Approximately 125 statewide rare plant taxa occur in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, per the CNPS Rare Plant Inventory (that is in addition to the 524 taxa which are rare in our two counties). Astounding!
More information about these statewide and locally rare plants is available at rareplants.ebcnps.org.
Native plant enthusiasts who treasure these rare plants can help them thrive by helping out with the CNPS-EB Rare Plant Committee or volunteering directly with CNPS staff. Researching and protecting 125 taxa is a task that far exceeds CNPS staff capacity: volunteers are needed! We especially need help advocating for ecologically appropriate management with local agencies and with data collection. Please note that the sensitive plant data that you collect for CNPS are always protected; they are available only to those with demonstrated legitimate need and interest in the data.
CNPS-EB Rare Plant Committee volunteers can take on any of the following:
- Establish relations with local park and open space managers on science and management of rare plants. We especially need someone to take on advocacy work for the diseased and threatened populations that our outgoing Rare Plant Committee Chair initiated.
- Updating our website with information on your favorite taxa.
- Contributing newsletter articles.
- Planning annual activities for Rare Plant volunteers to meet, share knowledge, and learn about relevant rare plant topics.
- Organize Adopt-A-Rare-Plant and Rare Plant Treasure Hunts for the chapter.
- Coordinating with CNPS staff on priorities for local data collection and management.
- Take on the responsibility of Rare Plant Committee Chair and keep track of all of these efforts!
For more information about volunteering, contact CNPS-EB at rare-plant-chair@ebcnps.org.
