Recently, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens hosted an event to celebrate the remarkable story of Elzada Clover and Lois Jotter, the trailblazing botanists who defied expectations to explore and document the Grand Canyon’s unique flora in 1938. Author Melissa L. Sevigny shared the story of these two incredible researchers in her book, Brave the Wild River, and hosted a discussion of Clover’s work and her connection to the University of Michigan.
For the event, the University of Michigan’s Herbarium contributed 10 specimens, which were collected on the famous expedition. Dr. Brad Ruhfel, Research Collection Manager, Vascular Plants, Assistant Research Scientist, answered questions after the book discussion. He also created a species list available on a website for the public to view all the Elzada Clover specimens available in the herbarium.
“It’s an honor to share the incredible specimens of Dr. Clover,” said Ruhfel. “She was an exceptional scientist and we continue to be inspired by her lasting botanical legacy. In addition to the specimens collected on her famous trip down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon, we have many others in our herbarium collection from her other expeditions.”
The exhibit of Dr. Clover’s specimens, “Down the River with Elzada Clover,” is on display at Matthaei through Sunday, January 26, 2025.
