What is the California Native Plant Society?

CNPS is a statewide, nonprofit organization made up of nearly 10,000 members in thirty two chapters. These members share an interest in both learning about and preserving California's native flora. The western slope of the Sierra Nevada affords our chapter an especially wide variety of plants and habitats, from drought-tolerant foothill chaparral to subalpine plants only available to those willing to hike at elevations of 9,000-ft and above. We make many trips and you are invited to attend. You don't need to have a science background to participate. In fact most of our members are people who are not formally trained botanists but who simply enjoy learning about the native vegetation. And while some of our meetings can lean toward the technical, most of them do not, and all of the meetings can be enjoyed by even an absolute beginner. Best of all, you will improve your awareness of just how connected things are, and our county can stand an increase in plant-aware people. This does not mean that your membership requires activism, but you may come to have a new view of some local environmental concerns. Why not join the El Dorado Chapter CNPS? If the word society sounds too stodgy, think of the word club instead, for although CNPS does in fact include many botanists and other scientists, it is also a very comfortable association for a newcomer. Besides, you will certainly learn much faster in the company of others who will also ask questions, provide answers, and share information you will want to know about. This means that you could do yourself (and the community) a favor and learn about plants that are drought tolerant. You will save money on watering, fertilizing, and replacing nursery-grown plants that, while pretty, were never naturally adapted to our Mediterranean climate. You will come to see that your nursery is not doing you any favors to sell you coast redwoods (they need water) or Genista (Scotch broom, a pernicious weed!) The Chapter is also offering a new FREE homeowner consultation service for members; this is called the Sierra Nevada Yard and Garden Program on Native Plant and Water-Wise Gardening where homeowners can get site-specific help with sustainable plantings and related concerns. Come join us...