The Jocelyn Sladen Memorial Fund
Celebrating a Life Dedicated to Conservation of Nature and Native Plants.
Jocelyn Sladen expressed her love of the natural world and, especially of native plants, in many ways: spearheading designation of the Trillium Trail in 1990 as the first Virginia Native Plant Registry site, donating land for conserving rare species, saving rare species through propagation, and many others.
One of the founders of VNPS and a Piedmont Chapter board member until her passing in 2023, Jocelyn liked to spread her support to other organizations as well. An inspired and energetic leader in conservation, and a passionate proponent of living in respect with Nature, Jocelyn reminded us that:
“…those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”
Jocelyn Sladen at Wildcat Mountain Natural Area
In celebration of her life and to preserve her legacy, we would like to support a rare native plant species in her memory.
Jocelyn Sladen with Torrey’s Mountain Mint
Torrey’s Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum torreyi), globally and state-imperiled (G2, S2), grows naturally in a meadow that Jocelyn nurtured for many years. The Center for Plant Conservation, one of several national conservation organizations where Jocelyn served as a board member, would like to propagate the plant. VNPS can partner with the Center to sponsor Torrey’s Mountain Mint for $10,000 as the funding will offset some of the expenses of collecting, growing, and researching the species.
We believe this would be a fitting memorial for Jocelyn, and we already have the support of her family and gifts from Piedmont Chapter members. We also have secured a matching grant for up to $5,000 from the Center for Plant Conservation.
Please join us in preserving Jocelyn Sladen’s legacy and in celebrating her life as a conservationist and a champion of Nature. Donate now to help us save Torrey’s Mountain Mint.
Prefer to send a check?
Mail to VNPS, Jocelyn Sladen Memorial Fund, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Unit 2, Boyce, VA 22620