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VOL. 37, NO. 4 AND VOL. 38, NO. 1 • OCTOBER 2009 AND JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA JOURNAL OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY

BACKBACK FROMFROM THETHE BRINK:BRINK: A SECOND CHANCE AT DISCOVERY AND CONSERVATION OF THE VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA FRANCISCAN MANZANITA ANDAND OTHEROTHER ARTICLESARTICLES CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY CNPS, 2707 K Street, Suite 1; Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 FREMONTIA Phone: (916) 447-CNPS (2677) Fax: (916) 447-2727 Web site: www.cnps.org Email: [email protected] VOL. 37, NO. 4, OCTOBER 2009 AND VOL 38, NO. 1 JANUARY 2010 MEMBERSHIP Membership form located on inside back cover; Copyright © 2009 & 2010 dues include subscriptions to Fremontia and the CNPS Bulletin California Native Plant Society Mariposa Lily ...... $1,500 Family or Group ...... $75 Benefactor ...... $600 International or Library ...... $75 Bob Hass, Editor Patron ...... $300 Individual ...... $45 Beth Hansen-Winter, Designer Plant Lover ...... $100 Student/Retired/Limited Income . $25 Brad Jenkins, Jake Sigg, and CORPORATE/ORGANIZATIONAL Carol Witham, Proofreaders 10+ Employees ...... $2,500 4-6 Employees ...... $500 CALIFORNIA NATIVE 7-10 Employees ...... $1,000 1-3 Employees ...... $150 PLANT SOCIETY STAFF (SACRAMENTO) CHAPTER COUNCIL Executive Director . . . . . Tara Hansen Kevin Bryant (Chair); Larry Levine Dedicated to the Preservation of Finance & Administration Manager . (Vice Chair); Marty Foltyn (Secretary); the California Native Flora Cari Porter Board of Directors Representatives: Membership & Development Coor- Lauren Brown, Brian LeNeve The California Native Plant Society dinator ...... Stacey Flowerdew Alta Peak (Tulare) . . . . Joan Stewart (CNPS) is a statewide nonprofit organi- Conservation Program Director . . . . . Bristlecone (Inyo-Mono) ...... zation dedicated to increasing the Greg Suba Steve McLaughlin understanding and appreciation of Rare Plant Botanist . . . . Aaron Sims Channel Islands . . . . David Magney California’s native plants, and to pre- Vegetation Program Director . . . Julie Dorothy King Young (Mendocino/ serving them and their natural habitats Evens Vegetation Ecologists . Jennifer Buck, Sonoma Coast) . . . . . Lori Hubbart for future generations. East Bay ...... Delia Taylor CNPS carries out its mission through Kendra Sikes Education Program Director . . . Josie El Dorado ...... Cindy Podsiadlo science, conservation advocacy, educa- Crawford Kern County ...... Laura Stockton tion, and horticulture at the local, state, Administrative Assistant . . . . . Marcy Los Angeles/Santa Monica Mtns . . . . and federal levels. It monitors rare and Millett Betsey Landis endangered plants and habitats; acts to Marin County . . Carolyn Longstreth STAFF (AT LARGE) save endangered areas through public- Milo Baker (Sonoma County) . . . . . ity, persuasion, and on occasion, legal Fremontia Editor ...... Bob Hass Liz Parsons action; provides expert testimony to CNPS Bulletin Editor . . . . . Bob Hass Mojave Desert ...... Tim Thomas Legislative Consultant .Vern Goehring government bodies; supports the estab- Monterey Bay . . . . Rosemary Foster East Bay Conservation Analyst . . . . . lishment of native plant preserves; spon- Mount Lassen ...... Catie Bishop Lech Naumovich sors workdays to remove invasive plants; Napa Valley ...... John Pitt Website Coordinator . . Mark Naftzger and offers a range of educational activi- North Coast ...... Larry Levine ties including speaker programs, field PROGRAM ADVISORS North San Joaquin . . . . Alan Miller trips, native plant sales, horticultural Rare Plant Program Senior Advisor . . . Orange County . . . . . Nancy Heuler workshops, and demonstration gardens. Jim Andre Redbud (Grass Valley/Auburn) . . . . Since its founding in 1965, the tradi- Vegetation Program Senior Advisor . . Brad Carter tional strength of CNPS has been its Todd Keeler-Wolf Riverside/San Bernardino counties . . dedicated volunteers. CNPS activities Horticulture Committee Co-Chairs . . . Katie Barrows are organized at the local chapter level Tara Hansen, Brett Hall Sacramento Valley . . . Hazel Gordon where members’ varied interests influ- CNPS Press Co-Directors . . . . . Holly San Diego ...... Marty Foltyn ence what is done. Volunteers from the Forbes, Dore Brown San Gabriel Mtns . . . Gabi McLean Poster Program . . . Bertha McKinley, 33 CNPS chapters annually contribute San Luis Obispo . . . Lauren Brown Wilma Follette in excess of 97,000 hours (equivalent Sanhedrin (Ukiah) ...... Geri to 46.5 full-time employees). BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hulse-Stephens Santa Clara Valley . . . Kevin Bryant CNPS membership is open to all. Brett Hall (President); Carol Witham Santa Cruz County . . . . Brett Hall Members receive the quarterly journal, (Vice President); Brad Jenkins (Trea- Sequoia (Fresno) . . . . Paul Mitchell Fremontia, the quarterly statewide Bul- surer); Sarah Jayne (Secretary); At Shasta . . . . . Susan Libonati-Barnes letin, and newsletters from their local Large: Lauren Brown, Laura Camp, Sierra Foothills (Tuolumne, Cala- CNPS chapter. Ellen Dean, Jane Hicks, Arvind Kumar, Brian LeNeve, Vince Scheidt, Alison veras, Mariposa) . . Robert W. Brown Shilling South Coast (Palos Verdes) ...... Disclaimer: Barbara Sattler, David Sundstrom MATERIALS FOR PUBLICATION Tahoe ...... Michael Hogan The views expressed by authors published in this journal do not necessarily reflect CNPS members and others are wel- Willis L. Jepson (Solano) ...... established policy or procedure of CNPS, come to contribute materials for publi- Mary Frances Kelly Poh and their publication in this journal should cation in Fremontia. See the inside back Yerba Buena (San Francisco) . . . . . not be interpreted as an organizational cover for submission instructions. Linda J. Shaffer endorsement—in part or in whole—of their Staff and board listings are as of October 2010. ideas, statements, or opinions. Printed by Premier Graphics: www.premiergraphics.biz

FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

ISSUE DATE: OCTOBER 2009 AND JANUARY 2010. PUBLICATION DATE: DECEMBER 2010 CONTENTS

BACK FROM THE BRINK: A SECOND CHANCE AT DISCOVERY AND CONSERVATION OF THE FRANCISCAN MANZANITA by Daniel Gluesenkamp, Michael Chassé, Mark Frey, V. Thomas Parker, Michael C. Vasey, and Betty Young ...... 3 The Franciscan manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana) was thought to be extinct in the wild for the past 60 years. A series of remarkable events led to the recent rediscovery of this species, which was imminently threatened by highway renovations. This is the story of a race against time to save the last wild Franciscan manzanita and to provide for the species’ long-term recovery.

ALKALINE RAIN POOLS: REMNANTS OF A VANISHING LANDSCAPE by Robert E. Preston .... 18 The rapid conversion of most of the Central Valley to cropland or non-native grassland occurred so rapidly that we know very little about the native vegetation. One little-known wetland type found in remnants of alkaline habitat in the San Joaquin Valley is the alkaline rain pool, home to some of our rarest Atriplex species.

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF CALIFORNIA NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN by Rob Moore ...... 24 With every native garden we create, we have a unique opportunity—that of returning a sense of regional identity to a suburban setting that has forgotten the natural beauty of our state and its flora.

NATIVE PLANT RESTORATION AT PIEDRAS BLANCAS LIGHT STATION OUTSTANDING NATURAL AREA by Russ Lewis and Carole Adams ...... 34 A small restoration miracle has occurred at the Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area. Today the area is nearly free of non-native vegetation and supports a healthy assemblage of native plant species.

CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY AMONG THE SANTA ROSA PLAIN VERNAL POOLS by Michelle Jensen and Nancy C. Emery ...... 40 The Santa Rosa Plain of Sonoma County is home to many vernal pool plant species, including three endangered endemics. This article briefly explores the history and flora of the Plain, threats to its vernal pool habitat, and efforts to protect sensitive plant species.

WALKING IN ALICE EASTWOOD’S FOOTSTEPS: ERIASTRUM SPARSIFLORUM IN KINGS CANYON by Sarah J. De Groot ...... 44 It had been 70 years since the few-flowered woolly-star (Eriastrum sparsiflorum) was collected in Kings Canyon. Could it still be found there?

MARTHA WALKER CALIFORNIA NATIVE HABITAT GARDEN: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS by Kathleen Chasey and Leah Hawks ...... 47 Today the former Napa State Hospital dump site is a thriving California native habitat garden thanks to dedicated volunteers.

TWO VIEWS OF CNPS FELLOW CAROL WITHAM by Eva S. Butler and Diana Hickson ...... 52 BART O’BRIEN HONORED BY CNPS by Brett Hall ...... 54 BARBARA M. PITSCHEL: 1939–2010 by Suzanne Harmon ...... 55 HARLAN KESSEL: 1928–2010 by Phyllis M. Faber ...... 56

THE COVER: The Franciscan manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana) mother plant in transit to a safer area. The plant was rediscovered in 2009 growing near the Golden Gate Bridge. Photograph courtesy of the California Department of Transportation, J. Huseby, photographer.

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 1 The most complete offering of Telos bulbs native to the western USA Telos Rare Bulbs available anywhere, our stock P.O. Box 1067 Rare is propagated at the nursery, with Ferndale, CA 95536 seed and plants from legitimate www.telosrarebulbs.com Bulbs sources only.

2 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 The Franciscan manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana) is readied for the drive to its new, safer location. Photograph courtesy of the California Department of Transportation, J. Huseby photographer. BACK FROM THE BRINK: A SECOND CHANCE AT DISCOVERY AND CONSERVATION OF THE FRANCISCAN MANZANITA by Daniel Gluesenkamp, Michael Chassé, Mark Frey, V. Thomas Parker, Michael C. Vasey, and Betty Young

n a rainy Saturday morn- this singular morning. Within view is closed, the asphalt lies cool and ing in late January of the Golden Gate Bridge and with wet in unaccustomed silence, and a 2010, shortly after 3:00 the lights of downtown San Fran- few lucky biologists watch as the a.m., a team began to cisco visible in the distance, we stood lone plant is lifted from its birth- Oassemble along a stretch of highway in the pouring rain and periodic hail place and loaded onto the back of a in the Presidio of San Francisco. and looked toward a single plant 75-ton truck. Floodlights created small pools of growing in the middle of a traffic The plant in question is presum- light and illuminated large construc- island. ably the last wild Franciscan man- tion equipment in the cold darkness On an average day this stretch of zanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana of early morning. Camera flashes highway is kept warm by the tires of Eastwood), thought to have been reflected off safety vests and hard 100,000 vehicles speeding on and extinct until rediscovered in late hats, as participants and witnesses off the Golden Gate Bridge. On an 2009 and months later dug from its stepped out of the darkness to record extraordinary morning the highway parent soil in an attempt to save it.

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 3 minerals, usually with a characteris- tic light to dark green color), com- monly found from Hunters Point northwest to Fort Point. These ser- pentine hilltops functioned as an ar- chipelago of edaphic “islands” whose soil supported unique serpentine grassland and maritime chaparral communities. Franciscan communi- ties were comprised of hundreds of plant species, many of which are now rare and endangered, and they contained several unique species of manzanita. A few of these rocky hills were spared long enough for naturalists to study and describe them, and thus they provided some of the only clues to the vanished habitats of San Fran- cisco. Hans Herman Behr, one of the city’s first formally trained bota- nists, witnessed the transformation The last wild Franciscan manzanita in its original location along Doyle Drive in the of San Francisco’s natural landscape Presidio of San Francisco. Photograph by V.T. Parker. in the years immediately after the Gold Rush. Behr (1891) gives us the To some, this may seem like a lot of waste stretching from the “break- first detailed description of San fuss over one roadside shrub. But to ers” (the ocean) to the bay. While Francisco’s manzanitas in his remi- people who are aware of the com- there is a grain of truth to this per- niscences of the 1850s: plex and poignant history of bio- ception—about half of San Francisco . . . somewhere about the site of the diversity in San Francisco, the sepa- is covered by dunes dating from the Protestant Orphan Asylum [near the ration of this plant from its home Pleistocene Era to more recent beach current U.S. Mint], there grew the tall ground was the culmination of a deposits—the myth of “Sand Fran- form of Manzanita still found so abun- century-old story. It is a story of loss cisco” obscures a more complex, dantly on the slopes of Tamalpais. and salvation, of serendipity and rich, and unique natural history. One The prostrate species . . . once abun- cooperation. can find pieces of this puzzle in early dant, still survives in a few localities, At the same time, a new story landscape paintings and maps, writ- principally Laurel Hill Cemetery, but now unfolds, a story that provides a ings by skilled pioneer naturalists, will probably disappear shortly. glimpse into a potentially different historical photos, geological surveys, future for wild nature in urban ar- and in the remnant fragments of an- Behr’s description of both abun- eas. This is the story of the discov- cient San Francisco that persist to dance and extirpation in the same ery and conservation of the last wild the present day. sentence provides a striking illustra- Franciscan manzanita. We now understand that the 46 tion of the rapid devastation being square mile tip of the San Francisco visited upon San Francisco’s flora peninsula contained a diversity of and fauna at the time. The prostrate SAN FRANCISCO’S LONG habitat types. These low-growing manzanita mentioned in Behr’s writ- HISTORY OF DIVERSITY wind-sculpted habitats collectively ing may be an early account of Fran- comprised the distinctive Franciscan ciscan manzanita (Arctostaphylos The San Francisco Bay area is floristic region, the smallest floristic franciscana). However, the rudimen- recognized as a global biodiversity region in California (Roof 2000). tary understanding of Arctostaphy- hotspot, and its varied flora is one of One particular geologic feature con- los taxonomy at the time, and the the best documented of any major tributed to San Francisco’s charac- lack of voucher specimens, makes it metropolitan region (Daniel and teristic local flora: a band of sheared unlikely that we will ever fully un- Fontaine 2006). Yet the dominant rocks, including serpentinite (a derstand the rich diversity of man- narrative of San Francisco’s natural metamorphic rock type composed zanita that existed in San Francisco history has been that of a great sand almost exclusively of serpentine prior to widespread habitat loss.

4 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 Even so, from such early writ- ings and records it is evident that old San Francisco hosted a unique maritime chaparral and a diversity of manzanitas, with at least six taxa thought to have occurred in San Francisco’s wild areas. Early botani- cal records also describe a diversity of Arctostaphylos growth forms in- cluding low-growing prostrate man- zanitas which root from their stems, tall arborescent manzanitas with large woody burls, and even man- zanitas that only grew on sand dunes.

FRANCISCAN MANZANITA: LOSS AND SALVATION

Legendary botanist Alice East- wood is central to the history of San

TOP: Hedging bets against extinction: Harvesting rooted branch layers and soil seedbank for propagation at botanical gardens. Photograph by D. Gluesenkamp. • MIDDLE LEFT: Propagation of cuttings of Franciscan manzanita at the Presidio Nur- sery. Photograph by M. Laskowski. • MIDDLE RIGHT: Presidio nursery staff process seeds collected from the last wild Franciscan manzanita. Photograph by B. Young. • BOTTOM: V. Thomas Parker collects buds to provide pollen that will be used to determine if the found species is diploid or tetraploid. Photograph by M.C. Vasey.

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 5 Francisco’s endemic manzanitas. Famed for many legendary exploits during her long and illustrious ca- reer at the California Academy of Sciences, Eastwood had all the Bay Area stagecoach schedules memo- rized and had sworn off romantic attachments lest they interfere with her pursuit of new plant species. Alice Eastwood was also an ex- pert in the genus Arctostaphylos and described numerous new species (Wells 1991), including the pros- trate manzanita in Laurel Hill which she collected in 1895 and in 1905 named as Franciscan manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana). Her type specimen (the original speci- men from which a description of a new species is made), CAS 295, was almost destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but Eastwood herself made a valiant effort to save it and many other type specimens. Shaken awake by the 1906 earth- quake, Eastwood ran to the Califor- nia Academy of Sciences and hero- ically rescued the pressed plants

The root ball tightly wrapped in burlap and wire to prevent cracking. A tent had to be assembled over the mother plant to keep the soil from getting too wet in the heavy rains. To make sure the tent did not blow away, one of the tree contractor’s staff spent the night at the site under the tent, in the pouring rain, with the traffic of Highway 1 roaring a few feet away. Photograph by S. Estelle.

