California Native Plant Society
Encyclopedia
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...

 not-for-profit organization that seeks to increase understanding of California's native flora
California native plants
California native plants are plants that existed in California prior to the arrival of European explorers and colonists in the late 18th century...

 and to preserve that flora. Its "paramount purpose is to preserve wild plants".

History

The founding of the California Native Plant Society in 1965 was an "important step" in the protection of California's "magnificent native flora". The organization was founded by "some professional botanists and many enthusiastic amateurs".

Structure

There are currently 33 chapters and several sub chapters covering the entire state. The organization works largely through the various chapters, although there is a state board. Chapters select particular agendas for their area based on the interests and expertise of members. Chapters conduct regular field trips and are involved in advocacy and conservation of sensitive areas and rare plants in their regions. Members range from amateur plant enthusiasts and gardeners, to professional botanists and horticulturists, alongside naturalists, hikers, and nature photographers.

The CNPS developed the Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California with the guidance of botanist and evolutionary biologist G. Ledyard Stebbins
G. Ledyard Stebbins
George Ledyard Stebbins, Jr. was an American botanist and geneticist who is widely regarded as one of the leading evolutionary biologists of the 20th century. Stebbins received his Ph.D. in botany from Harvard University in 1931. He went on to the University of California, Berkeley, where his work...

. The publication, which depends on volunteer contributions, is supported by the UCR Herbarium. The Inventory is published every three to five years and is used by the State and Federal government for conservation
Conservation biology
Conservation biology is the scientific study of the nature and status of Earth's biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction...

planning.

Activities

Chapters of CNPS organize many events of local significance. In keeping with the public outreach and education mission of the society, these events are often free and open to the public.
  • Wildflower Show in spring
  • Native plant sales in spring and/or fall
  • General meetings with monthly or bimonthly frequency
  • Lectures, talks, and workshops
  • Field trips


In 2010, the California Native Plant Society was successful in having the state legislature designate the third week in April each year as "California Native Plant Week". The legislature recognized that "California native plants, being perfectly suited to California's climate and soil, require far fewer fertilizers, soil amendments, or pesticides, and use 60 to 90 percent less water than conventional landscapes".

Some chapters maintain public gardens exhibiting California native plants, especially those of interest to gardeners. The California Native Plant Society also organizes thematic conferences from time to time.

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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