In 2004, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden became a Participating Institution in the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC). Founded in 1984, the CPC's mission is to conserve and restore the rare native plants of the United States. With headquarters at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, it operates a network of more than 30 leading botanical institutions that work in a coordinated way for ex situ conservation and restoration of the nation's most endangered flora. The CPC sets high standards for plant conservation and coordinates and supports research, technical assistance, education and advocacy for plant conservation nationwide. Their website offers extensive information on hundreds of the most imperiled plants in the U.S.

Since 1995, CREW's Plant Research Division has had a Cooperative Agreement to work with the CPC and it's member gardens on the propagation of endangered plants. Becoming a participating institution in the CPC's network solidifies our commitment to work to preserve our region's - and our nation's - endangered flora.