Work crews secure the ten-ton mass of manzanita before lifting it by crane to the back of a flatbed truck. Photograph by M. Chassé.

from the ensuing fire. The personal Davidson (Roof 1976). Decades collection she had spent her life as- later, taxonomic sleuthing retro- sembling was abandoned to the spectively revealed another endemic flames, but the irreplaceable type manzanita that had occupied these specimens she saved are still in the same rocky hills: the then unde- collection today. scribed Raven’s manzanita (Arcto- In the years following Eastwood’s staphylos montana ssp. ravenii). discovery of A. franciscana, this pros- In the 1930s, however, the pres- trate manzanita was collected or ob- sures of real estate development led served at two other San Francisco to the clearing of maritime chaparral locales: in a corner of the Masonic from Lone Mountain and Mount Cemetery on Lone Mountain and Davidson, and by 1937, Laurel Hill on the windswept slopes of Mount Cemetery’s serpentine quarry pro-

6 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 vided the last refuge for San By the end of the 1940s, the last main southern approach to the Francisco’s own manzanitas. known wild Arctostaphylos francis- Golden Gate Bridge. The 1.3 billion Eastwood participated in the cam- cana had been replaced by build- dollar project involved demolishing paign to save the old cemetery on ings, roads, and tennis courts. At the seismically unsafe Doyle Drive Laurel Hill as a memorial park to the the same time that Franciscan man- overpass and replacing it with a park- city’s pioneers and, in the process, to zanita was being driven from Laurel way, all within the historic San Fran- preserve one of the last fragments of Hill Cemetery, bulldozers were at cisco Presidio. In preparation for re- open space in San Francisco. How- work in another part of town. The moving vegetation from the project ever, in 1938, after 50 years of construction of Doyle Drive in the site, contractors salvaged over 4,000 struggle for historic preservation, San late 1930s scraped through the native plants and collected thou- Francisco voters elected to destroy Presidio’s serpentine headlands, frag- sands of the known native plant seed the last San Francisco cemeteries menting the wildflower-studded (Shelton 2008). The following year, “mesa” first described by the Span- Eastwood posed for a professional ish colonists upon their arrival in portrait by the manzanitas of Laurel the area. Hill Cemetery in what seems to be Yet, ironically, these destructive her farewell to the species. forces likely provided for the renewal Fortunately, Alice Eastwood was of a dying species by stimulating not alone in her love of San Fran- dormant seed. As cars passed by on cisco’s endemic plants and her de- their way to the recently completed termination to save them from the Golden Gate Bridge, a manzanita forces of progress. Thanks to the emerged unnoticed along the top of efforts of other heroic botanists and a serpentine roadcut. Here it grew horticulturalists, a small number on a remarkably small patch of ser- of living plants were dug out and pentine land completely surrounded brought to botanic gardens prior to by highway ramps. Australian tea the bulldozers scraping away the last tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) and of San Francisco’s manzanitas. One other ornamental woody vegetation The “rediscoverer” of the thought-to-be- plant was saved by pioneer native eventually obscured their low-grow- extinct Franciscan manzanita, biologist Dan plant horticulturalist Lester Rown- ing neighbor sufficiently to evade Gluesenkamp. Photograph by A. Setty. tree, who admits that she “garnered the detection of contemporary bota- it ghoulishly, in a gunnysack.” She nists, who had found a number of from the construction corridor. crept into Laurel Hill Cemetery in rare species in nearby fragments of Shortly thereafter, crews began re- the dead of night with her shovel, serpentine prairie but saw only moving the robust and primarily exhumed a manzanita plant from weeds and danger as they looked weedy vegetation that dominated the among the tombstones, bagged it, across to the highway “island.” highway roadside south of the and sped off to her home in Carmel For the last six decades, Arcto- Golden Gate Bridge. with the plant in the trunk of her staphylos franciscana was believed A low evergreen shrub obscured car. extinct in the wild. During these by this weedy vegetation lay unde- Other plants were saved by James many years, the original Laurel Hill tected, facing the fate of being lost Roof, California botanist and for- plants were expertly cared for by forever under a pile of wood chips. mer director of the Regional Parks horticulturalists at botanical gardens According to contractors, a Califor- Botanic Garden in Tilden Park, who and native plant nurseries. The seed nia Highway Patrol car was parked salvaged Arctostaphylos franciscana of an idea to reintroduce the Francis- directly adjacent to the shrub on the plants uprooted by bulldozers and can manzanita back to the wild was day the chipping of woody debris carefully nurtured these plants in just beginning to re-emerge when occurred. Not wanting to blow wood the park. Decades later Roof invited an amazing discovery occurred in chips in the direction of a CHP of- Alice Eastwood, then in her nine- the Presidio of San Francisco. ficer, the contractors turned their ties, to visit the botanic garden at chipper in the other direction and Tilden Park, where she was shown the shrub was spared. the survivors of a species she had REDISCOVERY OF SAN On October 16, Daniel Gluesen- thought extinct. In her surprise she FRANCISCO’S MANZANITA kamp was driving home across the sat down and wept. “Tumbling over bridge and passed through the re- the stones, it looks exactly as it used In spring 2009 work began on a cently denuded Doyle Drive project to at Laurel Hill.” project to replace Doyle Drive, the corridor. For the first time in de-

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 7 cades the screen of English ivy area. Gluesenkamp, a partner in the when he noticed a plant that looked (Hedera helix), acacia, tea tree Bay Area Early Detection Network like a manzanita. The plant was lo- (Leptospermum laevigatum), and (BAEDN), was scanning the exposed cated on a small traffic island imme- cotoneaster had been lifted from the roadside for red alert invasive plants diately past a high-speed freeway

Manzanita chaparral often contains manzanita species found near each other that do not hybridize or crossbreed. This is because they contain different numbers of chromosomes, which limits gene flow between populations. Illustrated is a maritime chaparral site at Ft. Ord on the Monterey Bay. The site is dominated mostly by the more prostrate Sandmat manzanita (Arctostaphylos pumila, left inset photo) mixed with the Woolyleaf manzanita (A. tomentosa, right inset photo). The Sandmat manzanita is diploid, while the Woolyleaf manzanita is a tetraploid. Photographs by V.T. Parker.

ABOUT ARCTOSTAPHYLOS ranciscan manzanita (Arctosta- 96 species and subspecies through- (with one set of chromosomes from Fphylos franciscana) is a mem- out the state, but some species are each parent) and tetraploids (with ber of a genus that is quintessen- found as far north as British Colum- two sets of chromosomes from each tially Californian. A terminal bia, east to Colorado, and south to parent). Reproduction is difficult be- lineage of the subfamily Arbutoi- Mexico. Bearberry manzanita, also tween such genetic types. Addition- deae of the Ericaceae (rhododen- called kinnikinnick manzanita (Arc- ally, based on recent genetic data, dron and blueberry family), Arc- tostaphylos uva-ursi), is extremely two evolutionary lineages make up tostaphylos is a richly diverse widespread, not only present in Cali- the genus. Hybridization seems to group of woody shrubs. Fossils fornia and the West, but also found be easy among diploid species within of manzanitas appear in the north to Alaska and east through lineages and we only find them oc- middle Miocene in western North Canada and the northern United curring in different habitats. Manza- America, a little over 15 million States, and throughout northern nitas from the two different lineages, years before present, and a rapid parts of Europe and Asia. however, often are found together in proliferation of species appears Manzanitas are a wonderfully the wild yet show little hybridiza- to have occurred in the last 1.5 complicated group. Manzanitas ex- tion (Boykin et al. 2005). Tetraploids million years. California harbors ist as two genetic types: diploids do not usually occur with other tetra-

8 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 off-ramp so it was impossible to slow looked like a manzanita, and on a Thinking the plant might be the down to confirm identification. He third visit he slowed long enough to rare endemic Raven’s manzanita, he immediately retraced his steps by take a photo of this suspiciously wild called Lew Stringer, a biologist with car. On a second visit the plant still manzanita. the Presidio Trust. The message left on Lew’s answering machine was garbled with excitement and was cut ploids but are frequently found with zanitas has swollen woody burls off before the story was completed. diploids from one or both lineages. containing dormant buds that No matter. When Gluesenkamp As a consequence, then, you can of- permit resprouting after fire, called again 15 minutes later, Lew ten find two or three species of man- while another group are unable had already recruited his coworker zanitas growing together in Califor- to resprout after fire or cutting Mark Frey and the two were soon nia, and rarely, even more. and are therefore killed by fire. en route to the site. They drove past The greatest diversity of manza- Both groups of manzanitas pro- the site twice, and then sprinted nitas occurs along the central Cali- duce seeds in a dormant state across lanes of traffic to confirm fornia coast. This is a result of their that will not generally germi- Gluesenkamp’s drive-by manzanita adaptation to a diverse array of to- nate unless stimulated by chemi- sighting. pography, soil types, and climatic cals from wildfire smoke. Be- On the east side of the utterly regimes. The San Francisco Bay Area cause the seeds remain dormant inaccessible, teardrop-shaped island, lies within this region of high diver- until after wildfire, manzanitas six lanes of commuters sped home sity. Summer fog is a factor that create what are called persistent along Highway 101; on the west side characterizes both the Presidio and soil seed banks in which seed a concrete retaining wall dropped 20 the immediate California coastline. build up slowly in density. While feet to the Highway 1 onramp. The Fog is a major influence on the sur- populations of the first group island, perhaps 20 feet across, was vival and diversity of manzanitas, are sometimes also killed by fire, mostly covered with wood chips. and most Arctostaphylos species are germination from their seed Two months earlier these chips had found within maritime chaparral, banks reestablishes those popu- been a large Monterey cypress and a as coastal forest edge species, or as lations. tangle of tea tree bushes. On the part of closed-cone conifer wood- Arctostaphylos species are northern tip of the traffic island— lands and forests. found almost invariably on nu- the only portion of the site not cov- For example, 15 Arctostaphylos trient-poor soils. The relationship ered in wood chips—a low-lying car- species are found in the Santa Cruz of Arctostaphylos with poor soils pet of manzanita spread across an Mountains that run through the correlates with a highly diverse outcrop of green serpentinite rock. San Francisco peninsula into the mycorrhizal fungal community As luck would have it, National Monterey Bay area. Only 4 are found associated with the root systems Park Service ecologist Michael outside the Santa Cruz Mountains, of these plants. The fungi are able Chassé, who works with Stringer while 11 of these are restricted to to provide critical nutrients to and Frey and was currently working some limited portion of this range. the plants. Conifers and other on a master’s thesis focused on San Similar to A. franciscana being re- ectomycorrhizal trees share the Francisco’s endemic manzanitas, was stricted to serpentine in San Fran- ability to form mycorrhizae with summoned to the location. After cau- cisco at the north end of this range, a large percentage of the fungal tiously identifying the plant as Arc- Kings Mountain manzanita (A. re- species associated with Arctosta- tostaphylos franciscana, the group gismontana) is only found around phylos; consequently, manzani- quickly notified Arctostaphylos ex- King’s Mountain, Ben Lomond man- tas and conifers are often found perts Mike Vasey and Tom Parker at zanita (A. glutinosa) and the Ohlone together. Conifers eventually San Francisco State University. The manzanita (A. ohloneana) are both suppress the manzanitas, but two visited the site within days and restricted to Monterey shale outcrops wildfires stimulate the seed banks confirmed the initial identification. on Ben Lomond Mountain, and the of manzanitas and they reestab- All agreed that this was San Fran- Bonny Doon manzanita (A. silvicola) lish dominance; slowly, conifers cisco’s most exciting plant discov- is only found on sandy soils in the reinvade the site. Thus, wildfire ery since Peter Raven rediscovered Bonny Doon area. creates an alternating vegetation his namesake manzanita in the Wildfire has been an important pattern of chaparral followed by Presidio nearly 60 years before selective force on manzanitas as il- forest followed by chaparral (Raven 1952). lustrated by their adaptations to fire throughout the distribution of Caltrans project managers were (Parker 2007). One group of man- this genus (Horton et al. 1999). quickly informed. Their engineers confirmed that the traffic island was

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 9 scheduled for demolition as part of developing a conservation of the highway repair project, strategy. At the first meeting but agreed to protect the unex- the group identified represen- pected discovery until plans tatives from each agency to could be made for the plant’s collaboratively draft a conser- preservation. Within two weeks vation action plan. The plan after discovery, a meeting was focused on actions to take be- held with managers and plant tween the discovery of the plant experts from the Presidio Trust, and the start of construction in the National Park Service, the discovery area. The plan Caltrans, U.S. Fish and Wild- evaluated three alternative life Service, California Depart- treatments for the mother ment of Fish and Game, Golden plant: 1) preserving it on the TOP: Precious cargo: The ten-ton bundle of soil, rock, and Gate National Parks Conser- manzanita is carefully placed into its secret new home. • site, 2) moving it to a botanical vancy, and San Francisco State BOTTOM: The Franciscan manzanita in its new location away garden, or 3) moving it to a University. All involved sprung from highway construction. Photographs by S. Estelle. managed natural area in the into action, including CalTrans Presidio. District 4 Environmental Manager While on-site preservation David Yam. With the clock ticking CONSERVATION OF THE would be the most desirable option on a billion dollar construction FRANCISCAN MANZANITA under ordinary circumstances, there project, and with CalTrans taking were several factors that weighed the organizational lead, the agencies The chance to save a presumed against this alternative. First, the selected a team of biologists to de- extinct species doesn’t come along remnant shrub was already trauma- velop a plan for saving the rediscov- often in one’s career, so agency rep- tized by the sudden removal of its ered Franciscan manzanita. resentatives quickly set to the task protective cover of surrounding veg-

10 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 etation and direct exposure to the 3) seeds collected off of the mother seeding plants, while the fire may elements and the exhaust gases of plant, 4) seed-containing soil from destroy the parent plants, it also thousands of vehicles passing by it around the plant, and 5) microbe- sends a cue to the stored seeds in each day. Second, the remnant patch containing soil from around the the surrounding soil to begin germi- that it occupied was so small and plant. nating. In manzanitas, fire removes isolated that it would be almost im- The most reliable means of pre- a plug in the seed coat which then possible to restore a viable popula- serving clones of the single remain- allows water to be absorbed into the tion of other A. franciscana individu- ing plant (mother plant) was to ob- seed. Often such seeds will not ger- als around it, and so the species tain stem cuttings for subsequent minate without receiving this fire could not realistically recover in that rooting. These were obtained from cue, but scientists still have a lot to location. Finally, it was determined November 2009 to January 2010. learn about the conditions that pro- to be infeasible to build the Doyle Stem fragments for propagation were mote this germination. Drive project around the plant, given distributed to East Bay Regional To salvage seeds which had fallen important constraints demonstrated Parks Botanical Garden at Tilden, from the plant in previous years, an by Caltrans. UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, 18" wide by 4" deep ring of soil sur- The second option, that of mov- UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, San rounding the plant was removed care- ing the plant to a botanical garden, Francisco Botanical Garden at Stry- fully without disturbing the mother would have meant returning the bing Arboretum, CalFlora Nursery, plant. The soil containing seed from plant to an “extinct in the wild” and to the Golden Gate National around the mother plant will even- status, at least until reintroduced Recreation Area Presidio Nursery. tually be treated to see if any seeds populations could someday be es- This was both a pooling of incred- can be germinated. First, however, tablished. In addition, moving it ible manzanita propagation talent we will test experimental germina- to a botanical garden would have as well as a way of distributing risk tion techniques using seeds from compromised the ability to generate among many facilities. Each nurs- a relative of Franciscan manzanita, viable seed for future propagation ery used its most successful manza- Mt. Tamalpais manzanita (A. mon- (since botanical gardens would con- nita rooting technique to encourage tana ssp. montana) to perfect pre- tain other manzanita species and be stems to root and develop into clones germination treatments (such as fire, subject to hybridization). Therefore, of the parent plant, and some root- smoke, and cold stratification). Then the plan chosen as the preferred ing has already begun. those treatments will be used on seeds alternative was moving the plant to Because of its mounding habit, from the Franciscan manzanita soil a managed natural area, assuming this species of manzanita also can seed bank. Once we know what tech- that an appropriate site could be form roots at leaf nodes where they nique works best, seeds taken from located for transplanting. Remark- come in contact with the ground. the mother plant will be treated and ably, Chassé had already started an These “rooted layers” were distrib- sown. With luck the transplanted analysis of potentially appropriate uted to East Bay Regional Parks plant will set seed and we will have restoration sites as part of his mas- Botanical Garden at Tilden, UC plenty of seeds to work with. ter’s project. A long list of criteria Botanical Garden at Berkeley, San Finally, additional soil was sal- was developed and used to evaluate Francisco Botanical Garden at vaged from the rooting zone of the potential sites. The top ranked sites Strybing Arboretum, and the Presidio mother plant. Manzanitas form close were further investigated with field Nursery. Approximately 24 were well relationships with soil microorgan- visits and soil test pits. Ultimately, rooted and potted up or planted into isms, and these symbioses can be the chosen site closely matched the these respective gardens. critical to plant survival and growth. discovery site in geology, soil tex- Remarkably, although isolated Salvaged soil will be stored and used ture, slope, and aspect. and alone, this lonely mother plant to inoculate outplantings with myc- The effort to move an entire bore tiny apple-like fruits. To pre- orrhizae and necessary microorgan- manzanita is an inherently risky serve this treasure trove of its ge- isms. Outplantings will occur over operation. Consequently, the team netic code, all ripe fruit was collected time in suitable areas of the Presidio. took steps to ensure the parent from the plant, resulting in 1,346 In some cases plantings will include plant’s genetic material would be seeds. These have been put in long- additional maritime chaparral spe- saved even in the unlikely event of a term storage: half at UC Botanical cies and perhaps even include the disaster before, during, or after the Garden at Berkeley and half at Raven’s manzanita. All planted man- move. We carefully salvaged other Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. zanitas will be carefully monitored portions of the plant: 1) stem cut- Soil seed banks are important to annually. tings, 2) branches that had naturally obligate seeding manzanitas such as After completing this additional rooted around the mother plant, A. franciscana. Like many obligate salvage operation to ensure that the

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 11 A stand of maritime chaparral on a sandstone outcrop near China Grade in Santa Cruz County. A blooming Santa Cruz manzanita (Arctostaphylos andersonii) is in the foreground. Photograph by M.C. Vasey.

