At the January 16 meeting of the Gila Native Plant Society, Dr. William (Bill) Norris, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in the Department of Natural Science at Western New Mexico University, presented generous grants from the Native Plant Society to Christina Camacho and Garrett Hall.

Christina Camacho will graduate with a double major in Botany and Cell Molecular Biology from WNMU in the spring of 2015. Christina has been an outstanding student during her tenure in the WNMU Natural Sciences Department and is currently exploring graduate school options, also to study plants.

Garrett Hall recently transferred to Western New Mexico University from San Juan College where he developed a reputation for being very enthusiastic about plants. Garrett is currently pursuing a BS in Botany at WNMU where he volunteers in the herbarium as his time permits. He is greatly interested in field botany and looks forward to exploring the diverse habitats of southwestern New Mexico.

The Gila Native Plant Society is committed to promote education, research and appreciation of the native flora of the Southwest, to encourage the preservation of rare and endangered plant species and to support the use of suitable native plants in landscaping. For information on programs, publications and membership, please visit www.gilanps.org.