Upcoming CNPS SCV Events and Activities - Apr 21, 2026
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CNPS-SCV News
Apr 21, 2026, 11:11:07 PM (11 days ago) Apr 21
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Dear Friends,
What a fabulous tour last weekend! I hope that everyone visited some of the beautiful native gardens in our area. Thank you to all the amazing committee members for making it possible. The fun continues this weekend with the Wildflower Show. Learn more about this event and the rest of our chapter's upcoming events below.
[1] Upcoming Events
(a) Wildflower Show
Saturday, Apr 25, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Location: West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga
The Wildflower Show showcases the amazing plant biodiversity in our area.You can make the show a success in three simple ways.
(1) Attend the Show
The event is free and open to the public. This year’s keynote speaker is Kat Anderson, author of "Tending the Wild" who will share stories to enhance our relationship with wildflowers. We have a great lineup of speakers, educational walks, vendors, music, and fun for the entire family. Don't miss out!
More information and the day's schedule can be found here:
More information and the day's schedule can be found here:
(2) Spread the Word
Invite a neighbor. Post a quick story. Mention it to your book club. Let's make sure everyone knows about this awesome event.
(3) Volunteer
Thank you to everyone that has already signed up. There are a few more openings later in the day on Saturday. Community members arrive all day long so let's make sure we make them feel welcome no matter when they arrive. Please sign up if you can.
(b) Aging with Grace: The Life of the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine
Thursday, Apr 30, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Los Altos Library, 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
The Great Basin bristlecone pine is considered the longest-living organism on earth, with a confirmed living tree that is older than 5,000 years. Above 10,000 ft elevation and east of the Sierra Nevada range, nutrient-poor alkaline soil is the only place where bristlecone pines can establish themselves with no other serious competitors. Tim Aston's talk will cover some of the scientific discoveries the bristlecone pine has been part of, how its environment shapes it, and share images that demonstrate the facets of their life and growth that make them one of California’s most iconic native species. His book, Branches in Time: A Photographic Study of the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, will be available for sale after the talk.
[2] Chapter Meeting
(a) Photo Group Meeting
Friday, April 24, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The CNPS SCV Photo Group meets via zoom on 4th Fridays, 7-9pm. In this supportive peer group, beginners and experts are equally welcome. Folks who just want to see pictures and hear photo tips are welcome too. Register and, if interested, sign up for slots to show your photos via the meetup link above.
[3] Chapter Restoration Activities
Please RSVP for all Chapter restoration activities. See the individual listings for details.
(a) Habitat Restoration at Alum Rock Park
Wednesday, Apr 22 and Monday, Apr 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.
(b) Edgewood Restoration
Wednesday, April 22 at 5:30 pm and Friday April 24, from 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.
(c) Habitat Restoration at Cataldi Park
Saturday, April 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 section of the park off Bethany Ave. We have planted more than 200 native plants over the last couple of years. Activities depend on the season. Spring is the time for controlling weeds and taking care of the young saplings.
[4] Other Chapters & Organizations
(a) My Gall Friday - Midpen
Friday April 24, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Long Ridge Preserve, La Honda
Witches’ brooms, oak apples, redwood burls, and stem fasciations—do you know what these are and how they are formed? Welcome to the huge and fascinating world of plant galls and other abnormal growth patterns. Come out with Docent Naturalists Frances Reneau and Helena Cohen on this leisurely-paced exploration along the Hickory Oaks, Ward Road, and Ranch Spring trails to learn how to spot spined turbans, red cones, pink bowties, and yellow wigs hiding in plain sight on some of your favorite plants. Bring a loupe if you have one.
(b) Wildflowers and Fire Ecology Walk - Grassroots Ecology
Friday April 24, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Byrne Preserve, Los Altos
Join us on a 2 mile hike as we explore spring wildflowers and fire ecology at Byrne Preserve! On this guided walk, participants will discover native flowers and learn about their unique place in their local ecosystem. This preserve hosts displays of California poppies, buttercups, lupines, and many other gems! Participants will also learn about fire ecology in grassland and oak woodland ecosystems, how fire benefits wildflowers, and traditional uses of fire to steward the land.
(c) Alum Rock Park BioBlitz - KCCB
Sunday, April 26, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: Alum Rock Park, San Jose
Get ready to explore the hidden wonders of Alum Rock Park with fellow nature enthusiasts at the BioBlitz event!
Located in the heart of San Jose, the park we will be at is a safe haven for many species of plants and animals right along Coyote Creek. Join Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and partners in cataloging and documenting all of the wildlife that reside there. We will have experts in various fields to help guide participants through all the cool plants and wildlife.
Located in the heart of San Jose, the park we will be at is a safe haven for many species of plants and animals right along Coyote Creek. Join Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and partners in cataloging and documenting all of the wildlife that reside there. We will have experts in various fields to help guide participants through all the cool plants and wildlife.
(d) Spring Explorations - Midpen
Monday, April 27, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Monte Bello Preserve, Los Altos
Our winter rains bring green hills, new growth, and spring flowers. Get outside and see what you can find in this moderately paced, 4 mile, open-ended exploration along the White Oak and Canyon trails. Join Docents Ann McCarty, Bobbie Riedel, and Nick Yatsko to traverse both grasslands and creekside canyon habitats while on the lookout for signs of spring. Bring your curiosity, observations skills, and binoculars if you want a close-up look at a flower without having to bend over.
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