CONSERVING exposures occur like islands in a ter- Bay. However, it has since been rec- MARITIME CHAPARRAL, restrial ocean of more favorable en- ognized to occur sporadically from INCLUDING vironments. Like all chaparral, this Mendocino to San Diego Counties MANZANITA vegetation depends on periodic wild- (Sawyer et al. 2009). The reason for fires for regeneration and persistence. its protected legal status is the re- aritime chaparral is a dis- Maritime chaparral was first de- markable number of local endemic M tinctive California shrub- scribed by Griffin (1978) and has species found in maritime chaparral. land dominated by hard, ever- since been given legal protection For example, in the flagship genus green-leaved species that occur under CEQA and the California for maritime chaparral, Arctostaphy- in summer fog-influenced habi- Coastal Act as an Environmentally los, out of 96 California taxa, almost tats along the coast and in harsh, Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA). Mari- 80% of its local endemics occur along unproductive soils with poor time chaparral was originally con- the coastal fog zone (Vasey and nutrient levels and/or reduced wa- ceptualized as occurring in only a Parker unpublished data). ter holding capacity. These soil few specialized places, like Monterey It is important to point out that

12 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 plant’s genetic material would be while the conservation approach to stands are eroded by develop- preserved, it was time to begin prepa- saving Arctostaphylos franciscana is ment and influenced by altered ration to move the mother plant. Two weeks prior to the move, a hole an inspiration, it represents a last fire regimes, it is probable that resort as opposed to optimal conser- conservation and management was dug at the transplant site lo- vation practice. In virtually every of existing stands may not pro- cated within the 1,491 acre Presidio to receive the plant and soil. Simul- place but San Francisco, maritime vide sufficient protection. This chaparral stands still persist and the situation is particularly true as taneously, trenches were dug around most important conservation activ- pressures of changing climate— the mother plant to prepare it for transport. Because of heavy rains in ity is protecting these stands from including the potential decline habitat loss by encroaching devel- of the summer fog regime—un- the days leading up to the move, a opment. While ESHA regulations folds (Johnstone and Dawson tent had to be assembled over the mother plant. To make sure the tent provide strong legal protection, 2010). ESHA is limited to a defined coastal In this context, the extraor- did not blow away, one of the tree zone which does not extend inland dinary efforts being made to con- contractor’s staff spent the night at the site under the tent, in the pour- far enough to protect all maritime serve Arctostaphylos franciscana chaparral. may present valuable lessons for ing rain, with the traffic of Highway 1 Since many local endemic mari- future conservation of maritime roaring a few feet away. After the trenches had been dug, time chaparral species are not listed chaparral. First, we see how im- under federal or state statutes, they portant propagation of vulner- the root ball was tightly wrapped in are vulnerable to development be- able species can be in venues such burlap and wire, forming a mono- lith of tree and soil standing atop yond the coastal zone boundary. In- as botanical gardens, and also vasive species such as pampas grass how important artificial seed green serpentinite rock. A dozen and sea fig infiltrate the edges of banks might be as well. We need three-inch-diameter metal pipes were driven two feet below the plant maritime chaparral; however, they to collect a large selection of do not present much of a problem genotypes of vulnerable species by Environmental Design Special- in intact stands. But there is the for future restored populations. ists. These pipes served to perforate the soil and separate the mother threat of cutting too many trails or Second, we are learning that clearings into chaparral, which al- translocation is not necessarily plant from the mother soil, and also lows these invasive species to be- impossible and may, under cer- provided a lattice of support for the burlap-wrapped plant and soil come well established. Wildfires tain circumstances, be desirable. open chaparral and permit the ex- Third, habitat restoration for monolith. These pipes were bolted pansion of these invasives. foundation species such as man- to I-beams on two sides, and a 75- ton crane was then moved into place Certainly one of the greatest zanitas has the potential for bring- challenges to conserving maritime ing back entire communities as next to the plant. By 5:30 the fol- chaparral is managing for fire re- well as rare species. lowing morning the rains had stopped and the skies had cleared. gimes in the face of an expanding We need more of these chap- wildland-urban interface. Too much arral restoration efforts and well As the sun began to rise over the fire can cause chaparral to trans- designed research to see if this eastern hills, and accompanied by a CHP escort, a ten-ton truck slowly form to grasslands dominated by can be accomplished. Ultimately, non-native species, and too little fire while saving an individual shrub wound its way through silent city can eventually cause chaparral to on the brink of extinction is a streets to the manzanita’s new home in a much quieter and serene ser- be displaced by woodland and for- profound experience, the true test pentine habitat in the Presidio. With est. It has been recognized that the of the success of this project will fire regime in maritime chaparral is be the restoration of one or more echoes of the noisy freeway no longer audible, the birdsong of white less frequent than in interior chap- viable populations of genetically crowned sparrows greeted its ar- arral but research is still needed to variable individuals in natural understand this relationship. For- habitats. By bringing back the rival, along with a team of technical experts. tunately, there is research taking Franciscan manzanita from the Now began an equally challeng- place on maritime chaparral re- edge of oblivion, we may be pio- ing operation: backing a big rig truck sponse to prescribed fire at Fort Ord neering a new approach to con- down a narrow, muddy trail to a and elsewhere. serving maritime chaparral in the second crane that had been posi- Yet, as maritime chaparral face of global change. tioned at the recipient hole. The ten- ton plant-and-soil monolith was

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 13 TOP: The manzanita’s leaves, tiny and tough, with thick cuticles to reduce water loss. Photograph by V.T. Parker. • MIDDLE: The young inflorescence of the Franciscan manzanita is distinctive and helped to identify the discovered specimen as A. franciscana. Photograph by V.T. Parker. • BOTTOM: Flower buds are needed to do a chromosome count. Photograph by M.C. Vasey.

After the extraordinary move, we of this species (plants with differing began the more mundane but criti- genetic material) present in botani- cal tasks of ongoing observation and cal gardens that can be propagated stewardship. The plant was exam- and replanted in the wild so that ined daily for ten days, and has since genetically variable populations can been on a weekly monitoring re- be restored. Work is underway to gime. Until fall 2010 the plant will fulfill this vision. Appropriate resto- be protected from direct midday sun, ration sites will need to be carefully dead branches will be pruned, weeds evaluated. Selected botanical garden will be removed, and monitoring will specimens of Arctostaphylos francis- continue to ensure the plant estab- cana will be analyzed to confirm lishes well in its new home. their direct ties to “wild” stock and While the last wild Franciscan to determine the number of unique manzanita has now been success- plants in cultivation. fully moved and hopefully will have Chassé is currently looking into a long life ahead of it, a bigger ques- suitable reintroduction sites and tion remains. What is the long-term sources of propagation material for slowly lowered into the hole while future of this species (not this indi- the Franciscan manzanita through a everyone present watched with a vidual shrub), and what are the pros- master’s thesis project at San Fran- mixture of excitement and anxiety. pects for restoration of this species cisco State University. This work will The crane was at capacity; it could in the context of San Francisco’s help us to develop a map of the most not have moved any more weight or long vanished maritime chaparral suitable reintroduction sites, and a moved that weight any farther. Af- habitat? True recovery will not be blueprint for propagation that en- ter a few crucial adjustments, the achieved until multiple genetic seed- sures the widest possible genetic plant was in place. Biologists, con- lings are established in several re- diversity. The results will enable us tractors, and Caltrans staff cheered, stored communities. Fortunately, to bring additional Franciscan man- and shook hands for a job well done. there are several distinct genotypes zanita plants back from their bo-

14 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 tanical garden diaspora and home thought we had driven this species plant growing near a freeway. Now once again to San Francisco’s ser- extinct 70 years ago, when construc- we have hundreds of clones, thou- pentine habitats. In the process, tion equipment removed the last sands of seeds, and plans to identify other species associated with mari- wild Franciscan manzanitas from additional plants and bring them time chaparral will also be restored. their native ground so that humans home to restore a previously van- With hard work and a bit of luck, could build roads and pour con- ished habitat. This achievement re- we hope to make it possible for San crete for retaining walls. Back then, quired a lot of hard work and some Francisco manzanita plants to ex- conservationists wrapped plants in masterful coordination, all of which change pollen, bear seed, and pro- burlap sacks and salvaged them for had to be accomplished within a duce new, genetically wild manza- translocation to foreign soil in the woefully short time period, but in nita plants that will continue the East Bay hills. the end we have saved a species. lineage long after humans have In contrast, today, when con- Our land is still blessed with a moved on to something else. struction activities threatened the tremendous natural diversity. Re- The Raven’s manzanita will also last wild Franciscan manzanita for a markably, most of the unique and be planted at some of these sites, second time, translocation was once marvelous species encountered by and other rare and distinctive San again the only hope for saving the California’s first European visitors Francisco plants will be encouraged species. However, this time it was still survive in the Golden State. Our to establish and grow with them. In the contractors who wrapped the descendants are not likely to be able time, a vanished community that plant in burlap, carefully moved it to say the same unless we act quickly, was once part of San Francisco’s rich to a new site, and smiled with satis- for many of these species persist in natural and cultural history may re- faction at saving a species from ex- very small populations and many turn to enrich our experience and tinction. It is a hopeful sign when are declining. Other species are ex- inspire us, much as it did the poets conservationists and developers are tinct in the wild but viable genetic and botanists of old. more likely to work together than to material persists in botanical gar- oppose one another’s efforts. In dens, seed collections, even her- CONCLUSIONS 2010, it appears that such coopera- barium sheets. We need to act now tion is driven by a weak framework to save them. We feel fortunate to have played of environmental regulations and the Even as we save this Franciscan roles in this unexpected and seren- more straightforward and compel- manzanita, the Vine Hill manzanita, dipitous conservation success story. ling framework of public support to Mount Tamalpais manzanita, San It has reminded us that amazing dis- save nature. Bruno Mountain manzanita, Oak- coveries can still be made in Califor- The Franciscan manzanita ex- land manzanita, and too many oth- nia, even in the most unlikely places, perience teaches us that people of ers are threatened by development, including our thoroughly botanized good will can find a way to work biological invaders, and ill-conceived and closely monitored parklands. San together and make magic happen fuel management actions. We need Francisco’s manzanitas have taught when they are open to each other’s to identify the most sensitive spe- us this lesson before. Consider young perceptions of a problem and are cies, map their locations, prioritize Peter Raven’s 1952 discovery of a motivated to share their particular them for rescue, and then act to save new manzanita species in the expertise in order to solve it. There them. If we are willing to make this Presidio, the discovery of Rose’s man- is a reverence for life deep within all a priority and allocate adequate re- zanita (Arctostaphylos crustacea ssp. of us. No one truly wants a species sources to this effort, we can pre- rosei) in southern San Francisco, and to go extinct. We need to continue serve and restore our remaining the 2008 discovery of Baker’s man- to search for opportunities to bring habitats for the future. zanita (A. bakeri) in a San Francisco back nature while engaging a backyard. Each of these plants is the broader segment of our society in REFERENCES descendant of a thousand genera- this mission. The collaborative tions of survivors, each able to pass model is the one we should strive Behr, H.H. 1891. Botanical reminis- their DNA to the next generation. for in our conservation work. cences. Zoe: A Biological Journal 2:2- When we are fortunate enough to Finally, the success of this con- 6. Boykin, L.M., M.C. Vasey, V.T. Parker, find them, we need to assist their servation story reminds us that there and R. Patterson. 2005. Two lineages recovery as we are able. is hope for saving the native plants of Arctostaphylos (Ericaceae) identi- This story also contains histori- and the places that we love. One fied using the Internal Transcribed cal parallels that effectively illustrate year ago the Franciscan manzanita Spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear how conservation efforts have im- was a poignant parable of senseless genome. Madroño 52(3):139-147. proved in the last century. We loss. Half a year ago it was a single Daniel, T.F. and M. Fontaine. 2006.

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 15 PROPAGATING FRANCISCAN MANZANITA FROM SEEDS

here is much we need to learn keep the fire going about 30 sec- Tbefore we can successfully ger- onds. We will be working on per- minate seed from the Franciscan fecting these parameters. manzanita. There is a consensus There is also research showing that manzanita seed should have that it is not the high temperature at least a nine-month period of of fire that induces germination in after-ripening—dry storage of manzanita species (Kauffman and freshly harvested seeds at room Martin 1991), but rather the chemi- temperature—before the seed is cal compounds in smoke or charate treated (Meyer 2008; Forbes (ashes/charcoal) from fire that may 2008, personal communication). be responsible for seed scarifica- The next steps to germination are tion in all fire-adapted species, in- unclear. cluding manzanitas (Keeley and Steve Edwards, at East Bay Fotheringham 1998; Tieu et al. Regional Parks Botanic Garden 2001; Shebitz et al. 2009). at Tilden (RPBG) notes that in In their propagation work, Holly fire-adapted species such as man- Forbes and John Domzalski at UC zanitas, fire successfully scarifies Berkeley Botanical Garden use a (scratches or softens) the hard treatment of full strength liquid seedcoat so water can enter, or smoke (yes, the stuff you put on removes the plug in the area of your steak) in water for four hours, Seeds removed from the rediscovered Fran- the seed coat where the root ciscan manzanita before moving it to a new followed by 30-day cold stratifica- location. The seeds were put in a long-term emerges. tion to germinate seed from fire- cold storage seed bank. Photograph by B. To pre-treat with fire, manza- adapted species. Tom Parker at San Young. nita seed can be mixed with sand, Francisco State University notes that potting media, or soil and cov- his experiments on manzanitas have mination treatments for manzanita ered with 1/4" additional media achieved a small percentage of ger- species do require cold moist strati- in a fire-proof pan. This helps to mination using hickory liquid smoke fication after scarification. Stratifi- spread the heat without having at 1:1000 dilution. cation can be done by adding moist spots that are too hot. Then, the At Golden Gate National Park seed and perlite in a Ziploc™ type seed and media is covered with Nurseries, we will first be trying both bag and then placing it in a refrig- pine needles or straw 4-6" deep fire and smoke treatments with erator set at a regular food storage and ignited. Tamalpais manzanita (A. montana), temperature for 30 days. This pro- Plant propagation experts which is a close relative of the Fran- vides winter-type chilling. have not determined how long to ciscan manzanita and is abundant, —Betty Young, Director, allow the pine mulch to burn. It before we use seed from the Fran- Golden Gate National Parks is quite easy to kill the seed if the ciscan manzanita. Nurseries fire is too hot or if it is allowed to Presidio Nursery found that burn for too long a period. On smoke treatment rather than fire in- REFERENCES the other hand, if the fire burns duced germination in Raven’s man- for too short a time or if the seed zanita (Arctostaphylos montana ssp. Forbes, H. Propagation records for Arc- is buried too deeply under the ravenii); whereas, smoke plus heat tostaphylos franciscana from Univer- pine needles, this may not pro- did not induce germination. We will sity of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley. vide sufficient time to scarify the be experimenting both with dry Kauffman, J.B., and R.E. Martin. 1991. seedcoat adequately for water ab- smoke for different periods of time, Factors influencing the scarification sorption and root emergence. using dried native plant material in and germination of three montane Here at Golden Gate National a barbeque, and liquid smoke at dif- Sierra Nevada shrubs. Northwest Sci- Parks, we use a small propane ferent concentrations and from dif- ence 65(4): 180-187. torch and add pine needles or ferent sources. Keeley, J.E., and S.C. Keeley. 1987. Role other dry native plant material to All trials and standard pre-ger- of fire in the germination of chapar-

16 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 Rediscovering San Francisco’s native tion, contracting for the move of flora. Fremontia 34(4):4-10. the discovered plant, and ensuring Griffin, J.R. 1978. Maritime chaparral propagation and ongoing care and and endemic shrubs of the Monterey monitoring. His amazing efforts were Bay region, California. Madroño invaluable. 25:65-112. The following people provided Horton, T.R., T. Bruns and V.T. Parker. important feedback on the Conser- 1999. Ectomycorrhizal fungi in Arc- vation Plan or assisted with propa- tostaphylos patches contribute to the establishment of Pseudotsuga menzie- gation of cuttings, and we thank sii. Canadian Journal of Botany 77: them for their valuable input: Eliza- 93-102. beth Warne and Chris Nagano at Johnstone, J.A. and T.E. Dawson. 2010. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Mary Climatic context and ecological im- Ann Showers at California Depart- plications of summer fog decline in ment of Fish and Game; Steve the coast redwood region. PNAS. Edwards and Joe Dahl at East Bay www.pnas.og/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas. Regional Parks Botanical Garden 0915062107. in Tilden; Holly Forbes and John Parker, V.T. 2007. Diversity and evolu- Domzalski of the UC Berkeley Bo- tion of Arctostaphylos and Ceanothus. tanical Garden; Don Mahoney and Fremontia 35(4):8-11. Terry Seefelt at San Francisco Bo- ———, M.C. Vasey, and J.E. Keeley. tanical Garden at Strybing; Brett Hall 2007. Taxonomic revisions in the and Helen Engelsberg at UC Santa genus Arctostaphylos (Ericaceae). Madroño 54(2):148-155. Cruz Botanical Garden; and last but Raven, P.H. 1952. Plant notes from San not least, Phil Van Soelen from Cal ral herbs and suffrutescents. Mad- Francisco, California. Leaflets of Flora Nursery. rono 34(3): 240-249. Western Botany 6:208-211. Surprisingly, despite its excep- Keeley, J.E., and C.J. Fotheringham. Roof, J.B. 1976. A fresh approach to the tionally rare status, the Franciscan 1998. Smoke-induced seed ger- genus Arctostaphylos in California. manzanita had never been protected mination in California chaparral. The Four Seasons 5(2):20-24. under the Endangered Species Act. Ecology 79(7): 2320-2336. ———. 2000. The Franciscan Region: Long-term protection of the species Laskowski, M., K. Swenerton, and transcript of a lecture by James B. is now more likely, thanks to a peti- B. Schaefer. 2008. Germination Roof, ca. 1975. The Four Seasons tion submitted by Brent Plater of the trials of Arctostaphylos montana 11(2):41-56. Wild Equity Institute, the Center ssp. ravenii. Golden Gate Na- Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, J.M. for Biological Diversity, and the Cali- tional Parks, unpublished. Evens. 2009. A manual of California fornia Native Plant Society. Meyer, S.E. 2008. Arctostaphylos vegetation (2nd Edition). California Adans. The Woody Plant Seed Native Plant Society Press, Sacra- Manual. USDA Agriculture Hand- mento, California. Daniel Gluesenkamp, Audubon Canyon book. 727: 266-269. Shelton, T.V. 2008. Unmaking historic Ranch, PO Box 1195, Glen Ellen, CA O’Brien, B. Propagation records for spaces: Urban progress and the San 95442, [email protected]; Michael Arctostaphylos franciscana from Francisco cemetery debate, 1895- Chassé, National Park Service, Fort Ma- Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gar- 1937. California History 85(3):26-47. son Bldg. 201, San Francisco, CA 94123, den. Wells, P.V. 1991. The naming of the man- [email protected]; Mark Frey, Shebitz, D.J., K. Ewing, and J. zanitas. The Four Seasons 8:46-70. Presidio Trust, 34 Graham St., San Fran- Gutierrez. 2009. Preliminary ob- cisco, CA 94129, [email protected]; servations of using smoke-water to increase low-elevation bear- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS V. Thomas Parker, Department of Biol- grass. Native Plants Journal 10(1): ogy, San Francisco State University, 1600 13-20. The mother plant could never Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, Tieu, A., K.W. Dixon, A. Meney, and have been saved without the com- [email protected]; Michael C. Vasey, De- K. Sivasithamparam. 2001. The mitment of many experts who made partment of Biology, San Francisco State interaction of heat and smoke in it a priority in their busy profes- University, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Fran- the release of seed dormancy in sional lives. David Yam (CalTrans cisco, CA 94132, [email protected]; Betty seven species from southwestern District 4 Environmental Manager) Young, Golden Gate National Parks Con- Western Australia. Annal of Bota- took the lead in organizing all the servancy Nurseries, 201 Ft. Mason, 3rd ny 88:259-265. experts and people involved, orga- floor, San Francisco, CA 94123, byoung@ nizing Conservation Plan produc- parksconservancy.org

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 17 ALKALINE RAIN POOLS: REMNANTS OF A VANISHING LANDSCAPE by Robert E. Preston

cattered among the remnants ALKALINE SOILS surface and over time the salts accu- of alkali-influenced lands in mulate. Eventually, the level of al- California’s great Central “Saline/alkaline soils” is often kali or salt becomes high enough Valley are small, seasonally- used as a general term for salt-rich that it is difficult for plants to up- Sinundated wetlands that have gener- soils, and the difference between the take essential nutrients, giving them ally gone unnoticed, despite the tre- two soil types is based on their chem- a stunted or “burnt” look. Where mendous amount of attention that istry. Alkaline soils have high levels salt levels are high enough to kill has been focused on the study and of sodium carbonate (soda ash, or seedlings, distinctive bare patches conservation of vernal pools over the washing soda) and potassium car- of soil develop that are known as past 30 years. These small wetlands bonate (potash, or pearl ash), which salt scalds or slickspots. Salt scalds are “alkaline rain pools,” a term I are also known as alkali salts. Alka- form where neutral salts accumu- coined to differentiate them from al- line soils are basic, that is, they have late, and slickspots form where al- kaline vernal pools (also known as a pH greater than 7 (a pH of 7 is kali accumulates. Salt scalds and northern claypan vernal pools (Hol- neutral, and a pH lower than 7 is slickspots have similar effects on land 1986, Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf acidic). Saline soils have high levels vegetation, and during the summer 1995), which are superficially simi- of neutral salts, such as chlorides both features are similar in appear- lar but differ in their vegetation, soils, and sulfates of sodium, calcium, and ance. However, their different soil and hydrology. Alkaline rain pools, magnesium, although alkaline soils chemistry gives them a very differ- which are the rarest of California’s often have high levels of neutral salts, ent nature during the rainy season. vernal pool habitats, have not been as well. Alkaline rain pools form in slick- described in the botanical and eco- The classical theory on what spots, so-called because they do not logical literature and appear to have causes soil salinity or alkalinity sug- let water pass through and have a been little studied. This article pro- gests that, where a high water table shiny appearance when wet (Isaak vides an introduction to their char- is present, evaporation at the soil 1934). In the topsoil, clay particles acteristic soil, vegetation, and hy- surface draws water and salts to the normally stick to each other and drology, and it reviews their historic surface. When the water evaporates, other soil particles, which leaves and current distribution. it leaves the salts behind at the soil pores through which water can per- colate. High alkali levels at the soil Aerial photograph of slickspot terrain in the San Joaquin Valley. Alkaline rain pools form surface in slickspots causes the clay in slickspots, so-called because they do not let water pass through and have a shiny particles to disperse evenly, elimi- appearance when wet. nating the soil pores and reducing permeability to the point that water ponds on the soil surface. In con- trast, salt scalds do not pond water because they are caused by accumu- lations of neutral salts, which do not disperse the clay particles, and generally appear spongy or powdery, not “slick.” Of the 10 soil associations Hol- land (1978) characterized in the Central Valley as supporting vernal pools, only three support alkaline rain pools. The Lewis-Fresno Group (Lewis, Fresno, El Peco, Dinuba soil series) occurs on the lower ends of old alluvial terraces and have weakly cemented hardpans. The Solano-

18 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 Capay-Willows Group (Solano, Pes- cadero, Willows soil series) occurs in ba- sins and on basin rims and have clay- pans or occasional- ly have hardpans. The Chino Group (Chino, Traver soil series) occurs in ba- sins and on basin rims and generally lacks claypans or hardpans.

