Upcoming CNPS SCV Events and Activities - April 8, 2025
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CNPS-SCV News
Apr 8, 2025, 12:21:22 PMApr 8
to CNPS-SCV News
Dear friends,
Check out our chapter's upcoming events:
[1] 50th Wildflower Show
Saturday, April 26, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Location: West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga
https://www.cnps-scv.org/wildflower-show
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/307157501/
Check out our chapter's upcoming events:
[1] 50th Wildflower Show
Saturday, April 26, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Location: West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga
https://www.cnps-scv.org/wildflower-show
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/307157501/
Please join us on Saturday, April 26, from 9:30 am - 4 pm for our 50th Wildflower Show at West Valley College. This family-friendly event features hundreds of native wildflowers and plants on display as well as a variety of activities for all ages. The event and parking are all free to the public.
Our keynote speakers this year are John Muir Laws and Kate Marianchild.
The show will feature hundreds of species of wildflowers and native plants from Santa Clara, San Mateo and surrounding counties gathered and identified by our volunteer collectors. In addition to local plants, we will have a section featuring flowers from native plant gardens in our Chapter.
A selection of native plants and native plant art, t-shirts, books and other related goods will be available for purchase.
For the full list of activities see: https://www.cnps-scv.org/events/wildflower-shows
The West Valley College campus is located at 14000 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga. The show will be located in the Biology wing of the Science and Math buildings, which parallels Allendale Avenue. Free parking in lots 2 and 3 during the event.
[2] Volunteers needed for the Wildflower Show
April 12, 19, 25 and 26
https://www.cnps-scv.org/volunteer-wfs
Our chapter's 50th Wildflower Show is on Saturday, April 26 from 9:30 am - 4 pm at West Valley College. The show is a major annual event and we need lots of volunteers to help make it successful. In addition to the day of the show (April 26), volunteers are also needed on April 12, 19 and 25. The link to the volunteer sign-up page is included above. No special skills or experience is needed, unless noted, to volunteer. You just need to be enthusiastic about native plants.
Show set-up begins Friday afternoon at 1:30, and dinner will be provided to volunteers. On Saturday, we offer breakfast and lunch. For more information: www.cnps-scv.org or email: info @ cnps-scv.org or call: 650-260-3450.
Detailed descriptions about the various volunteer positions are available at: https://cnps-scv.org/74-about-us/volunteer/431-volunteer-opportunity-wfs
[3] Growing Natives Garden Tour - by the Santa Clara Valley Chapter and UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County
Saturday April 12, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (north)
Sunday April 13, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (south)
https://gngt.org/
Are you interested in gardens that are waterwise, low maintenance and attractive to humans as well as birds and butterflies? Learn more at the CNPS Santa Clara Valley Chapter's annual Growing Natives Garden Tour. This is a free, self-guided tour of home gardens landscaped with California native plants. Gardens in San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos, and Gilroy/Morgan Hill are open on Saturday. Gardens in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, and San Mateo are open on Sunday. The tour offers a variety of gardens for viewing - from townhomes to 1-acre lots, from newly planted gardens to established ones. You won't have to go far to see one: the gardens are located throughout the Santa Clara Valley and the Peninsula.
Visit as many gardens as you like - for inspiration, ideas, and pictures. What's special about California native plants? They are adapted to our soil and climate and are easy to care for. Many of our native plants are naturally waterwise and drought tolerant. They support a wide variety of wildlife that has co-evolved with them, and their distinctive look and elegant beauty gives your garden a sense of place that is uniquely Californian.
If you can't attend in person on tour days, you can visit online anytime at gngt.org, which has a page for each garden including descriptions, photos, videos and plant lists.
The self-guided tour is open to all. Admission is free but donations to support the Tour can be made at any garden. Registration is required - sign up at the link above. For more information, visit http://www.gngt.org or send a email to: info @ gngt.org.
The tour is organized by CNPS, Santa Clara Valley Chapter, in association with the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County and San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.
