California Native Plant Society

California Native Plant Society. Founded in 1965 by Betty G. Randall, it is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, study, and horticultural use of California's indigenous flora. With its headquarters in Sacramento, California, the society operates through a network of local chapters and engages in extensive scientific research, public education, and policy advocacy. Its work is fundamental to protecting the state's unique botanical heritage, which includes globally significant biodiversity hotspots like the California Floristic Province.

History

The organization was established in 1965 by botanist Betty G. Randall, who was inspired by the rapid loss of native habitats to urban development and agriculture. Early efforts focused on documenting rare species and advocating for the protection of critical areas, influencing the creation of preserves within the National Park Service system. Key milestones include the founding of its influential journal and its instrumental role in the passage of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which provided a legal tool for habitat review. Over decades, it has grown from a small group of dedicated botanists into a major force in California environmental policy, collaborating with entities like the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service.

Mission and activities

The core mission encompasses plant conservation, restoration of natural habitats, and the promotion of native plants in landscaping. A primary activity is the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants, a scientifically rigorous database used by agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for regulatory decisions. The society organizes extensive volunteer-based activities, including rare plant surveys, habitat restoration projects, and the removal of invasive species such as Arundo donax. It also runs certification programs for native plant horticulture and partners with institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden on research initiatives.

Publications and resources

It produces several key publications, most notably the quarterly journal Fremontia, which features peer-reviewed articles on botany, ecology, and conservation. The multi-volume Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California is a seminal taxonomic reference developed in collaboration with the Jepson Herbarium. Other essential resources include the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation, used for state-wide classification, and region-specific gardening guides like Growing California Native Plants. These materials are utilized by professionals at the California Department of Transportation and educators throughout the California State University system.

Chapters and local activities

The statewide organization is supported by over 30 local chapters, from the San Diego to the North Coast chapters, each tailoring activities to regional ecology. Chapters host popular annual events like native plant sales, garden tours, and lecture series featuring experts from places like the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. They conduct local conservation work, such as preserving dunes ecosystems on the Monterey Peninsula or grasslands in the Sacramento Valley. These decentralized groups provide critical on-the-ground presence, engaging communities in cities from Los Angeles to Redding.

Conservation and advocacy

Conservation efforts are focused on protecting threatened ecosystems, including coastal sage scrub, vernal pools, and old-growth forest in the Sierra Nevada. Advocacy involves direct engagement with legislation, having influenced policies like the Native Plant Protection Act and commenting on projects reviewed under the National Environmental Policy Act. The organization often participates in legal actions, sometimes alongside groups like the Center for Biological Diversity, to challenge developments that threaten endangered species. A major ongoing initiative is the campaign to combat wildfires in California through the promotion of fire-resilient native landscapes, working with agencies such as Cal Fire.

Category:Environmental organizations based in California Category:Botanical organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1965