Upcoming CNPS SCV Events and Activities - March 26, 2024

[CNPS-SCV News]

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

[1] Native Plant Talks
Tuesday, March 26 - Thursday, April 4, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: San Mateo County libraries
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events

We are organizing a special series of talks at libraries throughout San Mateo county in March and April. Whether you're curious about native plants, an experienced or aspiring native plant gardener, a professional botanist or beginning naturalist, you will find something to interest and educate you in our offerings.

Here is the full list of libraries where these talks will be held: Brisbane Library, East Palo Alto Library, Half Moon Bay Library and Portola Valley Library. For the full schedule, please visit the Meetup link above.

[2] Greeters needed for Native Plant Talks
Tuesday, March 26 - Thursday, April 4, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Various locations in San Mateo county
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f49a9a729aafd0-library#/

We need greeters for our ongoing talks being held at various libraries in San Mateo county. Open slots can be viewed via the link above - please sign up if you are able to help.

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.

[3] Where to Find Wildflowers in the Bay Area, a talk by Judy Fenerty
Wednesday, March 27, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/299608765/
Zoom link for registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcuCprjsuH90AW8JsEd_VOWwJBljp-ldI#/registration

Join us for an informal discussion about our favorite places to see wildflowers in the chapter area and around the Bay. Bring your suggestions and questions, let's share ideas for the best trails and parks to appreciate our local floral diversity!

Judy Fenerty is a past president of our CNPS Chapter and a member of our Chapter's field trip committee. This talk will be live-streamed simultaneously on Zoom (requires advance registration - see link above) and YouTube (registration not required).

[4] Ten Easy Steps to Creating a Bird Friendly Garden
Thursday, March 28, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, East Palo Alto Library - by Vivian Neou
Tuesday, April 2, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Half Moon Bay Library - by Jennifer Dirking
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/299608306/
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/299608266/

There are few things more rewarding than drawing birds to your garden and providing all the elements they need to survive and raise their young. For many gardeners, just a few simple changes can make all the difference. In this talk, we’ll take a look at gardening from a bird’s perspective and then delve into the ten elements that can transform your garden into a bird paradise. Attendees will receive a free packet of California native wildflowers that benefit birds that they can try out in their own gardens.

Vivian Neou is the Board President of the California Native Plant Society. She became interested in native plants after she retired and became a docent with the Midpeninsula Open Space District. She's the Co-President of the Santa Clara Valley chapter of CNPS and manages the Chapter’s nursery. When she's not puttering around her garden, Vivian enjoys leading hikes for Midpeninsula Open Space District, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve and Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve.

Jennifer Dirking has been an organic gardener for over 40 years, but only recently transformed her garden from a food desert to a habitat oasis in her suburban San Carlos neighborhood. Inspired by Doug Tallamy’s book Nature’s Best Hope, she has reached beyond her garden fence to develop partnerships and inspire hundreds of others throughout the Bay Area to begin their own native gardening journey.

[5] Edgewood Restoration
Friday, March 29, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Varies - join the email group to receive weekly notices
https://www.cnps-scv.org/events/calendar/eventdetail/3292/-/friday-edgewood-restoration

The Edgewood Weed Warriors operate under a permit issued to the Friends of Edgewood. They meet regularly to remove invasive plants at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, thereby allowing for greater biodiversity, natural habitats, and those beautiful wildflower displays that everyone enjoys.

The Weed Warriors normally meet at 9:00 AM on Friday throughout the year and on Wednesday afternoons during daylight savings time. Special sessions may be added with notice given at the beginning of the month.

Notice of the meeting location and time for each session is sent to the Weed Warrior email group each week - do not go to the park and expect to find the weeding group if you are not on the email list. If you wish to be added to the Weed Warriors email, contact the Weed Warrior program coordinator, Paul Heiple, at weed-warriors-coord @ friendsofedgewood.org. New weeders must fill out forms before they come out. Contact vc @ friendsofedgewood.org for the form to fill out.

[6] Newsletter Mailing Party
Tuesday, April 23, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Location: Peninsula Conservation Center (first floor), 3921 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F49A9A729AAFD0-46821178-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.

Please sign up for a task by using the SignupGenius link above. Questions? Contact Priya at: priya4cnps @ gmail.com.

Here are some events from other chapters and organizations:

[7] Morning Meander: Newts to Nutmegs - by Midpen
Wednesday, March 27, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Picchetti Ranch Preserve
https://www.openspace.org/events/guided-activities/morning-meander-newts-nutmegs-0

Looking for a shorter, mid-morning wildflower hike through gentle terrain? Join Docent Naturalists Marie-Anne Neimat, Emma Finter, and Kate Bauer for a leisurely-paced exploration of the Zinfandel Trail. You'll stop frequently to discuss the preserve's agricultural and natural history and learn about a slow-growing conifer called the California nutmeg. If the seasonal pond is full, you may find an abundance of newts engaging in an aquatic mating frenzy. You'll have the option of relaxing in the shaded picnic area or visiting the historic winery grounds at the end.

[8] Habitat Restoration: French Broom Removal - by Midpen
Thursday, March 28, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve - Old Bridge Ridge
https://volunteer.openspace.org/need/detail/?need_id=892110

Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive French broom in a closed area of Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove this plant from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!

[9] Habitat Restoration: Yellow star thistle Removal - by Midpen
Thursday, March 28, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Los Trancos Open Space Preserve - Happy Elves
https://volunteer.openspace.org/need/detail/?need_id=904518

Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive Yellow star thistle at Los Trancos Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove this plant from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!

[10] Wonders of Cherry Springs - by Midpen
Saturday, March 30, 9:15 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Sierra Azul Preserve
https://www.openspace.org/events/guided-activities/wonders-cherry-springs-8

Join Docent Naturalists Greg Azevedo and Emma Finter for a leisurely-paced hike at a limited access area that will traverse mixed evergreen forest and grassland and includes a 500-foot elevation gain segment. You'll discuss local history, learn about the pond environment and flora of the area, and enjoy views of Santa Clara Valley. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after March 16 at 12:00 and close March 29 at 2:00 PM.

Questions?  Do not reply to this email - instead, please direct your questions to: info @ cnps-scv.org.

For more information about chapter activities, be sure to check the latest Blazing Star and our chapter website - cnps-scv.org. We also recommend joining our Meetup group to receive a notification when we schedule new activities, including field trips.  Not a member of CNPS yet? Join here.

California Native Plant Society, Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Find us on the web at cnps-scv.org, and follow us on Facebook, Meetup, and Instagram.