VEGETATION OF ALKALINE RAIN POOLS Very little is known about the historic composition or the ecology of the alkaline areas of the Shallowly ponded alkaline rain pool in the San Joaquin Valley. All photographs by the author. valley floor. Histori- cal accounts have concluded that flats were still present in the Central cracks. In contrast, vegetation in much of the valley floor vegetation Valley, especially along the west side. vernal pools typically covers the en- was composed of annuals, with scat- At present, the overall vegeta- tire pool bottom. Alkaline rain pools tered shrubs occurring in xeric ar- tion type in which alkaline rain pools have low species diversity and lack eas (Wester 1981, Schiffman 2007, occur is best characterized as Cali- plant species characteristic of vernal Minnich 2008). The first systematic fornia annual grassland, an herba- pools. Instead, the vegetation of al- surveys of alkaline habitats were ceous plant community dominated kaline rain pools mostly is composed done by Joseph Burtt Davy (1898). by non-native annual grasses (see of annual, alkali-tolerant wetland Burtt Davy recognized several plant Sawyer et al. 2009, p. 30, for a dis- species (some of which are also communities on alkaline soils cussion of the changing perspective adapted to saline soils), similar to around lake basins in the San Joaquin on California grasslands). Neverthe- the herbaceous understory of alka- Valley, generally zoned according less, the presence of interior golden- line sink scrub. Because the vegeta- to moisture availability. Saltbush bush, bush seepweed, alkali saca- tion is often concentrated on the scrub occurred on the higher, more ton, and other alkaline species mark rain pool margins, there often ap- xeric sites on the valley margins, the habitat as a remnant of one of pears to be a ring of flowers, similar and valley sink scrub occurred in the historic alkaline plant commu- to vernal pools. However, alkaline the basins, usually where a high wa- nities. Within the annual grassland rain pools generally lack the color- ter table is (or was) present. At in- matrix, alkaline rain pools and salt ful floral display that vernal pools termediate sites he recognized three scalds form a network within the are well known for. The unvegetated plant communities characterized, uplands, with alkaline vernal pools portions of the pools are often cov- respectively, by interior goldenbush occurring in swales. Although alka- ered by a cryptogrammic crust, a (Isocoma acradenia), bush seepweed line rain pools appear superficially community of mosses, liverworts, (Suaeda nigra), and alkali sacaton similar to alkaline vernal pools dur- lichens, fungi, algae, and bacteria (Sporobolus airoides). Jepson (1925) ing the inundation phase, the veg- that live on the soil surface. Cryp- did not differentiate between the etation in these two wetlands is very togrammic crust in alkaline rain plant communities that Burtt Davy different. pools is likely to be composed pri- had described, and instead referred The vegetation in alkaline rain marily of a blue-green alga (cyano- to them collectively as alkali flats. pools is sparse, being concentrated bacteria) that is common in grass- He noted that large areas of alkali on the pool margins and along soil lands, vernal pools, and alkaline

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 19 are replaced by common spikeweed (Hemizonia pungens), large-flowered sand spurry (Spergularia macrotheca var. leucan- tha), heartscale (Atriplex cordulata), lesser saltscale (Atriplex minuscula), and San Joaquin brittlescale (Atriplex subtilis). Vegetation cover in alkaline vernal pools is much higher and more evenly distributed than in alkaline rain pools. The characteristic vegetation of alkaline vernal pools includes many of the same species found in al- kaline rain pools, but the species diversity is much higher. Typical vernal pool endemics present in alkaline vernal pools but absent from alkaline rain pools include coyote thistle (Eryngium vaseyi, E. castrense, and E. aris- tulatum), downingia (Downingia spp.), pop- corn flowers (Plagioboth- rys stipitatus, P. bracte- atus, and P. leptocladus), woolly-heads (Psilocar- phus spp.), spike-prim- rose (Epilobium spp.), and vernal pool saltscale (Atriplex persistens).

HYDROLOGY OF ALKALINE RAIN POOLS Wetland hydrology of TOP: Cryptogrammic crust, a community of microphytic organisms that live on the soil surface of alkaline rains pools is alkaline rain pools. • BOTTOM: Exoskeletons of aquatic crustaceans remain embedded in the dried pool bottoms. These tiny creatures reach maturity within two to three weeks, depositing cysts that survive similar to that of typical the summer drought to produce the next generation with the winter rains. vernal pools but has some substantial differences. As sinks in southern and central Cali- flower (Plagiobothrys humistratus), in other vernal pool types, the prin- fornia (Riefner and Pryor 1996). and California alkali grass (Pucci- cipal water source is direct precipi- In early spring, the dominant nellia simplex). Low barley (Hordeum tation. Sometimes the pools are in- species in alkaline rain pools are depressum), saltgrass (Distichlis spi- terconnected, so that water flows alkali peppergrass (Lepidium dictyo- cata), and bush seepweed are also between them when the pools are tum), San Joaquin goldfields (Las- common along the pool margins. By full. Unlike vernal pools, however, thenia chrysantha), dwarf popcorn early summer, the earlier annuals all ponding (the accumulation of

20 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 standing water) occurs at the soil etons can be found embedded in the areas of alkaline soils in the south- surface, and the soil immediately desiccated mud on the pool bot- western United States, on the Great beneath the pools is dry. A claypan toms after the pools have dried Plains, and in other arid regions or a hardpan may be absent, or if a down. around the world. However, the eco- restricting layer is present, there is logical literature focuses primarily no hydrologic connection between DISTRIBUTION on larger playas or on alkaline sink the water table perched above it and scrub habitats (Brostoff et al. 2001), the water ponded at the surface. The distribution of alkaline rain rather than on these smaller, more In vernal pools, the water table pools in California is presently un- ephemeral pools. perches above a restricting layer, so known. They are known to occur that the soil beneath the surface is on a conservation preserve at the CONSERVATION also saturated. The water table regu- Woodville Landfill in Tulare County lates water levels in vernal pools, and on lands recently purchased by The alkaline rain pool is a rare with water lost through evaporation Madera Irrigation District in Madera habitat that has intrinsic conserva- and transpiration partially replaced County. They are potentially found tion and preservation value. How- by subsurface flow from the adja- anywhere alkaline soils occur. Alka- ever, the conservation status of this cent uplands. This connection to the line soils are generally located in or unusual wetland type presently re- water table allows vernal pools to adjacent to the basins that occupy mains unclear. Economic pressure pond water for extended periods, the middle reaches of the Central to convert the last private parcels of typically from 4 to 12 weeks. In Valley. They range from Glenn and remaining alkaline habitat to vine- contrast, the duration of ponding in Butte Counties in the Sacramento yards or dairies is a direct threat to alkaline rain pools ranges from a Valley, to the southern end of the the conservation of alkaline rain few days to more than two weeks, San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, pools. Regulatory mechanisms for depending primarily on the pool as well as a number of the adjacent protecting vernal pools and other depth and the magnitude and fre- small valleys, such as the Carrizo seasonal wetlands have been weak- quency of rainfall events. The ma- Plains, the Cholame Valley, and the ened, and impacts on landscape-level jority of alkaline rain pools prob- Livermore Valley. Based on county hydrologic processes that are neces- ably do not pond until a substantial soil surveys prepared by the Natural sary to maintain seasonal alkaline amount of rain has fallen, generally Resources Conservation Service (for- wetlands may make conservation ef- between 20 and 30 mm over a span merly the Soil Conservation Service), forts difficult. of several days, although lesser over two million acres of alkaline The first step in conserving al- amounts would still be sufficient to soils were mapped in this region. kaline rain pools is recognizing them saturate the soil. However, much of the land for- as a distinct habitat. Some previous The duration of ponding directly merly occupied by these basins has surveys have mistaken them for al- affects the types of aquatic inverte- been converted to agriculture. Many kaline vernal pools or have not dif- brates that will be found in alkaline of the soil surveys, especially the ferentiated them from salt scalds. rain pools. Insects, such as diving older ones, provide detailed prescrip- Alkaline rain pools pose problems beetles (Coleoptera) or backswim- tions for “reclaiming” alkaline soils for wetland experts attempting to mers (Notonecta spp.), can fly to the by adding soil amendments such as map them because their sparse veg- pools as soon as they have ponded gypsum (calcium sulfate) or sulfur. etation and unusual hydrology and and can escape when the pools dry Most of the remaining habitat where soil chemistry make it difficult to down. In contrast, free-swimming alkaline soils can be found is lo- identify their characteristic wetland crustaceans found in alkaline rain cated on state and federal lands. The indicators. Under federal wetland pools, such as seed shrimp (Ostra- largest areas of remaining alkaline standards, vegetation cover must be coda) and Lindahl’s fairy shrimp habitat are within the National Wild- at least 5% for a feature to be con- (Branchinecta lindahli), need two or life Refuges (NWR), including the sidered a wetland. The dominant more weeks of ponding to reach San Luis, Sacramento, and Kern plant species in alkaline rain pools maturity and will not persist in pools NWR complexes. Small areas of are hydrophytes, but the vegetation that pond for only short duration. habitat are also preserved in Depart- is sparse and often not much more The absence of aquatic crustaceans ment of Fish and Game Ecological than 5% total cover. in many alkaline rain pools indi- Reserves, including Alkali Sink and Furthermore, wetland hydrology cates that they normally pond for Kerman. is only present during the rainy sea- less than two weeks. In pools that The distribution of alkaline rain son (November-March). During are inundated long enough to sup- pools outside of California is also years of below normal rainfall or port aquatic crustaceans, exoskel- poorly known. There are extensive when rainfall events are separated

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 21 Left to right: Heartscale (Atriplex cordulata), lesser saltscale (Atriplex minuscula), and San Joaquin brittlescale (Atriplex subtilis) are typically found in alkaline rain pools during summer and early fall. by several weeks of dry weather, the Alkaline rain pools are not or seasonal flooding may no longer federal standard of 14 days of con- known to harbor state or federally play a role in maintaining the alka- tinuous inundation for a wetland listed threatened or endangered spe- line habitats. Overdrafting of valley habitat may not be met. During the cies, unlike vernal pools, for which groundwater tables, some of which summer dry season, alkaline rain the presence of listed species pro- are now over 100 feet below the pools may be indistinguishable from vides additional protection under the historic level, has eliminated the salt scalds except for subtle clues, state or federal endangered species shallow water table that formerly such as remnants of crustacean exo- acts. However, they provide habitat leached salts to the soil surface. skeletons. Alkaline rain pools are for several CNPS List 1B Atriplex Channelization or elimination of his- truly on the dry end of the spectrum species that could be listed in the toric stream channels now prevents of wetland types. foreseeable future. On a broader the seasonal flooding that helps Another difficulty in conserving scale, alkaline rain pools may be part maintain seasonal alkaline wetlands alkaline rain pools is the uncertain of the habitat of the San Joaquin kit in other areas, such as in the San status of mechanisms for regulatory fox, blunt-nose leopard lizard, or Jacinto Valley in Southern Califor- protection. Until recently, placement other listed species of the San Joaquin nia or along the margins of the Great of fill in vernal pools has been regu- Valley. In addition to the endangered Salt Lake in Utah. The absence of lated by the U.S. Army Corps of species acts, the California Environ- these hydrologic processes also pre- Engineers, but recent Supreme Court mental Quality Act may provide cludes the restoration of historic ter- rulings, including the SWANCC and some protection to alkaline rain rain where alkaline soils occurred, Rapanos decisions, have placed lim- pools, since impacts of development so that it may not be feasible to its on the Corps’ regulation of wet- projects requiring approval of state compensate for the loss of alkaline lands that are not tributary to or and local agencies would be subject rain pools through habitat restora- adjacent to traditional navigable to analysis and mitigation. tion or creation. waters or their relatively permanent A more pressing concern is tributaries. At the state level, alka- whether or not conserving alkaline AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE line rain pools are waters of the State rain pools may even be feasible, in and are protected under the Porter- the long run. The historic hydro- Much of the native vegetation in Cologne Act, under the jurisdiction logic processes of the Central Valley the Central Valley, like that of the of the Regional Water Quality Con- have been drastically altered, and Tulare Lake Basin, has been replaced trol Boards. factors such as a shallow water table by urban development and agricul-

22 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 ture. Remnants of the Valley’s his- Burtt Davy, J. 1898. Natural vegetation Reid, D.A., R.C. Graham, R.J. Southard, toric habitats are scattered, such as of alkali lands. California Agricul- and C. Amrhein. 1993. Slickspot soil the relict dunelands at Arena Plains. tural Experiment Station Report genesis in the Carrizo Plain, Califor- Most studies done on these habitats 1895-97: 63-75. nia. Soil Science Society of America have been floristic, and not enough Holland, R.F. 1978. The geographic and Journal 57: 162-168. edaphic distribution of vernal pools Riefner, R.E., Jr., and D.R. Pryor. 1996. detailed ecological work has been in the Great Central Valley, Califor- New locations and interpretation of done on them. Burtt Davy’s pioneer- nia. California Native Plant Society vernal pools in southern California. ing studies of alkaline habitat back Special Publication No. 3, Berkeley, Phytologia 80: 296-327. in the 1890s were never finished, as CA. Sawyer, J.O., and T. Keeler-Wolf. 1995. he moved on to work in other parts Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary de- A Manual of California Vegetation. of the world. scriptions of the terrestrial natural California Native Plant Society, Sac- Alkaline rain pools are a very communities of California. Califor- ramento, CA. small remnant that could easily be nia Department of Fish and Game, Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. lost if there is not an effort to identify Sacramento, CA. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California their remaining occurrences and to Isaak, P. 1934. The nature of slick soil Vegetation, second edition. California in southwest Idaho. Soil Science 37: understand the ecological processes Native Plant Society Press, Sacra- 157-165. mento, CA. that formed them and that allow them Jepson. W.L. 1925. Manual of the flow- Schiffman, P.M. 2007. Species compo- to persist into the future. Hopefully ering plants of California. Associated sition at the time of first European we can spread this information to the Students Store, University of Califor- settlement. In California Grass- conservation community and the re- nia, Berkeley. lands: Ecology and Management, source management agencies before Kelley, W.P. 1951. Alkali soils: Their ed. M.R. Stromberg, J.D. Corbin, these and other remnants of the na- formation, properties, and reclama- and C.M. D’Antonio, pp. 52-56. tive flora vanish forever. tion. Reinhold Publishing Corpora- Berkeley: University of California tion, New York, NY. Press. REFERENCES Minnich, R.A. 2008. California’s fad- Wester, L. 1981. Composition of the ing wildflowers: Lost legacy and bio- native grasslands in the San Joaquin Brostoff, W., R. Lichvar, and S. Sprecher. logical invasions. University of Cali- Valley, California. Madroño 28(4): 2001. Delineating playas in the arid fornia Press, Berkeley. 231-241. Southwest: A literature review. U. S. Munn, L.C., and M.M. Boehm. 1983. Army Research and Development Soil genesis in a Natrargid-Haplargid Center, Cold Regions Research and complex in northern Montana. Soil Robert E. Preston, ICF International, 630 Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, Science Society of America Journal 47: K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, rpreston NH. 1186-1192. @icfi.com

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 23 THE ART AND SCIENCE OF CALIFORNIA NATIVE GARDEN DESIGN by Rob Moore

esigning cutting-edge subur- niche market, the art and science of plant garden is not new. In 1891, ban landscapes utilizing designing native gardens is now rap- Theodore Payne recognized the in- California native plants is idly ascending to the forefront of trinsic value of the designed native more than a hip new slo- public consciousness, where it is garden with its promise to conserve Dgan. It is an idea whose time has promising to take its logical and precious natural resources, while come! A style of landscaping for- rightful place. viewing a large display of California merly relegated to the realm of the The idea of the California native native plants at The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in England. The premise of developed gardens and landscapes being aligned with the ecosystem they were to be imple- mented within made perfect sense to him.

