Upcoming CNPS SCV Events and Activities - February 18, 2025

[CNPS-SCV News]

Dear friends,
Check out our chapter's upcoming events:

[1] Manzanita Walk at Mt. Madonna County Park
Friday February 21, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Mt Madonna County Park
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/306215623/

Join Joe Cernac on a walk from mountain top redwoods, through the rain shadow side chaparral then returning past mixed evergreen forest. Several manzanita species rare to the South Bay are known to occur here, like Arctostaphylos canescens and A. glandulosa. Distance is about four miles. Elevation gain about 500 feet.

Bring lunch, water. Dress in layers. It can be foggy and chilly. Expect about four hours on the trail. For more info, contact Joe Cernac at 408-499-2515 or joecernac @ fastmail.com.

Directions: From Hecker Pass Road, state highway 152, enter Park at main entrance, continue until Hilltop Picnic area / amphitheater signs are seen. Turn right to road's end at the parking lot.

RSVP is required to join us for the walk. Space is limited. No drop-ins please.

[2] Native Plant ID - Focus on Ferns!
Tuesday February 25, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Peninsula Conservation Center (first floor), 3921 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/306164678/

This session will focus on ferns. If you have any samples of native ferns, please bring them.

Native Plant ID is a Chapter group that works together to learn plant identification using botanical keys and other resources. Join us as we look at plant samples collected from local gardens and practice methods of identifying the native plants of our region. Bring in plant samples if you have some from a property where you have permission to collect or just come and work with the materials provided. The group meets at 7:00 PM on the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Janet Hoffmann at janet @ cnps-scv.org.

[3] Easy to Grow Native Plants - a talk by Madeline Morrow
Tuesday February 25, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Saratoga Library Maple Room - 13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/305415407/

Note: This talk will be held in-person at the Saratoga Library and will not be available online.

Want to get started growing native plants? This talk debunks myths about California native plants and describes their many benefits. 25+ easy to grow native plants from trees to ground covers are presented, with a summary of planting, care and maintenance.

Madeline Morrow is a past President of our Chapter and a current board member. A former computer programmer, she now volunteers in her community and works extensively on her native garden. Her garden is usually on the CNPS-SCV Growing Natives Garden Tour because she is passionate about spreading the word about native plant gardening.

Please note that this program will be held in the Maple Room, and not the usual Community Room.

[4] Greeters needed for Chapter talks
Tuesday February 25, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Saratoga Library Maple Room - 13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA
Thursday March 13,   6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Cupertino Library Program Room (2nd floor) - 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f49a9a729aafd0-library#/

We need greeters for our ongoing talks. Open slots can be viewed via the link above - please sign up if you are able to help.

This is a great opportunity to learn about what our chapter does. Worry not, if you are new to doing this! You will have an experienced volunteer with you to assist you. The responsibilities of the greeters are - staff the welcome table and answer basic questions about CNPS, if attendees have any. Tables, chairs and CNPS literature will be provided.
Please sign up on the link above if interested. Questions? Contact Priya at: priya4cnps @ gmail.com.

[5] Chapter Restoration Activities
RSVP is required for all Chapter restoration activities, in addition to signed waiver forms. Please see the individual Meetup listings for details.

[a] Habitat Restoration at Lake Cunningham Park
Saturday February 22, 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Native Garden Parking Lot, Lake Cunningham - 2305 S. White Road, San Jose
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/305955577/

Join us to restore habitat (weeding and mulching) in the Native Garden at Lake Cunningham Park. During the winter months, we weed, mulch and plant.

[b] Habitat Restoration at Cataldi Park
Saturday February 22, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Cataldi Park - 1797 Bethany Ave, San Jose
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/305957066/

Join us to restore habitat in Cataldi Park, San Jose. We are planting and maintaining native plants in a 1/4-acre area of the park off Bethany Ave. We will be planting around 100 native plants between November - February. In preparation for planting, we will also be sheet mulching to control weeds.

[c] Community Work Day at Kirk Park
Saturday February 22, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Kirk Park Native Garden - Briarwood Drive & Wawona Drive, San Jose
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/305957077/

Volunteers meet at the garden on Saturdays, weather permitting, for weeding, watering and other maintenance activities. Occasionally there will be other tasks such as mulching and planting.

[d] Friday Edgewood Restoration
Friday February 21, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Varies - join the email group to receive weekly notices
https://www.cnps-scv.org/events/calendar/eventdetail/11399/-/edgewood-restoration

Help restore habitat at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, known for fabulous wildflowers and amazing diversity. To participate, join the email list and sign the electronic volunteer agreement, by sending an email to weed-warriors-coord @ friendsofedgewood.org.