Derral Raymon Herbst (1934–2023)

photo by: Clyde Imada, BISH

Derral Raymon Herbst, Pacific botanist 
(1934–2023) 

Derral Herbst was a prominent figure in Hawaiian and Pacific botanical science from 1971 until his retirement. Derral was born in Faith, South Dakota, on October 13, 1934 and received his Bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in South Dakota. Following a period of high school teaching in Montana, South Dakota, and Guam in 1964 he enrolled in the University of Hawaii, Mānoa, to begin doctoral studies. He was awarded the PhD in 1971 for a dissertation entitled “The ontogeny of the disjunct foliar veins in Euphorbia forbesii Sherff.” Although Derral published widely on floristics, plant taxonomy, and ecology, at heart he was always aplant anatomist. 

Following completion of his PhD, Derral was the first botanist hired in 1971 at the nascent Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden (now the National Tropical Botanical Garden) and he then worked in turn for the University of Hawaiʻi, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, where he was the Endangered Species Botanist), and finally at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers(USACE), Honolulu office. For much of his working career he maintained a close working relationship with the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, where he was a Research Associate in Botany. Following retirement, Derral stopped all botanical work and took up research on genealogy, a pastime he greatly enjoyed. He loved to tell stories about his grand-aunt, Mattie Goff Newcombe, a famous rodeo trick rider and, later, cattle ranch owner; his genealogical explorations found many interesting details about his family history in the Dakotas. 

During Derral’s working career he was able to travel extensively throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including the remote and seldom visited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, as well as many islands and atolls of Micronesia and parts of Polynesia. Derral was an old-school plant collector who documented his field work with carefully prepared voucher specimens, typically with some duplicates for distribution. The principal set was deposited at BISH with duplicates widely distributed in A, GH, HAW, L, PTBG, US and others. Derral’s early botanical collections formed the foundation of the PTBG herbarium. His field collecting books are deposited in BISH and will be digitized in time (B. Kennedy, pers. comm., 2023). To date we have been able to verify Derral’s collection numbers ran at least as high as 9,881. 

Although Derral was deeply committed to plant conservation and devoted his career to working toward the preservation and protection of rare species in the Hawaiian flora, his position with the federal agency responsible for listing endangered species put him directly on the firing line for criticism from organizations and individuals who felt the USFWS was dragging its feet on listing efforts. Throughout the 1990s, as pressure and criticism of the slow pace for new endangered species listing grew, Derral took this personally; he often remarked to me, sadly, that the lawyers were running the show with the listing process, instead of the biologists. When several conservation groups filed a lawsuit against the USFWS to try and force them to speed up listing efforts, Derral took it very hard. Ultimately, the stress from this tense, acrimonious situation led him to make a transfer to the USACE, where he was still available to serve as a resource to aid conservation efforts, but was no longer directly in the line of fire. He remained with the Army Corps of Engineers until his retirement. 

Derral believed deeply in public service: he often said that scientists who were able to conduct research funded by governments, agencies, or grants had an ethical obligation and responsibility to share the knowledge they gained with the community they served. Derral lived this ideal to the fullest and was extraordinarily generous with his time and knowledge, sharing his mana‘o to educate and inform anyone who asked for his help. His knowledge of Hawaiian, Micronesian, and Polynesian flora was encyclopedic and also extremely detailed. Derral was an active member of the Hawaiian Botanical Society for many years, serving as Vice President in 1974, President in 1975, a Director in 1976, and as Treasurer from 1982–1989. Among his many public service roles he very much looked forward to volunteering each year as a lei plant identifier for the annual Honolulu Lei Day competition on May 1. He also served pro bono for several years on a committee that crafted an updated Mission Statement and created the first Living Collections Policy for the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, the oldest and most extensive tropical plant collection in the Islands. 

Derral published more than one hundred peer reviewed scientific articles and technical reports as well as several books, including the Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii (with W.L. Wagner and S.H. Sohmer, 1990, revised 1999); A Tropical Garden Flora (with G. Staples, 2005); and Hawaiian Plant Life: Vegetation and Flora (with R. J. Gustafson and P. W. Rundel, 2014). The Manual was recognized by IAPT with the Engler Medal in Silver in 1990 and A Tropical Garden Flora was awarded the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries Annual Literature Award in 2007. Never a boastful person, Derral was quietly and deeply proud of these recognitions. It was always amusing to see Derral approach an award ceremony, or almost any social occasion really: he was a self-professed curmudgeon, a role he played quite well. It took a fair amount of wheedling and persuasion to convince him to go to any event where there were going to be people present. But then when he got there, Derral came out of his shell and became animated and talkative; afterwards he glowed for days! Quite an amusing transformation to see the curmudgeon had a social butterfly hidden inside. 

At least six plants (species or infraspecific taxa) are named in honor of Derral R. Herbst and he authored or co-authored eight plant species names. 

In his later years, through 2019, Derral gifted more than 1,700 botanical books and bound journals to the Herbarium Pacificum (BISH) where they are kept as a reference resource for staff and visitors. Some of his manuscripts and project-related files are also kept in BISH. Additional botanical books that formed part of his estate at the time of his death will be donated to the Black Hills State University in South Dakota. 

For those who wish to read personal reminiscences of Derral, many of them citing instances of his kindness and generosity in sharing with others, a memorial site has been set up: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/0VeqekBA where friends and colleagues shared photos and stories about him and may continue to do so. 

Derral R. Herbst died in his sleep on March 6, 2023, aged 88, in Honolulu, Hawaii, after a period of declining health. He was buried April 1 in the cemetery at White Owl, South Dakota. His life partner, Stanley Yamashita, had predeceased him. 

Ua pau ka lei aloha a Derral, ua hoʻomaka ʻia ā ua pau pono nō ia.