[4] Newsletter Mailing Party
Thursday April 24, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Peninsula Conservation Center (first floor), 3921 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F49A9A729AAFD0-55153369-blazing
The chapter's newsletter, the Blazing Star, is sent electronically to all its members every two months. These days, the chapter does not usually send out paper copies. But when we do, we need all the help we can get to prepare them for mailing.
Our next paper copy is going to be the May-June newsletter. Help is required to label and stamp the copies, as well as to set up and clean up the room. No prior experience is necessary. Snacks, drinks and tales of our CNPS adventures will be provided. So, join us for a few hours of doing some easy tasks while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow CNPS folks.
We still need someone who can pick up the printed newsletters from the printer and deliver them to the CNPS office before the mailing party starts on April 24 (both are located in Palo Alto; see the SignupGenius link above for details). This can be done one or two days before the mailing party.
We also need volunteers for the first shift (10 am - 12 pm) as well as the second shift (12 pm - 2 pm). Please sign up for a task by using the SignupGenius link above. Questions? Contact Priya at: priya4cnps @ gmail.com.
[5] Mummy Mountain Wildflower Walk
Wednesday April 9, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch (Mendoza Entrance)
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/306247758/
Join Judy Fenerty and Stella Yang for a moderately-paced hike on the Mendoza, Mummy Mountain and Coyote Ridge trails in the Mendoza Ranch section of Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park.
This 4-mile, 400+ foot elevation gain hike will take us through valley grasslands and up an oak-studded ridgeline with spectacular views of the south Santa Clara Valley, Coyote Lake and Palassou Ridge. This varied habitat supports a wide range of native plants including several stands of big-scale balsamroot, Balsamorhiza macrolepis var. macrolepis, a CNPS 1B.2 rare plant. If there’s time and interest, we can add an optional foray to check out the serpentine area on the Calaveras Trail.
Please bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Heavy rain cancels.
RSVP is required to join us for the walk. Space is limited. No drop-ins please. For more information contact Judy Fenerty at: judy @ fenerty.com.
[6] Mommy and Me wildflower walk
Saturday April 12, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Sunol Regional Wilderness
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/306817258/
Join Katie Gallagher, botanist, and child for a wildflower walk. We'll walk the Camp Ohlone Road to Alameda Creek Overlook. We'll stop and look at wildflowers along the way! We will talk about what the flowers are called and which plants are safe for small hands to touch! We'll park and gather at the Old Green Barn Visitor Center (navigate to "Sunol Visitor Center") where there are restrooms and picnic tables. Note there is a $5 parking fee.
The walk will be 2.5 miles round trip, with 250 feet elevation gain; sections of the trail are exposed and others are shaded. Please bring lunch, water, lots of snacks, sun protection, hiking poles are recommended, especially if conditions are muddy. Heavy rain cancels.
RSVP is required to join the walk. No drop-ins please and space is limited.
[7] Looking for a Treasurer
The Santa Clara Valley Chapter of CNPS is currently looking at a vacancy for our treasurer position if we don't come up with a candidate in the next couple of months. Do you or anyone you know keep a personal budget, do your own taxes or have similar experience? Formal bookkeeping or accounting experience is not necessary. Anyone interested in learning more about what is involved in being treasurer, please contact Radhika Thekkath at cnpsradhika @ gmail.com.
[8] 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 Cataldi Park
Saturday April 12, 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/307135079/
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.
[b] Friday Edgewood Restoration
Friday April 11, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Varies - join the email group to receive weekly notices
https://www.cnps-scv.org/events/calendar/eventdetail/11406/-/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.
Here are some events from other chapters and organizations:
[9] In Search of Alpines in the Sierra Nevada - a talk by Michael Uhler (by Western Horticultural Society)
Wednesday April 9, 7:30 pm (doors open 7:00 pm)
Location: Garden House in Shoup Park, 400 University Ave, Los Altos
https://www.westernhort.org/speakers-events
For nearly two decades, Michael Uhler has been the curator and horticulturist of the Sierra Nevada section at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park, where in 2021, he completed a crevice rock garden to grow and display plants found in the alpine zone. With special permission from the Inyo National Forest and other high Sierra regions, propagules from many species are now cultivated in the botanic garden. Michael's program will delve into how he collects and cultivates these plants.
