protected for all to enjoy.