Upcoming CNPS SCV Events and Activities - July 22, 2026

[CNPS-SCV News]

Dear Friends,

 

Special announcement: due to technical difficulties with the CNPS Santa Clara Valley Chapter website, the recent issues of The Blazing Star are temporarily hosted on the Growing Natives Garden Tour (GNGT) website: https://gngt.org/BlazingStar/. The most recent issue is available directly here: https://gngt.org/BlazingStar/blazing-star-jul-aug-2026.pdf

 

Check out our chapter's upcoming events:

[1] Volunteers Needed

CNPS SCV is a volunteer-run organization. Please consider if you have time to keep events running smoothly by filling this vital role.

 

(a) Seeking a Treasurer

The Treasurer is a key part of the leadership team within a vibrant, inclusive, and science-based non-profit organization. A dedication to the mission of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) and the requisite skills for this position—like numerical proficiency, careful attention to detail, and reliability—are vital. Although prior financial experience is advantageous, it is not mandatory. The Treasurer serves as a member of the Chapter’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and is required to participate in Board meetings. Monthly meetings are held via Zoom, except for March, when an in-person meeting takes place to finalize the annual budget.For more information, please contact Radhika Thekkath at cnpsr...@gmail.com.

[2] Advance Announcements

 

(a) Photo Group Meeting

Friday, July 31, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Location: Zoom (see Meetup for the registration link)

https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/312247126/

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 at the Meetup link; presenters can sign up for a 20-minute slot (see SignupGenius linked from the event).

[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 Alum Rock Park

Wednesday, July 22 and Monday, July 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 July 22, 5:30 pm

Friday July 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.

 

(c) Habitat Restoration at Cataldi Park

Saturday, July 25, 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/315559055/

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. Spring is the time for controlling weeds and taking care of the young saplings.

 

(d) Habitat Restoration at Cunningham Park

Saturday, July 25, 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/315558279/

Join us to restore habitat (weeding and mulching) in the Native Garden at Lake Cunningham Park. During the winter months, we plant, water, weed, and mulch. See the Meetup link for detailed information about the location.

 

(e) Community Work Day at the Native Plant Garden in Kirk Park

Saturday, July 25, 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Location: Briarwood Drive & Wawona Drive, San Jose

https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/315092291/

Volunteers meet at the garden on Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am, weather permitting, for weeding, watering and other maintenance activities. Occasionally there will be other tasks such as mulching and planting. Community volunteers, including families with children over 6, are always welcome!