“We may be the fastest-growing botanical society in America” reports John Herr after talking with representatives of various professional groups at the recent AIBS meetings in San Diego. I think this is great news, and we should be proud. This is due to all the hard work everyone does to keep Castanea strong, to spread Chinquapin around, and to encourage students to join. Every graduate student in the organismal plant sciences should be a member of SABS! It’s a good habit to cultivate throughout one’s entire career. SABS has demonstrated its relevance and usefulness to a wide range of readers by being highly regarded among professionals with such significant works as the Barrens Symposium published last year, and the “Invasion of the South” symposium to be published next year. On the other hand, we appeal to laypersons through Chinquapin. You may support this effort by sending Dan Pittillo news, stories, notices and ideas.