Use of Scent Detection Dogs for Rare Plant Monitoring

Steven A. Blackwell and Lauralea Oliver will explore the innovative use of scent detection dogs in rare plant monitoring, a powerful conservation tool that is helping researchers locate and protect vulnerable species in challenging habitats. In addition, he will discuss other important aspects of his conservation work at the Desert Botanical Garden, including:

• Developing propagation techniques and protocols for rare plants

• Seed germination and viability studies

• Plant salvage efforts

• Species reintroduction initiatives

This talk offers a unique opportunity to learn about cutting-edge conservation strategies directly from a professional working at the forefront of rare plant preservation.

Steven A Blackwell with K9 search dog Muon

Steven A. Blackwell serves as Conservation Collections Manager at the Desert Botanical Garden, where he leads efforts to collect, propagate, and curate living collections of rare, threatened, and endangered plant species. He also manages the Garden’s seed bank, which supports research initiatives and preserves seeds from thousands of rare and common plants, safeguarding critical genetic resources for future study and conservation.

Steven holds a B.S. in Horticulture and a B.S. in Conservation Biology and Ecological Sustainability from Arizona State University.

His work focuses on rare plant conservation through salvage, reintroduction, propagation, horticulture, seed biology, and plant ecology. As a result of his work, he was the recipient of the Center for Plant Conservation Star Award in 2023.Through his leadership in conservation, Steven contributes to advancing scientific knowledge while helping ensure the long-term survival of vulnerable plant species.

Lauralea Oliver

Lauralea Oliver is a Professional Dog Trainer, Ecological Detection Dog Trainer and Handler, and internationally recognized educator in canine scent work. She has worked professionally with dogs since 2000, building experience across a wide range of disciplines including shelter and rescue dogs, companion animals, sporting dogs, and working detection dogs.

As the founder of k9inSCENTive, Lauralea specializes in ecological scent detection dog training, handler development, and field deployment services. Since 2014, she has partnered with agencies, researchers, conservation organizations, and private clients throughout the United States to develop and deploy canine teams for wildlife conservation, ecological monitoring, and environmental research projects.

Lauralea’s detection dogs have been trained to locate a diverse range of targets, including rare plants, reptiles, amphibians, wildlife scat, and pathogenic fungi. Her work has supported projects involving species such as California tiger salamanders, giant garter snakes, western pond turtles, San Joaquin kit foxes, and some of Arizona’s rarest native plant species. She has also collaborated on groundbreaking detection dog programs focused on invasive and plant-pathogenic fungi.

In addition to her conservation work, Lauralea has been deeply involved in the sport of canine scent work for more than two decades. Through the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW®), she serves as a Certified Nose Work Instructor®, Trial Judge, and Certifying Official. She continues to actively train, compete, and mentor dog-handler teams while sharing her expertise through workshops, speaking engagements, and educational programs.

Whether working with professional detection dog teams, conservation organizations, or dedicated dog owners, Lauralea is committed to developing skilled canine teams through science-based, reward-focused training methods that honor the dog’s natural abilities and enthusiasm for scent work.

Refreshments

First names beginning in N, O, T, U, V, W, X and Z plus all that missed their month

Plant of the Month

Cactus – Variegated

Succulent – Variegated