CONSERVATION: THE WATER/HABITAT CONNECTION

Today this premise is supported with more relevant data than ever before. With dwindling water re- sources a stark reality and native plant communities such as our coastal sage scrub dangerously de- pleted, making the case for utilizing California native plants in suburban landscapes and gardens has become imperative. Members of CNPS and forward- thinking home and business owners are seeing evidence of this trend more and more. Municipalities such as the City of Los Angeles, San Di- ego, and others across the state are spending millions of dollars on pub-

The development of a small native plant garden in a suburban development. TOP: Area before design and installation. • BOTTOM: A newly installed landscape with path/swale combination. This design feature does double-duty: It collects run-off and also serves as an access path. Rolling topography creates vertical interest and emulates our native hills, valleys, and canyons. Note adequate spacing between plants, and color coordination of hardscape materials and home. All photographs by R. Moore.

24 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 licity campaigns urging homeowners to conserve water. Statewide, water districts operating under severe fis- cal constraints are allocating pre- cious funds and resources for all- day public awareness events, such as the Laguna Beach County Water District’s Smartscape Expo held this past September. Even policymakers in Sacra- mento are in agreement and have written and passed legislation ad- dressing the issue. Possibly the most stark evidence of this is the passage of AB 1881 (the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or WELO). Going into effect in early 2010, AB 1881 mandates water conservation in landscape design, construction, and maintenance. WELO stipulates that by Janu-

ABOVE: Dispelling the misconception that all native plants are slow growing, this garden illustrates how fast-growing species can fill in to create a full, aesthetically pleasing landscape in as little as six months. • BELOW: The planting plan for the native plant garden (pictured above) meets the client’s desire for an environmentally sensitive landscape.

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 25 Decomposed granite path, solar lighting, and native plants in containers (middle right), combine with a simple water feature (birdbath, middle left) and a subtle wildflower cover crop to create a native garden with a more “formal” feel. ary 1, 2010 every county and city in gree in statistics to realize that many Savannah Sparrow and the San Cle- California (including charter cities) of our native animals’ breeding mente Sage Sparrow. As if that weren’t is required to adopt either the State grounds, sources of food and water, enough, Towhees and other ground- Department of Water Resource’s new and protective cover have been pol- foraging birds are also suffering from model ordinance, or a water effi- luted and destroyed by decades of the added threat of feral cats. cient landscape ordinance that is at unchecked, rampant development California’s native flora and least as effective as the DWR model. and urban sprawl. fauna go hand in hand. By choosing With these and numerous other ex- For instance, U.S. Fish and Wild- regionally appropriate plants for our amples reflecting how our state has life Service statistics conclude that gardens and commercial landscapes been impacted, it is obvious that a up to 94% of native grasslands in we are serving the needs of our na- sea change is occurring. San Diego County have been devel- tive animals and conserving precious oped. Their data also previously re- water resources. vealed that by the early 1990s, ur- NATIVE PLANTS AND ban sprawl in California had reduced WILDLIFE the indigenous coastal sage scrub MISNOMERS AND ecosystem by more than 90%. MISCONCEPTIONS California native plants and our Coastal sage scrub is the habitat native wildlife have a symbiotic re- of the threatened California Gnat- One of the main challenges we— lationship. Utilizing our native flora catcher and Cactus Wren, but other as advocates of California’s native in our residential gardens and com- lesser-known bird species have been flora—have to overcome is the com- mercial landscapes creates much negatively impacted as well. Some of mon (and understandable) miscon- needed habitat. It doesn’t take a de- these species include the Belding’s ceptions that have been perpetuated

26 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 by a mindset that exemplifies our society’s “import” mentality. One prevailing untruth is that native plants are aesthetically unfit for suburban gardens and land- scapes. Many folks—when offered the native alternative—think of brown hillsides covered in dead weeds left over from winter rains. The fact of the matter is that most of the unattractive vegetation people see in open areas is comprised of invasive species which were intro- duced by early European settlers. These interlopers have gained a foot- hold because naturally occurring ecosystems have been disturbed by human development. Not only do these introduced species give native plants a bad reputation aesthetically, Native bunch grass California fescue (Festuca californica), Mendocino reed grass (Cala- but they are accelerating fire cycles magrostis foliosus), seaside daisy (Erigeron glauca ‘Bountiful’), salvia (Salvia spp.), coast and causing native plant communi- sunflower (Encelia californica), and Montara sagebrush (Artemisia californica ‘Montara’) ties to be choked out of existence. create a friendly, low-water-use California garden. Fortunately throughout our state are select nurseries that propagate spective, many professionals believe the site to be developed in order to native plant species specifically to that to successfully utilize native suit the imported nursery stock. For grow—and flourish—in suburban plants in garden design, one has to example, after a site has been graded, landscapes, all the while doing so unlearn all they’ve been taught re- top soil imported, and the holes dug, with a fraction of the water required garding ornamental landscape design. the soil to be used for backfill is to sustain a garden stocked with With this mind-set, and decades typically amended to increase its fer- thirsty, imported species. Many of of abundant and inexpensive water tility. Your standard fare of plants these native varieties have eye-catch- resources, it’s no wonder that the are then introduced such as juni- ing flowers, a stronger fragrance, are general public has been loath to em- pers, boxwood, Italian cypress, aza- adaptable to soil and microclimate brace the widespread use of our na- leas, oleanders, and exotic flower- variations, and are perfectly suited tive flora in their gardens and com- ing trees, usually with the intent for use in the suburban garden. mercial landscapes. Fortunately, of creating a lush, park-like oasis Additionally, state fire authori- with more and more information to such as one might see in maritime ties such as the Orange County Fire the contrary becoming available England or Hawaii. Authority are coming to the realiza- combined with ongoing water re- This “ideal” then requires copi- tion that, with occasional irrigation straints, this outdated paradigm is ous amounts of regular water, fertil- during summer months and proper changing. It is shifting in favor of izer, and pesticides, all of which run application of maintenance proce- the inclusion of California’s native off incrementally with every subse- dures, many native species and their plants in place of the standard, im- quent watering the landscape re- cultivars can actually reduce the haz- ported nursery stock that has long ceives. This toxic brew flows off-site ard of fire damage from seasonal enjoyed preferential status. and down sidewalks, entering storm flare-ups. drains and continuing on to pollute Another challenge to overcome our natural watercourses before ar- is the misnomer that California na- BENCHMARK: riving at its final destination—the tive plants are fussy. Unfortunately CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT ocean. many gardeners believe this to be COMMUNITIES A California native garden re- true and are hesitant to embrace the quires few of the aforementioned use of these plants because of the Designing a native garden re- practices. Other than the removal of entrenched belief that natives don’t quires a different mind-set. In orna- turf grass, grading for run-off miti- perform well in ornamental land- mental horticulture it is common gation, and removal of unwanted scapes. Moreover, from a design per- practice to change the ecology of plant material, it is best to disturb

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 27 based on California native plant communities.

COMBINING CREATIVITY AND ANALYSIS

Alluded to earlier was the fact that designing a native garden re- quires a different mind-set. Many gardeners and landscape profession- als who initially want to include California natives in their gardens are disinclined to throw out all the information they’ve learned about ornamental landscaping in order to embrace the use of native plants. It’s true that creating a success- ful design utilizing California native plants requires a different approach Canyon gray sagebrush (Artemisia californica ‘Canyon Gray’) and margarita penstemon to the design process. That being (Penstemon ‘Margarita BOP’) combine to provide contrast in the suburban landscape. said, there is still a place for the traditional elements and principles the existing site as little as possible. least as important to fully under- of ornamental landscape design and Look at the design process from a stand microclimates within these their logical application in the Cali- different perspective—that of emu- general plant communities prior to fornia native garden. lating the natural ecosystem or plant choosing a plant palette of Califor- Merriam-Webster defines “gar- community that existed prior to the nia natives. Look around the neigh- den design” as “the art and process development of the home and neigh- borhood where the garden is to be of designing and creating plans for borhood where the garden is to be designed, and take note of areas that layout and planting of gardens and developed. Identifying this natural haven’t been developed. Do stands landscapes.” Most people think of ecosystem is the first step in that of intact native plant groups still design as a creative endeavor and development process. occur naturally? Note what plants they’re right to a degree. Garden de- Good questions to ask include, are growing there, and how they sign is an art, but it is also a science. “What plant community do I live grow together. Another clue is to Much of the work entailed in the in?” and “How do I go about identi- look for native plant volunteers pop- process of landscape design is done fying this community?” Generally ping up in people’s ornamental land- from an analytical frame of refer- speaking, most of the densely popu- scapes. These indicator plants offer ence. From the preliminary phases lated areas in California (primarily clues as to what will easily grow in of the Site Inventory and Site Analy- those in the southern part of the that particular neighborhood. sis, to the research aspect of identi- state) are located in the coastal sage If you live in an area where no fying the native plant community, scrub plant community. Inland ar- undeveloped areas exist and where then the development of a hardscape, eas in southern California such as native plant volunteers are not obvi- and finally to the plant selection, all Riverside and San Bernardino have ous, there are other resources avail- require the gathering of detailed and their own version of this plant com- able. Las Pilitas Nursery has a web- specific information and applying it munity referred to as interior, or site where you can enter your zip in an artful and practical way. Riversidian sage scrub. code, locate the plant community, Of course this is a generaliza- and find links to plants that occur tion. There are many other climates naturally in that specific region of SITE INVENTORY AND to be considered such as northern the state. Tree of Life Nursery’s ANALYSIS oak woodland, northern juniper website is a valuable resource as well. woodland, central oak woodland, In particular, their article “The Cali- The design process really begins yellow pine forest, Douglas fir for- fornia Garden” (located under Re- with the Site Inventory. Taking note est, valley grassland, and Great sources/Sage Advice) is an excellent of what is present on the property is Basin sage, to name a few. It is at source from which to choose plants the first step in the development of

28 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 the landscape design. Consider views to be screened or enhanced as well as views from inside the house. These are important and pragmatic details. The needs of children and/ or pets will have to be taken into account as well. Other important items to consider during the Site Inventory include utilities such as overhead power lines and under- ground gas or power lines, plans for future additions or renovations, ex- isting hardscapes to be kept or re- moved, and existing plants to be kept and integrated, as well as those to be removed. Seemingly innocuous things such as the color and architecture of the house play an intrinsic role in the artful design of a native land- scape. Rocks, paving stones, deco- rative gravel, or a creek bed are all transitional elements. They help to bridge the gap between the hard, inorganic architecture of one’s house A dry creek bed distributes runoff from a downspout through this landscape comprised and the organic, soft material and of canyon gray sagebrush (Artemisia californica ‘Canyon Gray’), coast sunflower (Encelia earth tones of the plants. Take the californica), salvia (Salvia ‘Aromas’), sunset manzanita (Arctostaphylos X hookeri ‘Sunset’), time and methodically note in the and California lilac (Ceanothus ‘Concha’). Site Inventory all pertinent compo- nents of the property where the na- THE ROLE OF HARDSCAPES ture. Usually when one stumbles tive garden is going to be. upon that “Kodak moment” it is a The next step in the process of The hardscape is the physical combination of elements working design is the Site Analysis. During foundation the new California na- together that create the image that is this phase it’s important to consider tive landscape will be built on. It is pleasing to the eye. the reasons for creating a native gar- every bit as important as the plants Most professionals agree that den. Is it to attract specific wildlife or that will be chosen. With native when designing native gardens, it is perhaps habitat restoration? Maybe landscapes the hardscape is as much important to evaluate the soil and it is something as pragmatic as sav- aesthetic as functional, and is liter- its drainage. Analyze the way water ing water or reducing time spent per- ally intertwined with the plants moves across the site. Surface-drain- forming maintenance tasks. These are used. Elements like paths, mounds, age patterns fall into two categories: important things to consider during swales, dry creek beds, rocks, boul- water collection and water disper- this phase of the design process. If ders, and even snags and mulch all sion. Make note and address this children or pets will be using the play an intrinsic role in a functional, issue by shaping, i.e., grading the space, make safety and security con- healthy, and aesthetically pleasing site to retain water on-site. siderations a priority. Outside enter- native garden. Consider how water moves taining, sitting/viewing areas, solar Unlike traditional nursery plants across neighboring properties. If that outdoor lighting, and access paths which are typically chosen based flow impacts your site, it will need are other things to be noted. solely on their physical appearance, to be addressed during the design of Gaining a clear understanding native plants should be approached the hardscape. For instance, sup- of what the motivation is for devel- from a broader perspective. It is im- pose a neighbor’s property includes oping a California native landscape, portant to think about how these turf grass that requires copious coupled with the intended use and plants will work in tandem with their amounts of regular water that over- how one expects to interact with the hardscape counterparts. For ex- flows onto your property. In this future garden, is an important step ample, consider what looks good to situation, a dry creek bed or swale in the creation of a solid design. the eye when out for a walk in na- might be built to channel this water

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 29 An example of a design based on a plant grouping as opposed to individual plant aesthetics. Note how existing, non-native species in the background create a complementary backdrop for this native garden in San Clemente. This client preferred using primarily cultivars of native species, which she felt were more pleasing aesthetically than the “pure” native species, so only the blue-eyed grass is a local native. (Some botanists hold that true native species provide more wildlife value than cultivars.) Species that make up this plant grouping include: salvia (Salvia clevelandii ‘Winifred Gilman’), wild rye (Leymus condensatus ‘Canyon Prince’), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), lilac verbena (Verbena lilacina), island sage brush (Artemisia nesiotica), island snapdragon (Galvezia speciosa), blue fescue (Festuca glauca), California fuchsia (Epilobium canum ssp. latifolium ‘Everette’s Choice’), penstemon (Penstemon ‘Margarita BOP’), and seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus). into an area planted with riparian dressed. Is there an existing system serving heads such as rotors, micro species. Not only will you enjoy the that needs to be updated or retrofit- spray, or in some instances drip line benefits of your neighbor’s poor wa- ted? Many native plant nursery pro- should be installed. Include a smart tering habits; this design feature will fessionals recommend hand water- controller. Smart controllers are ir- mitigate runoff which would end up ing and/or the use of manual sprin- rigation clocks that automatically in local wetlands and waterways. klers. If an existing automated sys- adjust irrigation run times in re- Irrigation issues need to be ad- tem is to be retrofitted, water con- sponse to environmental changes.

30 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 These controllers use sensors and poorly draining clay or compacted friendly wildlife. Stumps and logs weather information to manage wa- soil, creating mounds also makes it can double as focal points and ref- tering times and frequency. possible to include in the garden uges. They serve as an insulation Consider paths, access routes, design plants that require better blanket, cooling the ground while and traffic patterns around the home drainage. simultaneously offering ground- and through the landscape, both foraging birds like the threatened from an aesthetic and utilitarian per- California Towhee refuge from heat spective. Paths created with surface INTERSECTION OF and domestic cats. materials such as decomposed gran- FUNCTIONALITY, Beneficial insect eaters like alli- ite or crusher fines lend a more in- AESTHETICS, AND HABITAT gator lizards, blue bellies (western formal, natural style to the native fence lizard), and side-blotched liz- plant garden. Add flagstone or pav- The use of snags (a partially or ards, as well as important pollina- ers to create a more formal feel in completely dead tree) and/or dead tors such as carpenter bees and the the landscape. Consider which ele- wood is another aspect to contem- yellow-faced bumble bee will appre- ments fit into your overall vision plate in the design of a functional ciate these elements as well. Cali- prior to choosing paving materials. and aesthetic hardscape. Deadwood fornia’s native bees are excellent The soil excavated from paths in a natural environment exists in pollinators and are great for veg- can be used to create interesting to- many forms and serves an impor- etable gardens. It is believed that pography if the property being de- tant purpose in a healthy ecosys- they are beneficial for improving veloped is flat. By reusing soil that is tem, as well as providing visual in- fruit set as well. Many gardeners excavated during grading, digging terest in the native plant garden. know that with increased pollina- paths, and/or creating swales, exist- Snags and deadwood offer criti- tors comes an abundance of insect- ing materials are kept on-site, thus cal habitat for many species. They pollinated fruit that is larger in size minimizing the environmental im- provide food, shelter, and nesting and greater in quantity. pact of the project. places for birds and other garden- Deadwood provides insect-eat- With respect to aesthetics, the use of mounded soil in the land- Color, texture, and species variety combine to create a mosaic of California native plant scape meets several beneficial de- beauty in the suburban garden. Close-up of previous plant grouping garden design. sign criteria. First it creates vertical interest and visual dynamics. It em- ploys the principle of focalization— forcing the viewer’s perception to a focal point in the landscape—which evokes curiosity in the eye of the person viewing the garden. For ex- ample, a manzanita artfully placed on top of an elevated peak sur- rounded with companion plants from its plant community will cre- ate an instant focal point. Contours peak the interest of the viewer, guiding the eye and inviting one to explore where the paths lead. This design concept is often used in Japanese-style gardens, most com- monly by creating meandering paths where the viewer’s site is limited pur- posefully to induce curiosity. The use of contoured land also follows the theme of our naturally occurring native landscapes. Soil can be shaped to simulate California’s rolling hills, mountains, canyons, and valleys, al- beit on a much smaller scale. If the site’s soil makeup contains