Fee: $10 for non-members, free for WHS members, students and first-timers.
Our keynote speakers this year are John Muir Laws and Kate Marianchild.
The show will feature hundreds of species of wildflowers and native plants from Santa Clara, San Mateo and surrounding counties gathered and identified by our volunteer collectors. In addition to local plants, we will have a section featuring flowers from native plant gardens in our Chapter.
A selection of native plants and native plant art, t-shirts, books and other related goods will be available for purchase.
For the full list of activities see: https://www.cnps-scv.org/events/wildflower-shows
The West Valley College campus is located at 14000 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga. The show will be located in the Biology wing of the Science and Math buildings, which parallels Allendale Avenue. Free parking in lots 2 and 3 during the event.
[2] Volunteers needed for the Wildflower Show
April 12, 19, 25 and 26
https://www.cnps-scv.org/volunteer-wfs
Our chapter's 50th Wildflower Show is on Saturday, April 26 from 9:30 am - 4 pm at West Valley College. The show is a major annual event and we need lots of volunteers to help make it successful. In addition to the day of the show (April 26), volunteers are also needed on April 12, 19 and 25. The link to the volunteer sign-up page is included above. No special skills or experience is needed, unless noted, to volunteer. You just need to be enthusiastic about native plants.
Show set-up begins Friday afternoon at 1:30, and dinner will be provided to volunteers. On Saturday, we offer breakfast and lunch. For more information: www.cnps-scv.org or email: info @ cnps-scv.org or call: 650-260-3450.
Detailed descriptions about the various volunteer positions are available at: https://cnps-scv.org/74-about-us/volunteer/431-volunteer-opportunity-wfs
[3] Growing Natives Garden Tour - by the Santa Clara Valley Chapter and UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County
Saturday April 12, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (north)
Sunday April 13, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (south)
https://gngt.org/
Are you interested in gardens that are waterwise, low maintenance and attractive to humans as well as birds and butterflies? Learn more at the CNPS Santa Clara Valley Chapter's annual Growing Natives Garden Tour. This is a free, self-guided tour of home gardens landscaped with California native plants. Gardens in San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos, and Gilroy/Morgan Hill are open on Saturday. Gardens in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, and San Mateo are open on Sunday. The tour offers a variety of gardens for viewing - from townhomes to 1-acre lots, from newly planted gardens to established ones. You won't have to go far to see one: the gardens are located throughout the Santa Clara Valley and the Peninsula.
Visit as many gardens as you like - for inspiration, ideas, and pictures. What's special about California native plants? They are adapted to our soil and climate and are easy to care for. Many of our native plants are naturally waterwise and drought tolerant. They support a wide variety of wildlife that has co-evolved with them, and their distinctive look and elegant beauty gives your garden a sense of place that is uniquely Californian.
If you can't attend in person on tour days, you can visit online anytime at gngt.org, which has a page for each garden including descriptions, photos, videos and plant lists.
The self-guided tour is open to all. Admission is free but donations to support the Tour can be made at any garden. Registration is required - sign up at the link above. For more information, visit http://www.gngt.org or send a email to: info @ gngt.org.
The tour is organized by CNPS, Santa Clara Valley Chapter, in association with the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County and San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.
[4] Newsletter Mailing Party
Thursday April 24, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Peninsula Conservation Center (first floor), 3921 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F49A9A729AAFD0-55153369-blazing
The chapter's newsletter, the Blazing Star, is sent electronically to all its members every two months. These days, the chapter does not usually send out paper copies. But when we do, we need all the help we can get to prepare them for mailing.
