Once abundant in its native New Jersey, the small, prostrate seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus) disappeared from the state in 1913 – primarily due to habitat destruction – and was not seen in the state again until 87 years later. The coastal species was discovered to have recolonized in 2000, and conservation organizations have since kept a close eye on its growth.

RECOLONIZED: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of N. J. and U. S. Fish and Wildlife’s N. J. Field Office partner to monitor the plant within the state. (Photo Courtesy CWFNJ)

According to Sherry Tirgrath, a wildlife biologist with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, “The population of…