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 31 ing birds such as our endangered Western Blue Bird with added food SOME CONSIDERATIONS IN PLANT SELECTION sources. It can also double as natu- ral garden sculpture and/or art. Tuck ➤ Will any people who are sensitive to bees and/or pollen use the a piece in between a rock and a garden regularly? couple of plants and leave a little ➤ Do you want the garden to stand out or to blend in with neighbors’ open space around it through which landscapes? wildflowers can pop up in the spring. Deadwood also looks good ➤ Should the design be based on traditional principles due to home- in a dry creek bed or pond. Locate a owner restrictions on landscaping; is a more natural look desired, piece in the wild that is aestheti- or can the two be combined? cally appealing and place it accord- ing to taste. Also consider leaving ➤ Do you want your garden to be filled with many types of plants, or existing dead branches in place (pro- do you prefer an open feel that is better achieved by using fewer vided they don’t pose a hazard). plants? Water is another important ele- ➤ As a rule of thumb, situate plants so that they won’t grow over ment in a balanced hardscape. Pro- sidewalks when their mature size is reached or obstruct views ex- viding fresh water offers an impor- iting driveways. Be aware of city ordinances regarding setbacks. tant resource for garden-friendly animals that are a key component ➤ Are there views or excessive noise sources you want to screen? in a healthy native garden. Clean, ➤ Do you have a southwest corner where it might be advisable to fresh water is often the hardest ne- plant a deciduous tree for summer cooling and winter heating? cessity for birds to come by. Not only will it keep the garden lively ➤ Are there specific flower colors you like best, or ones you dislike? with a variety of birds and other ➤ backyard critters, but it will also Would you like to include in your design deciduous trees that sig- attract butterflies. Place rocks or nal the change of seasons? stones in birdbaths to give butter- ➤ Do you have any favorite flowers, plants, or trees that you defi- flies and birds a supportive landing nitely would like to integrate into your design? area. Include a water feature in the landscape design such as a recircu- ➤ Are there other landscapes in the area you like and would like to lated stream or pond created with emulate in some way? rocks such as river cobble. Con- ➤ Be sure to keep in mind microclimate considerations such as sun, sider a fountain as well. The sound shade, slope, wind patterns, and radiated heat. of running water will draw hum- mingbirds and goldfinches. Water, ➤ What kind of plants surround the property to be designed, and birds, and butterflies bring to the how might they influence your overall landscape design? garden the elements of sound, song, ➤ Would container plants help to accent areas that cannot be planted? and motion, allowing the home- owner to experience a deeper con- ➤ Consider the addition of wildflowers as a cover crop or to provide nection with its natural inhabitants. additional color and interest, particularly during the later winter Along with the element of wa- and early spring. ter, include rocks, boulders, and cobbles in your design plan. They ➤ Group plants together that share similar needs (particularly water are beneficial functionally as well as and light). esthetically. Turn over a good-sized granite boulder in the middle of sum- mer and you’ll find many life forms THE ROLE OF PLANTS primary determining factor. Instead living there. Include a decent-sized think in terms of groupings of plants rock placed strategically within a When choosing plants to recre- combined with their hardscape plant grouping like one would wit- ate a native plant community, you counterparts placed strategically ness in nature. Doing so will pro- will need to flip your perspective throughout the landscape. vide a lasting source of moisture 180 degrees. Often when choosing After referencing plant lists spe- that will assist plants through the plants, gardeners tend to think of cific to the microclimate and loca- hottest months of the year. individual plant aesthetics as the tion of the site, choose a dozen or

32 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 two plant species that will make up sitivity to allergies (specifically bees). similar watering needs so they can the preliminary plant list. For ex- If you are concerned about this, keep be watered at the same time when ample, if you live in the coastal sage flowering plants away from tradi- connected to an automatic watering scrub community, consider using tional focal point areas such as the system. species such as coastal sagebrush front entrance of the home, or along Whether the garden to be de- (Artemisia spp.), buckwheat (Erio- pathways. Do you want the garden signed is comprised strictly of na- gonum spp.), wild lilac (Ceanothus to stand out, or blend with neigh- tive plants, or combined with exist- spp.), and manzanita (Arctostaphy- bors’ landscapes? If you live in a ing or compatible drought-tolerant los spp.). Other plants to consider neighborhood where homeowner re- exotic species, the design principles are coyote brush (Baccharis pilu- strictions regarding landscaping ex- remain the same. Combining na- laris), coast sunflower (Encelia cali- ist, the design may need to be based tives with existing non-native plants fornica), salvia (Salvia spp.), and on traditional design principles and is a perfectly acceptable option when monkeyflower (Mimulus spp.). Uti- elements, i.e., foundation planting designing or upgrading your land- lize both evergreen and summer against the home, and a flat area pos- scape, so long as basic consider- deciduous plants together in the sibly substituting a lawn alternative ations such as irrigation, soil com- grouping. for grass. Do you want your garden patibility, and microclimate are con- Set out plants as illustrated on to be filled with many plants, or do sidered. From an aesthetics perspec- the landscape design plan before dig- you prefer an open feel that is better tive, native and non-native plants ging the holes. This is the time to achieved by using fewer plants? can coexist and create unlimited make final adjustments with regard Be mindful not to obstruct views combinations of color, form, and to placement. It is not uncommon exiting driveways. Check city ordi- texture. Go totally native if your that plans may not accurately tran- nances regarding street setbacks. goal is habitat restoration and/or scribe from paper to site due to un- Especially if the home is on a cor- gardening to attract beneficial wild- foreseen materials that are pre-ex- ner lot, be careful to choose plants life. At the end of the day, it all boils isting both above and below ground. that won’t grow over the edges of down to what brings you, the gar- Additionally, quantities often are sidewalks and driveways. Do you dener, a greater sense of fulfillment miscalculated, hardscapes inaccu- want to screen views or excessive and joy. rately installed, and some plants may noise in a particular part of the gar- Statistics clearly show that de- need to be ommited to provide for den? Would a deciduous tree placed cades of unchecked, rampant devel- adequate spacing. in the southwest corner provide opment and urban sprawl have not Plan plant placement with ma- summer cooling and allow winter only impaired the quality of life for ture plant size in mind, i.e., care- heating? What flower colors do you us and our loved ones, but also pol- fully consider both height and width prefer? luted and destroyed much of Cali- that plants will eventually achieve. Are there other landscapes in fornia’s natural habitat that provides Leave room between plant group- the area or in magazines that you food, water, and protective cover for ings (about enough to walk through) might want to emulate? Microcli- native wildlife. It has become clear for maintenance access. Beneficial mate considerations such as sun, that we as individuals need to take pollinators such as our native bees shade, slope, wind patterns, and ra- action. require bare soil to create nest cells. diated heat are critical factors when The good news is we can! By Designing open space within the choosing plants. What kinds of simply changing our gardening prac- garden will create habitat for them. plants surround the site on neigh- tices, we literally transition from Allowing some extra room also af- boring properties? Keep in mind that being a part of the problem to be- fords the added benefit of a wild- these plants will be the backdrop to coming an active part of the solu- flower display in the spring. your new garden. tion. Invite change into your garden When choosing plants, it is para- California native plants work by artfully designing a California mount to match plant materials to well as container plants. Think bon- native, wildlife-friendly garden. In the existing soil conditions of the sai and design a naturalistic group- doing so, you will become intimately site. There are copious sources of ing in a pot as an accent in areas acquainted with the essence of information pertaining to native that cannot be planted. Wildflow- California’s unique, beautiful native plants and their soil preferences. ers provide seasonal variation and flora. Whether the soil is clay, silt, sand, can serve double-duty as a cover or any combination thereof, there is crop in the newly planted land- Rob Moore, 215 E. Orangethorpe Avenue a California native that is suited to scape. Consider their inclusion in #233, Fullerton, CA 92835, Robmoore@ that soil’s makeup. the plant palette. Remember, always dslextreme.com, www.californianative Other things to consider are sen- plant groupings of plants that share landscapedesign.com

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 33 Piedras Blancas Light Station, circa 1946. All photographs courtesy of the Piedras Blancas Light Station ONA. NATIVE PLANT RESTORATION AT PIEDRAS BLANCAS LIGHT STATION OUTSTANDING NATURAL AREA by Russ Lewis and Carole Adams

he Piedras Blancas Light Sta- managed by the United States Light- or by labor contracted through local tion Outstanding Natural house Service (1874-1939) and the landscaping companies. Presumably Area is situated on Point United States Coast Guard (1939- the goal was to stabilize the soil in Piedras Blancas, a prominent 2001). In 2008 the Piedras Blancas areas impacted by human (surface Theadland located in San Luis Obispo Light Station was designated by the disturbing) activities where struc- County along the central coast of United States Congress as an Out- tures and access roads had been California, north of San Simeon and standing Natural Area within the built. According to Coast Guard per- world-famous Hearst Castle. Native National Landscape Conservation sonnel who lived at the site around vegetation on the 19-acre property System. 1950, there were two reasons why is classified as a coastal scrub plant The Coast Guard began planting iceplant was selected. One was for community and is situated on a low iceplant on the site in 1939. An aerial ornamental purposes. It was a popu- coastal terrace overlooking the Pa- photograph taken around 1946 (see lar, low maintenance flowering plant cific Ocean. above) shows iceplant growing in requiring little water. The second areas around the housing units and reason was that it was regarded as a HISTORY lighthouse. Beginning in the 1950s fire resistant plant. The plant grew until the mid-1970s, iceplant (Car- so vigorously that by the 1970s most In the fall of 2001 the Bureau of pobrotus edulis and Carpobrotus chi- of the 19-acre site was covered by a Land Management (BLM) assumed lensis) was extensively planted by nearly continuous carpet of iceplant. management of the Piedras Blancas Coast Guard personnel, by labor pro- When the BLM took over man- Light Station. Previously the site was vided by the Boy Scouts of America, agement of the site in 2001, approxi-

34 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 mately 85% of the area was In order to protect any ar- overrun with a thick carpet of tifacts that might be present, iceplant growing up to the BLM staff emphasized the im- foundations of buildings, cov- portance of disturbing as little ering the sidewalk, draping of the soil profile as possible. heavily over the tops of cliffs, It was discovered that it was and completely choking out not necessary to dig up iceplant the remaining native vegeta- roots since little regrowth oc- tion. Although iceplant domi- curs when broken off at the nated, there were more than surface. The eradication tech- 40 other non-native species niques for other non-native also present to a lesser degree. Location map of 19-acre parcel that comprises the Piedras species other than iceplant var- Some of the most noxious non- Blancas restoration area. ied, depending on the specific native plants included New plant being targeted. Since pro- Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetra- believed it offered surface protec- tecting archeological resources was gonioides), Italian thistle (Carduus tion for artifacts buried beneath the a foremost consideration during pycnocephalus), mustard (Brassica soil. However, others pointed out invasives removal, it became an im- nigra and Brassica rapa), radish that native vegetation had been portant facet of volunteer training. (Raphanus sativus), cut-leaf plantain present before iceplant was intro- (Plantago coronopus), oxalis (Oxalis duced and that native plants would pes-caprae), and an assortment of cover the artifacts as well as iceplant. non-native grasses. In contrast, it was known that the Widely spaced patches of native heavy biomass of iceplant caused vegetation could still be found in a sea bluffs to collapse, accelerating few small areas, consisting predomi- coastal erosion and threatening arti- nantly of seaside woolly yarrow facts within that area. So the plan to (Eriophyllum staechadifolium) and revegetate the area with native plants seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus). was adopted and implemented.

RIGHT: Volunteers haul dried out iceplant ARCHEOLOGICAL by wheelbarrow and pack it into dumpsters for removal. It takes about six to eight CONSIDERATIONS weeks for the iceplant to dry out once pulled, but is considerably lighter to haul The BLM vegetative management when dry. • BELOW: Volunteers hand pull plan at Piedras Blancas Light Station iceplant away from native plants. called for the removal of non-native iceplant and other exotics, and the reestablishment of native plants pre- viously found on the site, enabling it to return to a native plant ecosys- tem. Complicating that plan was the fact that the entire 19-acre site was considered to contain valuable ar- cheological resources and was there- fore protected by state and federal cultural resource laws, as well as BLM’s own cultural resources poli- cies. Historically the site had been used by Native Americans to gather resources from land and sea. The earliest documented use of the site is around 3,300 years ago, although actual use may predate that figure. Initially, critics questioned the removing of iceplant because it was

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 35 the local community who had expe- rience in removing iceplant at other locations. The consensus was to be- gin eradication in areas where na- tive plants were still growing. One purpose of the Piedras Blancas vegetative management pro- gram is to promote the permanent reestablishment of native plants once found at Piedras Blancas Light Sta- tion. The intent is not to become a regimented botanical garden or a demonstration garden. The rational objective is the reestablishment of a native ecosystem, one that was present prior to the arrival of the Europeans. Several eradication techniques were considered. Small test areas were covered with a plastic barrier for an extended time to smother the iceplant, but this proved to be inef- ficient and the dead iceplant still had to be pulled out by hand. Re- moval of iceplant with hand tools was found to be the most effective technique in areas where there were native plants present. In 2002 a small group of volun- teers started hand pulling iceplant, New Zealand spinach, and cut-leaf plantain. The work was labor-inten- sive; however, the beauty of the light station setting made it possible to attract dedicated volunteers. The first zone to be cleared of iceplant was at the western tip of the point, where several seaside poppy plants (Eschscholzia californica var. mar- itima) were struggling to grow within the iceplant. A few days after iceplant had been removed, one of the poppy plants was in bloom. We were in- spired! The BLM volunteer list grew to include over 40 individuals who

TOP: Piedras Blancas Light Station in 2001. Iceplant has overrun at least 85% of the area. worked hard, motivated by the fan- BOTTOM: Same spot in 2007, now mostly restored with native vegetation. tastic progress we were making. Or- ganized community groups also as- REMOVAL OF NON- the BLM Piedras Blancas Vegetative sisted, including members of the lo- NATIVE PLANTS Management Plan. Russ created a cal California Native Plant Society map that identified zones where the and Sierra Club, ecology students A revegetation program was de- native plants predominated, and from Cuesta College, and many veloped under the guidance of Russ where iceplant predominated. Ad- other organizations. Work crews Lewis, BLM ecologist who authored vice was sought from members of provided by the California State Di-

36 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 vision of Forestry cleared several large areas of iceplant that had en- SUCCESS STORY: COMPACT COBWEBBY THISTLE croached on the parking lot and other adjacent developed areas. ne of the native plant successes Basically, the work was a huge, Oat Piedras Blancas Light Station long-term weeding job, with the defi- involves a native plant species, com- nition of a “weed” being any non- pact cobwebby thistle (Cirsium occi- native plant species. The initial ar- dentale var. compactum), a CNPS List eas cleared were scattered around 1B.2 species (Rare, threatened, or en- the site, depending on where the dangered in California and elsewhere; greatest concentrations of native fairly threatened in California). When plants were trying to survive in com- the BLM took over management of petition with the iceplant. Slowly Piedras Blancas in 2001, its botanist these areas merged, resulting in con- only found one individual specimen of tiguous zones where native plants this special status species growing on thrived. site. However, it became one of the first Iceplant is very heavy due to its native plants to return to an area cleared high water content. At first volun- of invasive non-native plants. teers loaded it into wheelbarrows This thistle species is now reproducing abundantly and thrives in and moved it to a large pile to be cleared areas. In the spring of 2004 there were approximately 230 removed from the site. Soon we compact cobwebby thistle plants counted; in the spring of both 2005 learned it was less effort to create and 2006 there were approximately 480 counted. In the spring of smaller piles near the areas where 2010 there were about 1,200 seedlings. Due to competition and we were working and allow the predation by various rodents, their numbers are significantly reduced iceplant to dry out before carting it later in the season. This thistle species is now reproducing freely and in wheelbarrows to a centralized thriving in many cleared areas. Compact cobwebby thistle seeds were large pile (which we affectionately evidently present on the site, in dormancy, beneath the iceplant and referred to as the “mother pile”). heavy duff. (Wind dispersal of its seeds is also occurring.) Observing Iceplant does not compost well the success of this plant con- since it is a succulent and has a high tinues to be a great motivation water content. It dries out slowly for our volunteers. after being pulled, and lessens in volume and weight, but it is tena- Compact cobwebby thistle (Cirsium occidentale var. compactum), a rare cious, frequently resprouting within endemic plant. In 2001 only one the pile. Also, the duff (accumula- known specimen was found at tion of dead dried pieces underneath Piedras Blancas. Thanks to restor- the green growing plant) does not ation efforts, today it is reproducing break down quickly. It was found freely. that duff accumulations of only one- half inch prevented growth of na- tives, and in some places there was lations, and where no native plants of reproducing were left to decom- over 12" of duff, so it was necessary were present, the herbicide glyph- pose, unless they were at risk of to remove it all, or leave only a very osate was used to kill the iceplant rerooting. A weeding guide was pre- thin layer. and allow it to dessicate before re- pared for use by the volunteers that Where there were existing na- moval. A front-end loader was used listed each non-native plant and pro- tive plants, non-native plants were to pick up the dead iceplant, taking vided photographs, characteristics, pulled by hand, being careful not care to disturb the soil as little as and tips for removal. Work occurred to disturb the ground. A scraisping possible. under the supervision of a project tool called a hula hoe (or stirrup The methods for disposing of leader. hoe) was used in some areas where non-native plants other than iceplant Erosion was a concern, because archeological artifacts might be varied. Plants in bloom, or those when volunteers cleared areas, this present, because it does not pen- producing seeds, were bagged and exposed the sandy soil to high winds. etrate the substrate. In areas where disposed of to prevent seed disper- For this reason, the clearing of ice- there was a solid monoculture of sion. Some non-native plants that plant was first performed in small iceplant growing in dense accumu- were pulled before they posed a risk increments and carefully monitored

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 37 native plants sprouted from seeds teers. The search was conducted that were buried under the iceplant, outward along the coastal terrace, and were waiting for an opportu- ranging from three miles northward nity to grow. Some seeds were un- to Point Sierra Nevada and about doubtedly blown in by wind or five miles southward to San Simeon transported by wildlife or humans. Point. A small pristine area north of Others were collected and simply the light station was discovered with scattered on the surface after the a diverse variety of native plants. first rainfall of the season. A benefit Seeds collected were later sown in of sowing seeds by hand is that there rehabilitated areas at the light sta- is no preparatory disturbance to the tion. In some cases, seeds were ger- soil. Transplants used were moved minated in planters in a small tem- from previously cleared areas where porary nursery at the light station, native plants were found germinat- and used only during the first sea- ing in profusion. son of plant restoration. Later, vol- During the initial stages of the unteers planted the seedlings in the revegetation planning process, a areas being rehabilitated, taking care search of the literature and an in- to reintroduce them in the same ventory of the coastal headlands habitat in which they evolved. nearest the lighthouse was under- Traditional gardening methods taken by BLM personnel and volun- are never used in our revegetation

