Upcoming CNPS SCV Events and Activities - May 6, 2025

[CNPS-SCV News]

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

[1] Get Inspired! How to Install Native Plants, a talk by Stephanie Morris
Thursday May 8, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Cupertino Library Program Room (2nd floor) - 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/307381534/

Note: This talk is in-person only.

If you've wanted to learn how to install native plants, this talk is for you! Come get inspired and learn how to do it yourself, including an overview of the process, lawn removal options, sheet mulching, and step-by-step photos of planting California natives. Information on types of drip irrigation will also be presented along with photo examples of project installations.

This is Talk #2 in a 3-part series. Talk #3 on July 24 will cover native plant garden maintenance: pruning and garden cleanup. Talk #1 on native plant design basics was previously presented in March and will be available in the future on the chapter's YouTube channel.

Stephanie Morris has been designing California native plant gardens since 1999 in the Bay Area. Her goal is to design creative, beautiful landscapes that are ecologically oriented and practical.

[2] One more greeter needed for Cupertino Library talk
Thursday May 8, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Cupertino Library Program Room (2nd floor) - 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f49a9a729aafd0-library#/

We need one more greeter for our talk this week. Please sign up via the link above if you are able to help.

Library talks are an excellent opportunity to learn about what our chapter does. Worry not if you are new to this! You will have an experienced volunteer with you to assist you. The greeters' responsibilities are to staff the welcome table and answer basic questions about CNPS if attendees have any. Tables, chairs, and CNPS literature will be provided.
Questions? Contact Priya at: priya4cnps @ gmail.com.

[3] Chapter Restoration Activities
RSVP is required for all Chapter restoration activities, along with signed waiver forms. Please see the individual Meetup listings for details.

[a] Habitat Restoration at Lake Cunningham Park
Saturday May 10, 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/307386824/

Join us to restore habitat (weeding and mulching) in the Native Garden at Lake Cunningham Park.

[b] Habitat Restoration at Cataldi Park
Saturday May 10, 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/307388144/

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 planted more than 100 native plants last winter! Activities this spring include weeding, sheet mulching, watering, irrigation setup and general maintenance.

[c] Friday Edgewood Restoration
Friday May 9, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Varies - join the email group to receive weekly notices
https://www.cnps-scv.org/events/calendar/eventdetail/11410/-/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:

[4] Spring Wildflowers Hike at Edgewood Natural Preserve - by Friends of Edgewood
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in May, see link below for times
Location: Clarkia Trailhead on Cañada Road at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve - 153-173 Cañada Rd, Redwood City
https://friendsofedgewood.org/calendar

Join Friends of Edgewood docents for a spring wildflower hike starting from the Clarkia Trailhead on Cañada Rd. at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve. Spring is the best time to experience Edgewood's extraordinary biodiversity! Discover what's in bloom as we hike through Edgewood's woodlands and grasslands. We will make frequent stops to take a closer look at the wildflowers as well as other interesting plants and animals we find along the way. Hike is approximately 3 miles at a moderate pace. If you have questions about the hike, email info @ friendsofedgewood.org.

[5] Explore Diablo Foothills Preserve - by Saved by Nature
Friday May 9, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Diablo Foothills Preserve - 6348 Canada Rd, Gilroy
https://savedbynature.networkforgood.com/events/86654-diablo-foothills-open-space-preserve

Join Saved By Nature for a special guided hike at Diablo Foothills Open Space Preserve, an exclusive opportunity to explore this breathtaking landscape. Hidden away in the rolling hills of Santa Clara Valley, Diablo Foothills Open Space Preserve is a stunning haven of oak woodlands, scenic ridges, and peaceful ponds — normally closed to the public, but accessible to us for this special event! Expect a moderately paced hike where we'll take in the sights, learn about local ecology, and enjoy moments of serenity in nature.

[6] Guided Hike at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma (Coyote Ridge) - by Open Space Authority
Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve - 9611 Malech Road, Morgan Hill
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-guided-hikes-at-mayyan-ooyakma-coyote-ridge-tickets-1326187304929

Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve features serpentine grasslands which provide refuge for a wide variety of rare plants and wildlife, some of which have teetered on the edge of extinction. On these guided hikes visitors will learn about the native wildflower blooms and the rare Bay Checkerspot Butterfly population found within the preserve! Hike is 3 miles long and includes 500 feet of elevation change.

[7] Volunteer at McClellan Ranch Preserve - by Grassroots Ecology
Sunday May 11, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: McClellan Ranch Preserve - 22221 McClellan Road, Cupertino
https://www.grassrootsecology.org/event-calendar/2025/5/11/volunteer-at-mcclellan-ranch-preserve-in-cupertino

Join Grassroots Ecology in our ongoing restoration of the meadow at McClellan Ranch Preserve in Cupertino! We will spend our time together weeding invasive species and caring for native species by mulching or watering. Volunteers should expect to walk off trail on uneven ground, sit or kneel on kneeling pads, use hand tools to dig, and carry small buckets of water.

[8] Volunteer at Sunnyvale Baylands Park - by Grassroots Ecology
Monday May 12, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: Baylands Park - 999 East Caribbean Drive, Sunnyvale
https://www.grassrootsecology.org/event-calendar/2025/5/12/volunteer-outdoors-at-sunnyvale-baylands-park

Join Grassroots Ecology in spring maintenance of the new pollinator garden at Sunnyvale Baylands Park! We will pull weeds around the native plants and water as needed. Volunteers should expect to sit or kneel on kneeling pads, use hand tools to dig, and carry small buckets of water.

[8] Northern San Joaquin Webinar Series: Tara Cornelisse on Central CA Insects
Monday May 12, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Online
https://www.cnps.org/event/northern-san-joaquin-webinar-series-tara-cornelisse-on-central-ca-insects

Let's explore what we know about insect declines, causes, and what folks can do about it locally and regionally. We will put a spotlight on some species, including bumble bees, butterflies, and beetles, and issues specific to the Central Valley with Dr. Tara Cornelisse, entomologist and invertebrate zoologist. Tara will examine the current state of insect populations, share facts and stories about key species, their role in the ecosystems, and highlight conservation actions vital for the future of insect populations and ecosystem health.