Our next paper copy is going to be the May-June newsletter. Help is required to label and stamp the copies, as well as to set up and clean up the room. No prior experience is necessary. Snacks, drinks and tales of our CNPS adventures will be provided. So, join us for a few hours of doing some easy tasks while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow CNPS folks.
We still need someone who can pick up the printed newsletters from the printer and deliver them to the CNPS office before the mailing party starts on April 24 (both are located in Palo Alto; see the SignupGenius link above for details). This can be done one or two days before the mailing party.
We also need volunteers for the first shift (10 am - 12 pm) as well as the second shift (12 pm - 2 pm). Please sign up for a task by using the SignupGenius link above. Questions? Contact Priya at: priya4cnps @ gmail.com.
[5] Mummy Mountain Wildflower Walk
Wednesday April 9, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch (Mendoza Entrance)
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/306247758/
Join Judy Fenerty and Stella Yang for a moderately-paced hike on the Mendoza, Mummy Mountain and Coyote Ridge trails in the Mendoza Ranch section of Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park.
This 4-mile, 400+ foot elevation gain hike will take us through valley grasslands and up an oak-studded ridgeline with spectacular views of the south Santa Clara Valley, Coyote Lake and Palassou Ridge. This varied habitat supports a wide range of native plants including several stands of big-scale balsamroot, Balsamorhiza macrolepis var. macrolepis, a CNPS 1B.2 rare plant. If there’s time and interest, we can add an optional foray to check out the serpentine area on the Calaveras Trail.
Please bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Heavy rain cancels.
RSVP is required to join us for the walk. Space is limited. No drop-ins please. For more information contact Judy Fenerty at: judy @ fenerty.com.
[6] Mommy and Me wildflower walk
Saturday April 12, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Sunol Regional Wilderness
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/306817258/
Join Katie Gallagher, botanist, and child for a wildflower walk. We'll walk the Camp Ohlone Road to Alameda Creek Overlook. We'll stop and look at wildflowers along the way! We will talk about what the flowers are called and which plants are safe for small hands to touch! We'll park and gather at the Old Green Barn Visitor Center (navigate to "Sunol Visitor Center") where there are restrooms and picnic tables. Note there is a $5 parking fee.
The walk will be 2.5 miles round trip, with 250 feet elevation gain; sections of the trail are exposed and others are shaded. Please bring lunch, water, lots of snacks, sun protection, hiking poles are recommended, especially if conditions are muddy. Heavy rain cancels.
RSVP is required to join the walk. No drop-ins please and space is limited.
[7] Looking for a Treasurer
The Santa Clara Valley Chapter of CNPS is currently looking at a vacancy for our treasurer position if we don't come up with a candidate in the next couple of months. Do you or anyone you know keep a personal budget, do your own taxes or have similar experience? Formal bookkeeping or accounting experience is not necessary. Anyone interested in learning more about what is involved in being treasurer, please contact Radhika Thekkath at cnpsradhika @ gmail.com.
[8] 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 Cataldi Park
Saturday April 12, 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/307135079/
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.
[b] Friday Edgewood Restoration
Friday April 11, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Varies - join the email group to receive weekly notices
https://www.cnps-scv.org/events/calendar/eventdetail/11406/-/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.
Here are some events from other chapters and organizations:
[9] In Search of Alpines in the Sierra Nevada - a talk by Michael Uhler (by Western Horticultural Society)
Wednesday April 9, 7:30 pm (doors open 7:00 pm)
Location: Garden House in Shoup Park, 400 University Ave, Los Altos
https://www.westernhort.org/speakers-events
For nearly two decades, Michael Uhler has been the curator and horticulturist of the Sierra Nevada section at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park, where in 2021, he completed a crevice rock garden to grow and display plants found in the alpine zone. With special permission from the Inyo National Forest and other high Sierra regions, propagules from many species are now cultivated in the botanic garden. Michael's program will delve into how he collects and cultivates these plants.
Fee: $10 for non-members, free for WHS members, students and first-timers.
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