NATIVE PLANTS OF THE PIEDRAS BLANCAS The predominant native plants found at Piedras Blancas include the following: seaside woolly yarrow (Eriophyllum staechadifolium) seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus) cotton-batting plant (Gnaphalium stramineum) hedge-nettle (Stachys bullata) Rocky knoll in 2002 (top) and then in 2006 coast morning glory (Calystegia macrostegia ssp. cyclostegia) (bottom). Also found in good numbers are: for wind erosion. Further monitor- ing of the restoration area has shown common (white) yarrow (Achillea millefolium) that wind erosion has been minimal locoweed (Astragalus nuttalii var. nuttalii) due to the rapid onset of native plants prostrate deerweed (Lotus heermannii var. orbicularis) to form a ground cover. coastal bush (tree) lupine (Lupinus arboreus) beach evening primrose (Camissonia cheiranthifolia) California poppy/seaside poppy (Eschscholzia californica var. maritima) REVEGETATION Pacific seaside plantain (Plantago maritima) Native plant restoration at sea pink/thrift (Armeria maritima) Piedras Blancas is a two-part pro- salt grass (Distichlis spicata) cess: removal of non-native plants California buttercup (Ranunculus californicus var. cuneatus) and the encouragement of succes- white (‘Douglas’) nightshade (Solanum sive native revegetation. Nature is douglasii) allowed to take its course through man-root/wild cucumber (Marah fabaceus) passive revegetation, whereby na- coast dudleya/sand lettuce (Dudleya tive plants sprout and spread on caespitosa) their own. The process of native A complete listing of all native plants found plant recovery is enhanced by seed- at Piedras Blancas Light Station is posted ing, using seeds collected on site. In at www.piedrasblancas.gov. some areas native plants have been transplanted. The majority of the Four of the native plants that have made a come- back at Piedras Blancas include (front to back): California poppy/seaside poppy, cotton-batting 38 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 plant, dudleya, and seaside daisy. work. We do not feed, prune, or Another is to diminish and remove dead plant material from totally deplete the non-native native plant areas. seed bank. This effort will Dead native plant material is al- take time and perseverance. lowed to decompose on site. We do not water, except temporarily as a measure to help transplants become SUMMARY OF successfully established. PROGRESS The results of the revegetation effort were staggering. Native plants Most of the iceplant pres- quickly filled cleared areas within ent when the BLM took over one rainy season. Over 60 native management of the Piedras plant species have subsequently been Blancas Light Station in 2002 identified at Piedras Blancas Light has now been eradicated. Station. Most of them were barely Beginning with manual re- surviving near the encroaching ice- moval, and later utilizing plant or they persisted in limited chemical and mechanical pockets on the site. Detailed records methods, areas with dense Coastal bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) now thrives for the revegetation project have monocultures of iceplant at Piedras Blancas Light Station. been compiled and are kept at the were treated first. Later, those light station by Carole Adams, areas containing both iceplant and all the individuals involved, who project leader. A complete survey is native plants were successfully have shown incredible dedication performed once a year during the treated. As of July 2010, over 25,000 in helping restore the native flora of spring. volunteer hours have been logged what is officially—and now more in the revegetation effort. appropriately—called the Piedras MAINTENANCE The site is now a testimony to the Blancas Light Station Outstanding power of nature to heal itself, given Natural Area. The success of the native plant assistance by scores of dedicated vol- revegetation project at Piedras unteers. We have also observed an REFERENCES Blancas is in large part due to the increase in the number of native ani- efforts of detail volunteer hand weed- mal species inhabiting the site. Matthews, M.A. 1997. An Illustrated ers. To only remove the iceplant and Field Key to the Flowering Plants of Monterey County. California Native other non-native plants in one sweep LESSONS LEARNED is not enough. There must be con- Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. tinual follow-up weeding or non- In the past eight years, dedicated Holland, L.V., and D.J. Keil. 1995. Cali- fornia Vegetation. Kendall/Hunt Pub- natives will quickly recolonize. volunteers using hand tools and lishing, Dubuque, IA. Surprisingly, despite its domi- other means of removal have en- Invasive Plants of California’s Wildlands, nance, iceplant has not been the dured to eliminate 90% of the ice- ed. Bossard, C.C., J.M. Randall, and worst offender in terms of its persis- plant and other non-native plants M.C. Hoshovsky. 2000. University of tence. Although we do need to keep growing at Piedras Blancas. What California Press, Berkeley, CA. a watchful eye out for iceplant seed- was once a matted spongy mono- Hickman, J.C., ed. The Jepson Manual: lings, oxalis, cut-leaf plantain, New culture of iceplant now supports a Higher Plants of California. 1993. Uni- Zealand spinach, and scarlet pim- diverse assemblage of native plants. versity of California Press, Berkeley, pernel (Anagallis arvensis) are some Hard work, dedication, and persis- CA. of the non-native species that threat- tence has been the key to achieving Piedras Blancas Light Station, Manage- en to recolonize large areas in rapid this long-range goal. Critical to the ment Plan and Environmental Assess- ment. 2006. Bureau of Land Manage- order. Non-native vegetation pro- success of the program was team- ment, Bakersfield Office, 2006. duces large quantities of viable seed, work and positive energy. Lewis, R. Vegetative Management Plan, which are capable of germinating Sometimes it takes a herculean Piedras Blancas Light Station. 2003. many years later if favorable condi- task to reverse unintended mistakes tions exist. Seeds that remain in the from an earlier time. The surround- Russ Lewis, P.O. Box 867, Ocean Park, soil for long periods of time are re- ing Piedras Blancas terrace is now WA, 98640, cheriruss55@ centurytel.net; ferred to as a seed bank. One goal is taking on the appearance of a native Carole Adams, Piedras Blancas Light Sta- to eliminate non-native seedlings ecosystem. This project has been a tion, P.O. Box 129, San Simeon, CA 93452, through continued site monitoring. rewarding learning experience for PBLSlibrary@ gmail.com

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 39 CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY AMONG THE SANTA ROSA PLAIN VERNAL POOLS by Michelle Jensen and Nancy C. Emery

estled within the rolling from their hot weather dormancy Burke’s goldfields (Lasthenia burkei), grasslands of the Santa among the loamy soils. Months later, Sebastopol meadowfoam (Limnan- Rosa Plain in Sonoma as the days warm signaling the on- thes vinculans), and Sonoma sunshine County are shallow to- set of spring, rapidly unfurling flo- (Blennosperma bakeri), all CNPS List Npographic depressions where water, ral displays entice native solitary bees 1B.1 species. All three have been sub- soil, and sunshine mingle. Each year and pollinators to produce future stantially impacted through a his- the sprinkling of seasonal precipita- generations before the water table tory of pressures from development tion over a landscape lined with a recedes and the summer sun laps and land conversion, and have soil hardpan cause vernal pool wet- the last few molecules of standing spurred an intensive conservation lands to swell, triggering a remark- water into the sky. movement to preserve the few popu- able cascade of biological events. Ephemeral vernal pool wetlands lations that remain today (e.g., see In response to the onset of rain are rare in the state of California CH2M Hill 1995). Considering that in the late fall, terrestrial plant spe- and the Santa Rosa Plain is one of California has now lost up to 95% of cies begin to germinate while sala- the few coastal regions containing its vernal pool habitat (Holland 1978; manders, copepods (a group of small relicts of this biodiverse ecosystem. Holland 1998), each remnant of this crustaceans), and fairy shrimp wake It is theorized that northern hard- unique ecosystem represents a last- pan pools on the Plain were devel- standing refuge for many endemic oped through the scouring activity and endangered species. of creeks and rivers. This action shaped the hummocky (ridge-like) HISTORY ON THE PLAIN uplands of Wright clay loam that encircle shallow depressions, or Between 1970 and 1990 Sonoma meander scars (abandoned portions County experienced a major popu- of a channel) where vernal pools are lation boom, resulting in an escala- commonly found (Norwick 1991). tion of urban development that en- The pools are botanically intrigu- croached onto the Plain and into ing in that they represent a diverse vernal pool habitat. During this oasis of native annuals that are period, species of concern became adapted to the harsh fluctuations of protected under Federal and State full inundation in winter and com- Endangered Species Acts, triggering plete aridity in summer. Species the implementation of mitigation found amidst these “islands among projects as a means to address the the grasses” include downingia loss of wetland habitat. (Downingia concolor), smooth or ray- Mitigation on the Plain prima- less goldfields (Lasthenia glaber- rily involved the creation of artifi- rima), California semaphore grass cial vernal pool habitat at alterna- (Pleuropogon californicus), Douglas’s tive sites using heavy equipment to beardstyle (Pogogyne douglasii), and contour the soils. Seed (or scraped the delicate Lobb’s aquatic butter- soils containing seeds) from de- cup (Ranunculus lobbii). stroyed or donor pools was then The pools may also contain three used to “inoculate” the created pools. endangered plant species that are Oftentimes seed was transported in largely endemic to Sonoma County: larger quantities, at greater distances,

ABOVE LEFT: One of the most vibrant of endangered vernal pool species on the Santa Rosa Plain, Burke’s goldfields (Lasthenia burkei) has experienced a decline in population size over the last 25 years. Photograph by D. Ackerly. • LEFT: Sebastopol meadowfoam (Limnanthes vinculans), another species endemic to the Plain, is also threatened by development. Photograph by M. Jenson.

40 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 Created vernal pool in winter on mitigation property in Sonoma County with a staff gauge for monitoring pool hydrology in the center. Large Valley oak trees (Quercus lobata), as seen in the background, are often found scattered among the wet meadows of the Plain. Photograph by M. Jensen. and deposited in ways that did not ing document advocated setting remaining vernal pools on the Plain reflect natural patterns of seed dis- aside contiguous conservation areas are heavily degraded or unmanaged, persal. Furthermore, seeds were of- associated with projected urban leaving populations vulnerable to ten sown haphazardly across pools, growth boundaries. However, at the changes in environmental or land- without regard to subtle differences time of its inception, many natural use conditions. Properly managing in elevation (microtopography). vernal pools remained scattered on these landscapes can be an expen- This can have dramatic influences private lands and beyond the juris- sive and daunting task, demanding on plant germination and survival, diction of the Strategy. a fundamental understanding of the as small changes in elevation within complexities associated with vernal pools is often associated with vastly WHERE ARE WE NOW? pool systems and their annual fluc- different hydrological conditions, tuations. soil types, and plant community When a vernal pool specialist is Presently we are at a point where composition. asked about the state of the pools on development and land conversion Regardless of the onset of miti- the Plain, they most often reply with has temporarily declined in the re- gation practices and their intention concern. The role and “success” of gion, thereby giving pause for stake- to reduce impacts to endangered spe- mitigation in the conservation of holders to engage in the acquisition, cies, incessant pressures from urban endangered plant species is conten- management, and conservation of encroachment and land use on the tious, and we still don’t understand the remaining vernal pools. We can Plain continued well into the new how past seed translocation activi- also reflect upon what we have millennium. Recognition that these ties are affecting these populations. learned over the last 25 years, con- demands needed to be addressed re- Despite strong opposition from sidering our past mistakes and sulted in a collaboration of stake- CNPS (Hubbart et al. 2001) and vari- achievements in preparation for the holders who developed the Santa ous conservation scientists (Elam next set of challenges. Rosa Plain Conservation Strategy in 1998; Howald 1996), seed translo- Instead of approaching the cir- 2005 (Goude et al. 2005). Instead of cation practices are still utilized to cumstances on the Plain with reser- dealing with land conversion on a this day. vation, we can reevaluate our posi- project-by-project basis, this guid- Unfortunately, a majority of the tion and recognize the Plain as a

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 41 BECOMING INVOLVED There are now many opportuni- ties for members of the public to participate in research activities on the Plain. One is the Adopt a Vernal Pool (AVP) citizen science monitor- ing program, which was initiated in 2007 through the collaborative ef- forts of the California Native Plant Society’s Milo Baker Chapter and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Founda- tion. The AVP program currently consists of over 50 volunteers that annually monitor endangered ver- nal pool plant populations across the Plain. Standardized data collec- tions are annually compiled in a pub- licly accessible database available at Volunteers learning to identify Sebastopol meadowfoam, one of the three endangered www.citizen-science.org. species monitored annually through the Adopt a Vernal Pool citizen science program. In the last three years, AVP vol- Photograph by H. Brown. unteers have increased our under- standing of vernal pool dynamics case study of mitigation. Adopting swales on seed dispersal. Some of and have brought attention to a re- this perspective opens up many op- the current research projects related cent threat of invasive plant species portunities for local botanists, ecolo- to vernal pools that are taking place infiltrating vernal pool habitat, in- gists, naturalists, and students, as on the Plain include: cluding the notorious pennyroyal well as land managers and policy- mint (Mentha pulegium). Through • comparisons of local pollinator makers, to explore a system that these observations, land managers communities observed in created has been tampered with yet still re- have been alerted and are beginning and natural pools (Kandis Gilmore, quires active long-term manage- to coordinate their efforts to eradi- Sonoma State University); ment. Given that population growth cate this threat before it takes root. • genetic diversity and structure in California is inevitable, we must This exemplary program has en- across endangered plant species’ learn how to best conserve and man- gaged public participants from all ranges, as well as within individual age our treasured flora, regardless backgrounds. With direction from pools (Dr. Christina Sloop, San of site history. AVP, they have been able to develop Francisco Bay Joint Venture; a connection with the pools they Michelle Jensen and Dr. Nancy C. watch over, increasing their knowl- RESEARCH ACTIVITIES Emery, Purdue University; see edge of the flora and scientific data Ayres and Sloop 2008); A growing awareness of the un- collection methods, while becom- • the effects of soil compaction on certain future facing vernal pools ing part of a growing local conserva- plant growth and morphology throughout California has led to a tion community. (Michelle Jensen and Dr. Nancy recent surge of research activity on C. Emery, Purdue University); and the endangered plant species found • vernal pool seed bank dynamics FUTURE PROSPECTS on the Santa Rosa Plain. Armed with (Hattie Brown, Laguna de Santa contemporary scientific techniques As stewards of the landscape, we Rosa Foundation; and Dr. Chris- that are increasingly accessible, lo- must adapt to new challenges, much tina Sloop, San Francisco Bay Joint cal researchers are exploring the con- like the plant species occupying Venture). servation ecology, evolution, and these unusual ephemeral wetlands. genetics of vernal pool plant spe- It is the goal of many of these Tomorrow may bring new, unan- cies. The list of research possibili- research projects to establish an ticipated biological threats, and ties seems endless, covering every- up-to-date baseline dataset that will changes in weather patterns or po- thing from grazing regimes to the enhance our knowledge of vernal litical climates. Attempting to con- effects of hydrologic connectivity pool species to assist conservation serve the remnant pools on the Santa between neighboring pools and efforts. Rosa Plain—no matter how de-

42 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 graded they may be—is a daunting task. The contributions of everyone, ENDANGERED PLANT SPECIES OF from academics to backyard natu- THE SANTA ROSA PLAIN ralists, are essential for improving our research and management ef- ➤ Burke’s goldfields (Lasthenia burkei) (RIGHT) L. forts. Searching for clues among our burkei may possibly be the most threatened of the past activities on the Plain will assist three endangered plant species found on the Plain. policymakers, landowners, and man- A member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), L. agers statewide to make better- burkei is noted for its golden composite inflores- informed decisions about how best cence made up of both ray and disk flowers. Pho- to conserve our valued vernal pool tograph by D. Ackerly. habitat. By looking back on the Plain ➤ through the lens of collaborative un- Sebastopol meadowfoam (Limnanthes vinculans) derstanding, we can begin to move (MIDDLE) L. vinculans was originally discovered and forward. described by Robert Ornduff in 1969. There are approximately 30 known populations found in a variety of wet meadows, swales, and vernal pools. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The seeds of meadowfoam plants are called nutlets The authors would like to thank and have identifying ridges, or tubercles, on the the California Native Plant Society seed coat. Some speculate that these ridges may for providing graduate research assist seed dispersal by increasing seed buoyancy. funding through its Educational Photograph by M. Jensen. Grants Program, as well as Dr. Chris- ➤ Sonoma sunshine (Blennosperma bakeri) (BOTTOM) tina Sloop, Science Coordinator for Also known as Baker’s stickyseed, B. bakeri is an the San Francisco Bay Joint Ven- early bloomer on the Plain with flowers signaling ture, for her generous assistance. the approach of spring in early March. This lovely species is found only within Sonoma County. The REFERENCES specific epithet of the scientific name, bakeri, re- Ayres, D.R. and C.M. Sloop. 2008. Ge- fers to the historic botanist for whom the local netic structure of three endangered CNPS chapter is named: Milo Baker. Photograph plants of the Santa Rosa Plain: Burke’s by K. Gilmore. goldfields (Lasthenia burkei), Sonoma sunshine (Blennosperma bakeri), and Sebastopol meadowfoam (Limnanthes vinculans). Report prepared for the Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Millar, and M. Olwell. Island Press, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sac- Manual: Higher Plants of California. Washington, D.C. ramento, CA. Section 6 Grant E-2- University of California Press, Ber- Hubbart, L., B. Ertter, A. Dennis, and P-23. keley, CA. C.C. Baskin. 2001. Statement oppos- CH2M Hill. 1995. Draft Santa Rosa Holland, R.F. 1978. The geographic and ing transplantation as mitigation for Plain vernal pool ecosystem preserva- edaphic distribution of vernal pools impacts to rare plants. Fremontia tion plan. Report prepared for the in the Great Valley, California. Cali- 29(3-4): 66-67. Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool Task fornia Native Plant Society Special Norwick, S.A. 1991. Vernal pools and Force, CA. Publication No. 4, Sacramento, CA. other seasonal bodies of standing wa- Elam, D.R. 1998. Population genetics Holland, R.F. 1998. Great Valley ver- ter. Fremontia 19(3): 8-19. of vernal pool plants: Theory, data, nal pool distribution, photorevisited Ornduff, R. 1969. Limnanthes vin- and conservation implications. In 1996. In Ecology, Conservation, and culans, a new California endemic. Ecology, Conservation, and Manage- Management of Vernal Pool Ecosys- Brittonia 21:11-14. ment of Vernal Pool Ecosystems: Pro- tems: Proceedings from a 1996 Con- ceedings from a 1996 Conference, ed. ference, ed. Witham, C.W., E.T. Michelle Jensen, Department of Botany Witham, C.W., E.T. Bauder, W.R. Bauder, W.R. Ferren Jr., and R. and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, Ferren Jr., and R. Ornduff. Califor- Ornduff. California Native Plant So- 915 West State Street, West Lafayette, nia Native Plant Society, Sacramento, ciety, Sacramento, CA. CA. Howald, A.M. 1996. Translocation as a IN 47907, [email protected]; Goude, C., C. Wilcox, et al. 2005. Santa mitigation strategy: Lessons from Nancy C. Emery, Department of Biologi- Rosa Plain Conservation Strategy. US California. In Restoring Diversity: cal Sciences, Purdue University, 915 West Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacra- Strategies for Reintroduction of Endan- State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, mento, CA. gered Plants, ed. Falk, D.A., C.I. [email protected]

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 43 Typical habitat of E. sparsiflorum in Kings Canyon. All photographs by S.J. De Groot. WALKING IN ALICE EASTWOOD’S FOOTSTEPS: ERIASTRUM SPARSIFLORUM IN KINGS CANYON by Sarah J. De Groot

t must have been an amazing trip. time was too limited” (Eastwood emy of Sciences, personal commu- In July 1899, Alice Eastwood, a 1902b). nication, July 22, 2009), and in pub- botanist and curator of the her- Millwood was located a few miles lication Eastwood gave only the gen- barium of the California Academy west of the present site of the Grant eral account of the route as quoted Iof Sciences (CAS) in San Francisco, Grove visitor center in Kings Can- above. traveled with three companions into yon National Park (Durham 1998). Somewhere along the way, East- the Sierra Nevada. As Eastwood tells From there, the party probably fol- wood collected a few specimens of a it, “We were twelve days (July 2-14) lowed a trail past Lookout Peak, new species of Gilia. She described in the region, and traveled on foot which reached the south fork of this plant three years later as Gilia from Millwood to the headwaters the Kings River at Cedar Grove. Al- sparsiflora, noting that it “belongs to of Bubbs Creek, ascending both though this was the route generally the same group as G. virgata Steud” branches, the one leading to East taken through the area (LeConte (Eastwood 1902a). Today both of Lake and Harrisons Pass, the other 1893-6), Eastwood’s exact route is these species are recognized within to Bullfrog Lake and Kearsarge Pass. unknown, since her field notebooks the genus Eriastrum (woolly-star, in We ascended what is known as Mt. were lost in the San Francisco fire of the Phlox family, Polemoniaceae), Stanford, but no other peak as the 1906 (R. Wenk, California Acad- and Gilia sparsiflora is now called