Biography submitted by George Staples

Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies at the University of Missouri – St. Louis

E. Desmond Lee and Family Fund Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies
at the University of Missouri – St. Louis
in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden

We invite nominations of and applications by outstanding scientists for the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies. Successful candidates will have an active research program that incorporates ecology, evolution, and conservation approaches to understanding plant diversity. The appointment will be made in the UMSL Department of Biology at either the associate or full professor rank. This tenured position was established to enhance the partnership between the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden, where the professor will have principal investigator status. This position is one of 36 endowed professorships in the Des Lee Collaborative Vision (https://www.umsl.edu/desleecollaborative/index.html), which are distinct from more traditional academic positions in having a responsibility for community outreach and engagement. Therefore, we seek a broadly interactive colleague who is interested in crossing disciplinary boundaries within science and from science to a broad and diverse community.

The University of Missouri–St. Louis is a leader in partnerships with key institutions in the St. Louis Region, including collaborations with the Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, Danforth Plant Science Center, and others. The Missouri Botanical Garden, with more than 45 PhD scientists, has a renowned research program with field sites in 56 countries, an outstanding library, and a world-class herbarium with more than 8 million plant specimens. This partnership also includes collaboration with the Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center (https://www.umsl.edu/hwec/index.html), which promotes research and education in ecology, evolution, and conservation, and participation in the UMSL Biology graduate program that attracts top scholars from around the world.

The Des Lee Endowed Professor in Botanical Studies is expected to pursue an active program of research in botany and oversee a laboratory at the University that facilitates the training of students. Areas of particular interest are ecology, evolution, biodiversity studies, restoration ecology, systematics, geospatial approaches, and/or conservation. The endowed professor will have teaching responsibilities with the Biology undergraduate and graduate programs. In keeping with the Des Lee Collaborative

Vision, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated interest in, and skills relevant to, engaging scholars outside their focused research specialty and in engaging diverse communities outside the academy. Laboratory and office space will be housed at the University along with access to all research facilities at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The position includes an annual budget in support of the collaboration.

Required qualifications:

• A PhD in Biology or a related field

• A productive record of research publications in studies related to plant diversity

• A strong history of research funding

• Demonstrated skills in teaching courses in Biology and mentoring research

  students

Preferred qualifications:

• A track record of community engagement

• Experience supporting the success of students from a wide range of diverse

  backgrounds

The application review process will start in mid-February 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. The position will be available beginning Fall 2024, but the start date is negotiable. For full consideration, candidates must provide a cover letter outlining qualifications and interests, detailed curriculum vitae, statement of current and future research plans, and a statement of experience and plans for outreach consistent with the Des Lee Collaborative vision. Questions may be addressed to Dr. Bethany Zolman (zolmanb@umsl.edu). Formal submission of application materials must be done via the University’s website: www.umsl.jobs. Click on the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies, and follow the instructions provided. Job posting ID is 50233.

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate. In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Seed Bank Program Manager or Research Scientist, Conservation Seed Bank

Principal Function
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is seeking a highly qualified Seed Bank Program Manager or Research Scientist for its Conservation Seed Bank, based at the Southeastern Center for Conservation. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the Director of Research, leading seed-banking initiatives across the Southeast to support the survival of rare species in the wild. This role involves strategizing seed banking initiatives for Southeastern Regional Species of Conservation Need (RSGCN), ensuring the efficient handling of samples (seeds, spores, pollen), and integrating innovative protocols into the Garden’s seed bank programs.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management and Operations: Lead the planning, development, and implementation of seed bank operations to ensure the effective conservation of plant species. Oversees the collection, processing, storage, and germination of seeds, adhering to best practices in seed conservation.
Research and Collaboration: Work closely with scientists, researchers, and conservation organizations to identify priority species for conservation and to support restoration projects. Participate in research to improve seed storage and germination techniques.
Funding and Resource Management: Identify and pursue funding opportunities to support seed bank operations. Manage budgets, resources, and grants effectively to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Laboratory Management: Oversee the Conservation Seed Bank staff and support germination trials, viability tests, and seed cleaning processes. Ensure excellence in handling rare and imperiled species.
Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of technicians and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Ensure staff are trained in seed collection, storage techniques, and safety protocols.
Research and Data Management: Lead the development of species-specific seed bank procedures, maintain immaculate records, and optimize laboratory workflows for sample storage and viability tests.
Training and Safety Protocols: Conduct training workshops and ensure that all lab staff adhere to best practices in safety and data management.
Data Management and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of seed collections, storage conditions, and germination rates. Prepare reports and analyses to track program progress and to share findings with stakeholders.

Qualifications
Required: MSc or Ph.D. in ecology, botany, biology, conservation, or a related science field. Minimum of 2 years of experience in seed banking, seed research, or seed conservation. 
International candidates will be considered, fluent English is required and a work visa is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and independently. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 
Valid Driver’s License with a good driving record.
Preferred: Experience with orchids and imperiled plants of the southeastern United States, seed and pollen viability analysis, tissue culture, and statistical software (e.g., R, JMP). Certifications such as SCST, CVT, or RST are highly desirable. Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
Strong leadership skills and experience managing teams.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of plant taxonomy, seed biology, and conservation strategies.
Physical Requirements 
Visual acuity, manual dexterity, and attention to detail are critical. Ability to spend long periods of time in the laboratory performing complex protocols. Ability to take careful notes and improve laboratory organization. 
Some regional and international travel will be required. 
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. 
What We Offer
A dynamic and supportive work environment in a mission-driven organization.
Opportunities for professional development and training in conservation and seed banking.
The chance to make a significant impact on global biodiversity conservation efforts.
These job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required for this position.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.