Upcoming CNPS SCV Events and Activities - Oct 21, 2025

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CNPS-SCV News

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Oct 21, 2025, 10:02:57 PMOct 21
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Dear friends,
Check out our chapter's upcoming events:
 
[1] Important Near-Future Events
 
(a) Photography Group – Photo Sharing Meeting

The CNPS SCV Photo Group meets via Zoom on fourth Fridays, 7–9 pm. Beginners and experts are equally welcome, and folks who just want to see pictures and hear tips are welcome too. Register at the Meetup link; presenters can sign up for a 20-minute slot (see SignupGenius linked from the event).

(b) Gardening for Monarchs and Other Pollinators, a talk by Shelkie Tao
Monday, Oct 27, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Sunnyvale library - 665 W Olive Ave, Sunnyvale
Note: This talk will be held in person at the Sunnyvale library.

Since the 1980s, western monarch butterfly populations have plummeted by more than 95%, putting this iconic species at risk of disappearing within our lifetime. In this talk, we'll explore the fascinating life cycle and epic migration of the western monarch, uncover the key reasons behind its dramatic decline, and highlight the urgent need for action. You'll learn how habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change have shaped their struggle — and, more importantly, what each of us can do to help. From planting native milkweed to creating pollinator-friendly gardens, we'll look at simple yet powerful steps that can make a difference. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, you’ll leave inspired to turn your outdoor space into a haven for monarchs.

Shelkie Tao is a landscape designer and founder of Water Efficient Gardens, an online design service specializing in low-water, California native, and pollinator-friendly gardens. She has designed numerous pollinator habitats where monarch butterflies have been successfully observed, contributing to their conservation. Before founding Water Efficient Gardens, Shelkie spent over a decade in the Silicon Valley high-tech industry. She holds a Certificate of Achievement in Environmental Horticulture and Design from Foothill College and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

(c) Greeters needed for Sunnyvale Library Talk
Monday, Oct 27, 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm
Location: Sunnyvale library - 665 W Olive Ave, Sunnyvale
Note: This talk will be held in person at the Sunnyvale library.

We need greeters for our Sunnyvale Library Talk. Please sign up via the link above if you are able to help.

Library talks are an excellent opportunity to learn about what our chapter does. Worry not if you are new to this! You will have an experienced volunteer with you to assist you. The greeters' responsibilities are to staff the welcome table and answer basic questions about CNPS if attendees have any. Tables, chairs, and CNPS literature will be provided.
Questions? Contact Priya at: priya...@gmail.com.

(d) Annual Chapter Potluck
Saturday, Nov 1, 5:45 pm
Location: Shoup Park Garden House - 400 University Ave, Los Altos

Come celebrate the Chapter's yearly achievements at our annual potluck. Members are encouraged to bring guests to this fun, social evening. As always, this popular dinner potluck will be held at the Shoup Park Garden House in Los Altos. Bring your favorite dish, drinks, or wine to share with everyone. 

Enjoy great conversation and our fabulous speaker for the night, Michael Uhler. Michael is the curator and horticulturist of the Sierra Nevada section at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park. He will talk about his search for alpine plants in the Sierra Nevada.

Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals, as well as Chapter and volunteer leadership. The evening features a fun silent auction, as well as shopping for books and other items from the Chapter store. Book and silent auction donations welcome! Contact Judy Fenerty at ju...@fenerty.com to arrange pick-up/drop-off.

Although not mandatory, the hospitality team appreciates your confirmation of attendance and/or interest in assisting with setup or cleanup. www.cnps-scv.org/potluck-signup.

[2] Looking for volunteers
CNPS SCV is a volunteer run organization looking for a few people to strengthen the team.
(a) Call for Hospitality Volunteer
Our long-time, wonderful Hospitality Chair Vicki Silvas-Young has stepped down from this role. We are looking for someone to fill that role. The person  would oversee food and beverage arrangements at its events.  

Our Chapter holds a number of events throughout the year - most notably the Wildflower Show in April, the Fall Plant Sale in October and the potluck in November. There may be other smaller events throughout the year, like the mailing party that's usually held in April. All of these events are staffed by volunteers and providing food and drinks makes the experience more inviting. 

Your main tasks will include shopping for food and drinks, setting up before the event and cleaning up afterwards. You do not need to be experienced in hospitality to volunteer for this role. If you have organized food for large gatherings before, then you already have what it takes! And you will have other chapter volunteers assisting you throughout the event.

