Cushion plants are a charismatic group of low-growing, pillow-shaped alpine wildflowers typically found in high-elevation landscapes. Despite being adapted to harsh environments, cushion plants are often extremely sensitive to changing environmental conditions. Missoula, Montana supports cushion plant communities at unusually low elevations, in the very arid, wind-blown ridgetops of several local preserves. Species include oval-leaf buckwheat, alpine primrose, bitterroot (a First Food and the Montana state flower), and an endemic species, Missoula phlox. However, several cushion plant species are decreasing in abundance. Long-term population monitoring is needed to understand potential drivers of population decline in these unique and vulnerable communities.

Meredith will collaborate with Missoula Parks & Recreation to monitor populations of six cushion plant species at three local preserves: Waterworks Hill, Bluebird Preserve, and Mt. Jumbo. They will collect environmental data, including local temperature, soil moisture, and invasive species abundance, to try to pinpoint factors driving population losses and recommend management action. In addition, Meredith will co-design a monitoring protocol and organize a workshop and hands-on field training for partners and community members to learn to use the protocol and discuss future conservation goals for Missoula’s unusual cushion communities.