Rare Plant Monitoring Program

Advancing our knowledge of rare plants in Wisconsin

Become a volunteer and help preserve our rare flora for future generations.

Locoweed. Photo courtesy of Josh Mayer.

Become a volunteer

WI Rare Plant News

Training sessions are online

The Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program gives plant enthusiasts an opportunity to conduct surveys for rare plants around the state. The information these volunteers collect is used to assess plant population trends during state and national conservation efforts.

Go to the training

2024 Annual Report

Learn about the valuable work our volunteers have been doing!

2025 species of the year

The focus this year is on Wisconsin's five species of rare milkweed.

Rare Plant Finder

Before volunteering, look for rare plants to survey in your area.

Turk's Cap Lily. Photo courtesy of Josh Mayer.

Use the rare plant finder

This program is supported with funds from the Natural Resources Foundation's Wisconsin Rare Plant Preservation Fund, from the sale of Endangered Resources license plates, and from private donations submitted through the Wisconsin income tax form.

field notes graphic — See how we help care for Wisconsin's rarest plants, wildlife, and special places.

This site is produced in conjunction with the Wisconsin Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Inventory and sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The information presented on this site is subject to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Legal Notices.