The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of California’s native plants and their natural habitats, today and into the future, through science, education, stewardship, gardening, and advocacy.
The Santa Clara Valley Chapter of CNPS covers Santa Clara County and southern San Mateo County. It offers activities focusing on the many aspects of native plants, from gardening, plant identification, and photography to conservation and rare plants. Activities include talks and lectures and workshops, field trips, native plant sales, wildflower show, restoration workdays, and more. The chapter was founded in 1972; more history can be found here.
Activities
Field Trips: The chapter conducts many outings during the year to areas of botanical interest, usually in the local area, but also occasional overnights to exciting, far off places. Each trip is a good opportunity to explore new places and meet new friends.
Native Plant Lecture Series: The Native Plant Lecture Series has something for everyone -- whether you're curious about native plants, an experienced or aspiring native plant gardener or a professional botanist, you will find something. From gardening to plant science to conservation to tours of botanical hot spots, if you're interested in California's native plants, there's something here for you. Most lectures are presented virtually on Wednesday evenings. Past talks are available on our YouTube channel.
Photography Group: A popular program dedicated to improving photographic skills. A good way to learn more about photography and our native plants, and very good entertainment!
Gardening With Natives: An active online discussion group where novice and experienced native plant gardeners share information about growing native plants. Open to all.
Outreach: The Chapter sponsors Public Native Plant Sales and Wildflower Shows in addition to participating in activities with other organizations to promote the protection of natives in their natural habitat and the use of natives in landscaping.
Growing Natives Garden Tour: An annual free spring tour of of native plant gardens.
Conservation: By means of persuasion, publicity, and legal action, we work to support the establishment and preservation of protected areas for native plants. We are often asked to write letters to our legislators, perhaps the most important of all our activities.
Rare Plants: The local populations of rare plants and plant communities are identified, monitored, and added to the CNPS inventory and state and federal data bases.
Invasives: Invasive, non-native species are increasingly threatening our native flora. Broom, yellow star thistle and others (at Alum Rock and Edgewood parks) are current targets of our efforts.
