From the President
As you shelter in place, I hope you are able to see native plants and spring flowers when you walk in your neighborhood or local park. I live near Tilden, and it is bursting with color: yellow mules ears (Wyethia helenioides), orange poppies (Eschscholzia californica), pale yellow cream cups (Platystemon californicus), purple Phacelia imbricata, red paintbrush (Castilleja affinis), purple owl’s clover (Castilleja exserta) and red fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum).
Being outside and taking time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world is one of the most healing things we can do right now to reduce our stress from the isolation caused by this crisis.
CNPS Weighs in on Planning for Expanded Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve
The CNPS East Bay Conservation Committee participates in many local planning processes to advocate for protection of native plants and habitat. When the East Bay Regional Park District prepared a Land Use Plan Amendment to formally incorporate 756 additional acres into Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve, the CNPS East Bay Conservation Committee submitted comments requesting that certain topics relevant to native plant protection be considered.
Rare and Unusual Plant Discoveries in the East Bay
Two CNPS East Bay members explored Hayward’s Garin Regional Park to document plants listed in the chapter’s database, Rare, Unusual and Significant Plants. They discovered not only the species they were looking for, but also some previously undocumented plant gems.
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Tiny Treasures/Tall Trees: EBCNPS Knows Why Each Native Plant Matters
Our CNPS East Bay chapter’s work in protecting local habitats is the focus of a recent article by Jody Morgan, “Tiny Treasures/Tall Trees: EBCNPS Knows Why Each Native Plant Matters.” The article, originally published in the March 2020 issue of Alamo Today & Danville Today News and republished with permission on our website, features interviews with several of our board members.
From the President: East Bay Chapter Hires Conservation Analyst
On behalf of the East Bay Chapter, I would like to introduce you to Joanna Garaventa, the new East Bay Conservation Analyst.
Native Here Adjusts to the Coronavirus
The nursery is closed to the public for the duration of the shelter-in-place order, but we have three essential processes to maintain during this period: potting up seedlings, sterilizing soil, and watering. We don’t know when the SIP order will be lifted, but we need healthy, attractive plants to sell to the public when we resume business.