Everything’s Changing So Fast: An Update

A talk by Dan Gluesenkamp, Executive Director, CNPS

These are exciting times, and there’s a lot going on. Pollinators are plummeting in numbers but gardeners are responding by planting thousands of native plants. “New normal” fire regimes are combining with forestry management issues. CNPS and others are taking on more conservation issues, at more scales, in more places than ever before. All of this is of course occurring amidst a backdrop of demographic and cultural change, rapid advancement of scientific and technical abilities and increasingly volatile (both good and bad) politics.

Dan will talk about the urgency and opportunity for real action that can bring rapid and enduring improvements. Topics will include updates on the ambitious new California Biodiversity Initiative and the “Habitat Revolution” now underway. Most of all, Dan will talk about his role as CNPS Executive Director and give thanks for all who make it possible: partners and supporters, legacy donors and of course the volunteers who are accomplishing miracles large and small.

Dan Gluesenkamp is the Executive Director of CNPS; previously he was E.D. of Calflora and Director of Habitat Protection and Restoration for Audubon Canyon Ranch’s thirty preserves. A co-founder of the California Invasive Plant Council and of the Bay Area Early Detection Network (BAEDN), in 2009 Dan discovered a presumed-extinct Franciscan manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana) growing on a traffic island at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Potluck Logistics!

The evening begins at 6pm with our annual potluck. Bring your favorite dish, whether it be a salad, main dish, dessert or beverage; it always works out that we have just the right amount of everything! A label identifying your dish will be helpful. Be sure to bring a plate, drinking glass, and eating utensils for yourself, as well as a bag in which to take home unwashed dishes.

If you can help with setup, please arrive at 5pm to set up chairs and tables. The potluck feast will begin at 6pm, followed by the program at 7pm. We appreciate your help with cleanup at the end of the program.

We will have a selection of used books for sale which have been donated by our long-time Chapter members. We will also have a silent auction of high-quality books and other items which will help raise funds for the Chapter. To donate books or other items, drop off boxes labeled “CNPS Auction” at the mailboxes in the PCC at 3921 E. Bayshore Road in Palo Alto during business hours on or before Wednesday, November 6, or contact Judy Fenerty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CNPS general meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, contact us at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or the Chapter phone at (650) 260-3450.

Directions: From I-280: take the El Monte exit east. Turn left (north) on University Ave., just before Foothill Expy. The Garden House is 0.6 mile ahead on the left (west) side of the street. From Hwy. 101: take the San Antonio exit west/south. Go 3.5 miles. At the 3rd stoplight after crossing El Camino Real (Edith/Main), bear right on to Main St. (not sharp right into Edith). Continue on Main until it crosses Foothill Expy. and turn left immediately onto University Ave. Bear right; the Garden House is 300 feet ahead on the right.