If you are interested, please email Janet Hoffman (ja...@hoffmann.net) or Toni Gregorio-Bunch (tidyt...@gmail.com).
Also, please sign up for "Hospitality Help" at our upcoming potluck on November 1 to get an idea of what is involved:

(b) Save the CNPS Santa Clara Valley Nursery
The CNPS native plant nursery at Hidden Villa needs your help. Our long-time management and supervisory team have decided to wind down their involvement with the nursery over the next year. We are looking for dedicated volunteers who would be willing to commit to at least 2 years to keep the nursery running smoothly.
We have a team of volunteers who help regularly with many of the day-to-day nursery tasks. We need people, preferably with botanical or horticultural experience to oversee and direct the nursery operations. This includes scheduling and oversight of plant production tasks, overseeing the maintenance of plants in the nursery and in the demonstration garden, managing upkeep of the nursery facilities, and organizing plant sales on a regular basis. With enough interest, there is the possibility of creating a management team to share these responsibilities.
Over the next year, current staff would like to be able to work with replacements to assure a smooth transition around this time next year. Please get the word out to any of your contacts who might be interested in stepping forward to keep the nursery going. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information, please contact Janet Hoffmann, Nursery Leadership Development Committee Lead at ja...@cnps-scv.org.
[3] Chapter Restoration Activities
RSVP is required for all Chapter restoration activities, along with signed waiver forms. Please see the individual listings for details.

(a) Habitat Restoration at Cataldi Park
Saturday Oct 25, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Cataldi Park — 1797 Bethany Ave, San Jose
Join us to restore habitat in Cataldi Park, San Jose. We are planting and maintaining native plants in a 1/2-acre area of the park off Bethany Ave. Activities include planting, pruning, sheet mulching, irrigation setup and general maintenance.

(b) Habitat Restoration at Cunningham Park
Saturday Oct 25, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Native Garden Parking Lot, Lake Cunningham — 2305 S. White Road, San Jose
Join us to restore habitat (weeding and mulching) in the Native Garden at Lake Cunningham Park, San Jose.

(c) Mulch Day at Clarice Drive
Saturday Oct 25, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: 2025 Clarice Drive, San Jose
Come help us convert a neglected piece of land across from an elementary school into a beautiful pollinator garden! We will be putting down cardboard as a weed barrier and spreading mulch in preparation for planting. Learn how you can use this technique in your own garden.

Help us bring a bit of nature to the neighborhood and help the endangered Monarch Butterfly in the process!.
 
(d) Habitat Restoration at Alum Rock Park
Wednesday Oct 22 and Monday Oct 27, both at 8:30 am
Location: Alum Rock Park, San Jose (meeting spot varies; email contact provided on page)
Come help us weed non-native, invasive plants at this natural gem of San Jose. Our habitat restoration efforts allow the native plants to “come to light.” Forms and reservations are required to volunteer. For the Monday/Wednesday workdays, the meeting spot varies, so please contact Todd Hayes at ultra...@gmail.com for more information and instructions on where to park.
 
(e) Friday Edgewood Restoration
Friday Oct 24, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve (Redwood City)
Help restore habitat at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, known for fabulous wildflowers and amazing diversity. Weeders see far more than weeds: we get to be up close to the native plants, some of which are seen only by weeders. To participate, join the email list and sign the electronic volunteer agreement, by sending an email to weed-warr...@friendsofedgewood.org.
[4] Other Chapters & Organizations
 
(a) Morning Meander: Autumn Habitats by Midpen
Wednesday Oct 22, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Windy Hill Preserve (Portola Valley)
Explore the habitats of the lower part of this preserve with Docent Naturalists Laura Levin and Karen DeMello. On this leisurely-paced 2-mile hike you'll meander along the Betsy Crowder and Spring Ridge trails while observing the effects of autumn on riparian, chaparral, and mixed evergreen forest plant communities. Note this route includes a bit of uphill and eroded, uneven trail in a few places. 
 
(b) Signs of Fall by Midpen
Friday Oct 24, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Pulgas Ridge Preserve (Redwood City)
Join Docent Naturalists Mike Lohr, Lyle Rice, and Liz F. to explore signs of fall. You'll see a variety of trees and bushes with berries, as well as dusky-footed woodrat nests. At the top of the ridge, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and the bay. This is a moderately-paced 4-mile hike with several steep hills and uneven terrain. No dogs please.


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