Note that the volume number on the cover is 50. That’s right-Castanea and the Southern Appalachian Botanical Club are 50 years old. In 1935, Earl Core, with the assistance of Betty Bartholomew, formed the Club for “all persons interested in the botany of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.” For over 35 years, those two people contributed uncountable hours of time and much of the energy of their professional and private lives to the Club and journal. Unfortunately, both have died in recent months. People who have contributed as much to a single organization and publication are few in number, so it is most appropriate that we honor them in this 50th volume. In reading these tributes, you will see that they were not only anchors of SABC, but active in their communities and a positive influence on people who met and knew them.