05/06/2026
Exciting news! Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea), a critically imperiled state-endangered species, has been identified growing in Northwest Connecticut. Believed to be extinct throughout most of New England, this seedling has sprouted at one of its last known habitat locations in the region (on NCLC protected land).
Last year, a stewardship team applied special plot treatments to encourage germination of any viable seed remaining in the soil at this location. The team is thrilled to report that a successful plant was identified growing in one of the plots last week.
This is an amazing conservation step forward, thanks to the people who make land protection and this conservation work possible.
Fingers crossed, this plant is the beginning of the restoration of this endangered species.
Thank you to the CT Botanical Society, Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists, and Millbrook Garden Club for helping fund this species restoration project.
