California Resources
California has immense biodiversity and many nonprofits dedicated to building communities of native plant gardeners.
First listed are several state-wide resources, followed by resources grouped by region.
California Native Plant Society
CNPS aims to protect California’s native plants and their natural habitats. CNPS hosts the database Calscape that allows you to look up individual plants, use their garden planner tool for landscaping suggestions, and search for local nurseries.
Thomas Payne Foundation
TFP is a nonprofit and plant nursery located in Southern California providing education about the beauty and benefits of California native plants. They have excellent online resources including a plant wiki and guides, and also host a range of public classes, garden tours, and advocacy initiatives.
Calflora
Calflora is a digital library dedicated to providing information about California plant biodiversity. Resources include a robust database to search for wild California plants, a planting guide for home gardeners, and places to view wild plants.
Los Angeles
CNPS - Local Chapters
Local Chapters of California Native Plant Society give individuals opportunities to get involved in their communities.
Monthly Meetings and Talks
Outdoor Activities
Volunteer
Plant Sales
TreePeople
“TreePeople’s mission is to inspire, engage and support people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment, making it safe, healthy, fun and sustainable and to share our process as a model for the world.”
Online resources: How To’s, Videos, Guides
Volunteer Opportunities
Park Visits and Work Days
Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy
“The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy preserves land and restores habitat in and around the San Gabriel and Crescenta Valleys, thereby protecting natural areas for birds and wildlife and providing access and educational experiences for the community.”
Volunteer
Local Educational Events
North East Trees
“We are a community-based, non-profit organization that helps heal environmental injustice through urban forestry, nature-based design-build, habitat restoration, and workforce development.”
Nursery
Volunteer
Online resources: How To’s
Arroyo Seco Foundation
“Preserving our watersheds and native species through advocacy, community involvement, and restoration.”
Nursery
Volunteer
San Diego
CNPS - Local Chapters
Local Chapters of California Native Plant Society give individuals opportunities to get involved in their communities.
Monthly Meetings and Talks
Outdoor Activities
Volunteer
Plant Sales
The Water Conservation Garden
“The mission of The Water Conservation Garden is to educate and inspire through excellent exhibits and programs that promote water conservation and the sustainable use of related natural resources.”
Displays showcasing water conservation
Workshops on Gardening, Sustainability, Art & Wellness
Youth Education Program
Tree of Life Nursery
“Tree of Life Nursery is the largest grower of California native plants in the state. We believe in creating spaces that look and feel authentically Californian.”
Native Plant Sales
Online Planting Resources and downloadable guides
Onsite workshops
San Francisco
CNPS - Local Chapters
Local Chapters of California Native Plant Society give individuals opportunities to get involved in their communities.
Monthly Meetings and Talks
Outdoor Activities
Volunteer
Plant Sales
California Native Garden Foundation
“The mission of CNGF is to forge an ecological land use model and restore nature in cities.”
Lab for Nature-Based Urban Living
Volunteer Opportunities
“Earth Heroes” Youth Education Program
Classes and Workshops