Of Ed Voss's many contributions and accomplishments as a botanist, professor, and much lauded teacher, as amply recounted and celebrated in this volume, his role as an indefatigable leader in plant conservation is one that should not be forgotten. Hisdedicated work in protecting and conserving the rare flora of Michigan and the Great Lakes region is an important legacy that will endure, his selfless devotion in this regard serving as a model to all (see Fig. 25). Ed Voss contributed to, and fostered, rare plant conservation throughout his career in numerous ways, as will be described below. Moreover, he initiated his efforts well before the existence, or significant expansion, of many national, state, and local conservation organizations now knownto lead in such pursuits. Voss's work commenced prior to the advent of Earth Day in 1970 and the subsequent use and proliferation of such well-known terms or concepts as "biodiversity", "biophilia" (Wilson 1984), or— more topically—"sustainability." His involvement in conservation also began long before formal studies in the emerging fields of conservation biology and ecosystem management helped to articulate the scientific rationale for conserving rare biota. It is therefore fitting and highly appropriate to honor Ed Voss's important work in rare plant and natural areas conservation by providing a brief overview and description of his particular contributions in these areas.
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