Join Ken Himes and Don Thomas for an in-person conservation project to protect the native fountain thistle. Fountain thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. fontinale) is a rare federally endangered plant that grows in an unusual specialized habitat, serpentine seeps, and is found only in a few locations on the Peninsula. Once almost completely displaced by jubatagrass (Andean pampas grass), the fountain thistle has largely recovered as a result of the work done by CNPS volunteers.

In keeping with our over 10-year tradition of working with Jake Sigg and the Yerba Buena Chapter, we are going to continue our biannual fountain thistle restoration project.

Although our efforts have made the recovery of fountain thistle a restoration success story, the plant is under ongoing threat from jubatagrass and other invasive non- native plants, such as yellow star-thistle, sow thistle and wallaby grass (Rhytidosperma caespitosum) and by woody plants trying to convert the area to shrubland or woodland.

We’ll meet at the end of Lessingia Court in San Mateo. For more info., contact Don at don_This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Optional camaraderie over Greek pizza afterwards.