44 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 Eriastrum sparsiflorum (few-flowered additional specimens of this species months after going to seed, and I woolly-star). Eastwood specified a from Kings Canyon offer more pre- thought at the very least I might general locality where she collected cise location information? find a site to return to the next year. plants of this species: “Collected by One problem with using other Upon arrival in Kings Canyon, I the author in Kings River Cañon, in specimens was that there was only headed straight for the high country July, 1899; and also along Bubbs one other collection besides East- along the Bubbs Creek foot trail— Creek trail” (Eastwood 1902a). wood’s. John Thomas Howell, an- Eastwood said she found the plant I came across this species while other botanist at CAS, made a col- along Bubbs Creek, so I headed a working to revise the classification lection of Eriastrum sparsiflorum on half-day’s walk up the Bubbs Creek of the genus Eriastrum, with the aim the 10th of August, 1940. He nar- trail in search of it. Although the of providing an easier means to iden- rowed the location down better than habitat looked promising in some tify each species. Already I had seen Eastwood had: “Mouth of Bubbs areas, I did not see any sign of Eri- a number of other Eriastrum species Creek to Zumwalt Meadows, Can- astrum. in the field, and had a good idea of yon of S. Fk. of Kings River, Fresno, In 2008, I decided that the flat, their preferred habitat. Eriastrum Co.” (Howell field notebook, R. sandy benches along the Kings River sparsiflorum in Kings Canyon was of Wenk, CAS, personal communica- had better habitat and therefore were particular interest for two reasons: tion, 21 July 2009). This covers a more likely areas to find Eriastrum. 1) the species was described from distance of just over two miles along Incidentally, this was also a bit ear- specimens collected in Kings Can- the south fork of the Kings River. lier in the season, at the beginning yon—making Kings Canyon plants Howell’s location seemed precise of July, and I had a volunteer field the standard by which the species, E. enough that it appeared it would be assistant along, thinking that an ex- sparsiflorum, is defined; and 2) most fairly easy to relocate the plants by tra set of eyes could help to spot the plants of E. sparsiflorum occur east of searching the area between Bubbs plants. Although we spent the day the Sierra crest, while Kings Canyon Creek and Zumwalt Meadow. combing the flat areas between is on the west slope. Given the height For many botanists, particularly Road’s End and Bubbs Creek on the of the Sierra Nevada and the barrier those concerned with conservation north side of the river, we did not this could pose to plant pollinators of rare plants, the lure of rediscov- see any Eriastrum. or seed dispersal, I wanted to see ering a plant that has not been seen Looking at a map, a search of plants on both sides of the moun- for a long time is strong. It is excit- just two miles along the Kings River tains to ensure that they did indeed ing when a plant that is presumed appeared to be a fairly quick and belong to the same species. extinct (e.g., any plant on CNPS easy task. But when you get into the Using Eastwood’s publications, List 1A) or thought to be extirpated field and start walking, you realize label data, probable route, and the in an area is found again. While the that those two miles are pretty wide 1905 USGS Tehipite 30' quadrangle species E. sparsiflorum was alive and in places, and you have to make a (see below), the likely place where well east of the Sierra Nevada, it lot of zigzags to comb through all of Eriastrum sparsiflorum was first col- had not been seen for 70 years in it for a population of annual plants lected can be narrowed down to Kings Canyon. Was it extirpated, or that may be no larger than a dining about 11 miles along the Kings River just not documented because no one room table. So in 2009, with the and Bubbs Creek. This seems a bit had bothered to look for it? I had to enthusiastic help of the park plant imprecise for anyone wishing to re- find out. ecologist, Sylvia Haultain, I spent a locate the plant, given that E. spar- My first attempt was near the day combing the area from Zumwalt siflorum is a small annual plant with end of July 2006. It was a little late Meadow to Bubbs Creek, on both small white flowers—certainly easy in the season, but dried Eriastrum sides of the river, accompanied by 8 to overlook and walk past. Could plants sometimes persist for a few other botanists and plant enthusi-

Tehipite 30' quadrangle, as reprinted in 1924. The area along the Kings River between Zumwalt Meadow (marked with an asterisk) and the confluence with Bubbs Creek was searched in 2006, 2008, and 2009. In 2010 the search began farther downstream at Cedar Grove and headed east. Map courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey.

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 45 asts—18 eyes looking for the elu- that I had searched previously. Why but there is plenty of similar habitat sive annual. We hunted nearly ev- here, now, and not there, then? I along the Kings River between there ery possible spot where Eriastrum have no idea. and Bubbs Creek. It is possible that sparsiflorum was likely to grow, but The plants were so dense in additional populations of Eriastrum did not find a single plant. places that I had to be very careful are hiding in other places in the At that point, I wasn’t quite sure where I walked, for fear of stepping canyon, or even along Bubbs Creek, where to look next. It seemed that on them. There were about 600 but just have not been seen recently. all the likely areas had been searched, plants up at this site in 2010. This So if your travels take you to without success. And after all, it had number almost certainly fluctuates Kings Canyon, keep an eye out for a been 70 years since Howell’s collec- from year to year, depending on the little annual plant, 4-12 inches tall, tion. Maybe Eriastrum sparsiflorum amount of winter precipitation. They with small white 5-petaled flowers just didn’t exist in Kings Canyon appeared to be doing fairly well, even in narrow heads and, most impor- anymore. though the extent of the population tantly, cottony wool on the calyx was not particularly large. and bracts. EASTWOOD’S FOOTSTEPS? It was 70 years since Howell’s collection, and apparently 70 years ACKNOWLEDGMENTS A road trip in late June 2010 since it was last seen, but Eriastrum took me right past Kings Canyon, so sparsiflorum still grows in Kings Can- Many thanks to all the hardy I thought I’d take one more look yon—a good reminder that the ab- people who accompanied me in the since I was in the area anyway. First, sence of evidence is not evidence of field, with special thanks to Sylvia though, I studied the 1905 Tehipite absence. Just because a particular Haultain for her support and Se- 30' quadrangle (see p. 45). It was species is not seen in an area for quoia-Kings Canyon National Park surveyed in 1903, so I guessed that some time does not mean that it no for granting permission to conduct the trails shown on the map were longer grows there. The site seen in research in the park. I am also grate- probably the same or very similar to 2010 was just east of Cedar Grove, ful for financial support from the the ones on which Eastwood trav- California Native Plant Society, eled in 1899. While there were trails BELOW TOP: Few-flowered woolly-star (E. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, on both sides of the Kings River be- sparsiflorum). Close-up shows the unique the Anza-Borrego Foundation, The tween Cedar Grove and Bubbs Creek, woolly hairs on the calyx and bracts. The Community Foundation serving Riv- scale bar provides an indication of how only the one on the north side is erside and San Bernardino Coun- small the flowers are. BELOW BOTTOM: Photo continuous. So assuming Eastwood shows the plant’s usual branching pattern. ties, and the Southern California and her companions reached the Botanists. south fork of the Kings River at Ce- dar Grove, they may have crossed REFERENCES there to the north side, then crossed Durham, D.L. 1998. California’s Geo- back to the south side at the mouth graphic Names: A Gazetteer of His- of Bubbs Creek. Since she also had toric and Modern Names of the State. said that time was limited (Eastwood Word Dancer Press, Clovis, CA. 1902b), I guessed she probably had Eastwood, A. 1902a. New species from not wandered far from the trail. I the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Cali- found the pack trail at Cedar Grove fornia. Proceedings of the California and started up the canyon on the Academy of Sciences, Third Series. north side of the river, figuring I Botany 2(9): 285-293. would follow Eastwood’s most likely Eastwood, A. 1902b. A Flora of the route and try to see what she saw. South Fork of the Kings River, from Millwood to the Head Waters of Bubbs And there they were. Right along Creek. Publications of the Sierra Cedar Trail between Cedar Grove Club, Number 27. and Roaring River, there were those LeConte, J.N. 1893-1896. Notes on the elusive little white-flowered annu- King’s River and Mt. Whitney trails als. Although the flowers were just (July and August, 1890). The Sierra starting to open, the cottony wool Club Bulletin 1: 93-106. on the bracts and calyces told me it was certainly E. sparsiflorum. The Sarah J. De Groot, RSABG, 1500 N. Col- habitat looked virtually identical to lege Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711, the habitat of areas farther upstream [email protected]

46 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 A colorful planting of hybrid monkey flowers (Mimulus) gives visitors ideas for their home habitat gardens. All photographs by Lloyd Chasey unless otherwise noted. MARTHA WALKER CALIFORNIA NATIVE HABITAT GARDEN: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS by Kathleen Chasey and Leah Hawks

he Martha Walker California able oak woodlands, hillside chap- and began using their backyard to Native Habitat Garden en- arral, and riparian corridors and cre- propagate native perennials for compasses a three-acre oasis ated Skyline Wilderness Park. A CNPS plant sales. This is where they within Napa’s Skyline Wil- three-acre portion—formerly the and friends first discussed the idea dernessT Park, a 900-acre preserve State Hospital’s dump—would ulti- of a public native plant garden where with hilly woodlands and chaparral, mately become the home of Napa’s visitors could learn about and enjoy including trails, camping, disc golf, only public native plant garden. California’s flora in protected and archery, a lake, and a diversity of easy-to-access surroundings. flora and fauna. THE INGOLS’ VISION The Ingols spent many years In the late 1970s when Napa traveling throughout California, State Hospital made this land avail- In 1968 Ralph Ingols and his studying and collecting its native able to potential developers, inter- wife Evelyne became members of flora and gaining valuable knowl- ested citizens rallied to save the valu- the California Native Plant Society, edge and background in plant iden-

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 47 CNPS Docent Chairman Kent Rupert shares interesting bird facts with visiting school children in the garden’s central gazebo, which is shaded by native vines, including wild grape (Vitis californica) and Chaparral clematis (Clematis lasiantha).

founded the Martha Walker Native lowed the Ingols as curator for nine Habitat Garden on Skyline Park land, years and retired in 2009. Current and became its first curators. curator Kathleen Chasey oversees The garden was named in care of the garden along with a group memory of Martha Walker, a Napa of hard-working volunteers, as well gardening icon who wrote a weekly as the garden’s steering committee column “Let’s Go into the Garden,” and the board of the Napa Valley which ran for 35 years in the Napa Chapter. Register. She shared her knowledge The initial garden site has been With the aid of hand lenses, CNPS docent of plants on local radio station described as a “ravine,” which made Loretta Radey teaches visiting school KVON, and taught a gardening class it an ideal spot for the hospital dump, children about the wonders of coral bells at Napa Valley College, “Adventures as it was close to the main road. (Heuchera spp.) and why they attract hum- in Gardening.” She also helped Because of this proximity, it was mingbirds. The garden’s founders wanted found the Napa Valley Chapter of also ideal to develop later on as a the garden to be used as an outdoor science classroom, and the community-funded the CNPS and was involved with garden. The Ingols and other native CNPS docent program continues that other conservationist groups. Martha plant enthusiasts combined their legacy. passed away in 1983. efforts to maintain the new native The Ingols were the driving force plant garden site. Community vol- tification and propagation. By 1985, behind the success of the garden in unteers, including those who came and with the help of conservationist its beginning years. After Evelyne’s to camp at the Park, took an active friends, CNPS, and the Skyline Citi- death in 2000, Ralph continued as part in the maintenance process. zens Association, Ralph and Evelyne curator emeritus. Terry Chappell fol- Since the garden area was once

48 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 the Napa State Hospital’s dump, fornia native plants in their envi- zation that provides science and cul- much work had to be done to trans- ronment, and to recognize the mu- tural enrichment to Napa County form this unlikely site into the beau- tually beneficial association of plants school children. The program offers tiful grounds it could become. There with animals and people. activities to explore the mysteries of were numerous challenges. Cows, Both Ralph and Evelyne had been native plants, birds, beneficial in- deer, and jack rabbits grazed the career educators, so it was impor- sects, and other critters with bin- plants. Well water availability was tant to them that the garden be used oculars and hand lenses. Docents inconsistent, and thirsty stands of as an outdoor classroom. This legacy teach native plant identification and redwood saplings (Sequoia semper- continues as a top priority of the use, and demonstrate tools and arti- virens) and spicebush (Calycanthus Napa Valley Chapter of CNPS. In facts, giving children a glimpse into occidentalis) suffered. Soil consisted 2010 the chapter set as new goals to the lifestyle of Napa Valley’s native of clay, rock, and hospital trash. double the number of youth groups peoples. Children handle, smell, and The initial trails were cut and that participate in nature-related ac- learn how to use the plants that sus- graveled. Huge spray heads were tivities in the garden, and to increase tained Napa County’s original resi- plumbed and a spring diverted to the general public’s awareness of the dents for thousands of years. create a meandering creek. Cows garden and its value as a teaching When it became obvious that and deer were kept out with a new tool. Each season now, CNPS vol- birds, butterflies, and beneficial in- fence and the garden expanded to unteers teach native plant identifi- sects were becoming more plentiful include an adjacent man-made pond cation, propagation, and gardening. in the garden, we realized that it was where wood ducks raise their young They lead tours during the wilder- turning into a successful habitat gar- each spring and kingfishers hunt the ness park’s special event days as well den. Birdbaths with dripping water chorus of frogs. as during the Chapter’s plant sales were soon added, and the bird popu- and Spring Wildflower Show. lation expanded considerably to 130 Today 400 students visit the gar- species. EDUCATION AND den annually during class trips and Beautiful pipevine swallowtail AWARENESS scout outings. Hundreds more ex- butterflies laid their eggs on Dutch- plore the garden with friends and man’s pipe/California pipevine As with Martha Walker’s own family on day trips and while camp- (Aristolochia californica), and in mission, the mission of the Martha ing nearby. One of the most reward- short order a host of pollinators Walker California Native Habitat ing programs is the CNPS Natural moved in. Garden is to increase public under- Science Docent Program, an all-vol- Today the garden includes both standing and appreciation of Cali- unteer, community-funded organi- young and mature native plants in five plant communities, including Equipped with new knowledge on local bird species, children enter the garden with oak woodland, mixed evergreen for- binoculars to see what they can identify. est, chaparral, redwood, and ripar- ian. Volunteers planted hundreds of trees and shrubs representing the key species of each of these plant communities. These specimens pro- duce the seed, blooms, pollen, and overall environment necessary to support the many species of wild- life that make their homes in the garden. One of the garden’s showiest na- tives is a massive fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum) cov- ered with thousands of dangling blossoms and the many Anna’s Hum- mingbirds that feed on it. Another is the western redbud (Cercis occiden- talis), a tree-size specimen. Matilija poppies (Romneya coulteri) and bush anemone (Carpenteria californica) are covered with blooms in late

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 49 Garden to invite sales. In addition, Ralph Ingols con- further exploration tinues to donate to the garden the through the giant se- proceeds from books he’s authored quoias. in the last decade. While today the garden is truly an example of biodi- CURATORS & COMMUNITY versity, this has also VOLUNTEERS been one of the challenges in main- The effort of the community has taining it. With the been invaluable in the success of the exuberance of plant- garden. Community volunteers—in- ing trees and large cluding individuals, groups, clubs, shrubs comes crowd- and local businesses—have worked ing, low air circula- tirelessly to maintain the garden by tion, occasional limb weeding, trimming, planting, mulch- die-off, and some- ing, and filling nectar and seed feed- times disease. After ers for the birds. Local businesses 25 years of growth, and wineries have begun choosing the amount of light the Martha Walker Garden as a place penetrating the un- where their employees can volun- derstory is limited, so teer. Business colleagues gather there it is up to the horti- equipped with gloves, tools, and cultural expertise of wheelbarrows, and work together the garden’s steering while learning about the garden’s committee to come history, diversity, and the value that up with possible so- California native plants contribute lutions. to the environment. For many, it is Funds to main- a welcome introduction to conser- tain the garden come vation and the natural sciences. from donations, Numerous Boy Scout Eagle can- grants, occasional didates have also donated time and fundraising efforts, energy to enhance the garden with This heritage valley oak (Quercus lobata) is the signature oak and the proceeds such improvements as plant signs, of the garden, which includes young and mature native plants from the Chapter’s bird baths and feeders, and a ga- in five different plant communities. spring and fall plant zebo. Last fall three young adults— spring. Invariably, visitors ask what Ralph Ingols in fall 2010 at the dedication of a new gate at the entrance to the Martha these flowering plants are and about Walker Garden. In 1985 he and his wife Evelyne helped to found Napa County’s only the possibility of obtaining such na- public native plant garden. Photograph by C. Belluomini. tives for themselves. Fortunately the signage below these plants gives the novice important plant identifica- tion information. One section is now The Children’s Garden, and includes child-size tables and benches, and other inviting features, so that even the smallest children can be intro- duced to the natural world. Recently a work group from a local winery built a teepee-shaped trellis for na- tive California pipevine (Aristolo- chia californica) and added stepping stones throughout the Children’s

50 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 Jackson Downing, Ryan Marquette, TODAY AND and Brian Mattis—transformed a THE NEXT sunny quarter-acre weed patch into 25 YEARS a bunchgrass and wildflower meadow, complete with dry creek In celebration of bed, wooden bridges, and bird- the garden’s 25th houses. anniversary, the deer Foundation grasses in the fence surrounding meadow now include deergrass the garden has been (Muhlenbergia rigens) and fescue raised two feet and a (Festuca idahoensis). Jackrabbits and new artisan metal deer sometimes nibble the new gate dedicated to blooms of the wildflowers, but the founders Ralph and first spring display is still colorful Evelyne Ingols has with blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium been installed. The bellum) contrasting with the ever garden is seeing faithful California poppy (Eschschol- bursts of renewed zia californica). energy from volun- Recently the local Napa-Solano teers, resulting in Audubon Chapter, with funding new plantings of a from Toyota’s “Together Green” wildflower meadow campaign, sponsored the planting of and hedgerow, and a new demonstration garden of na- other additions such tive plants favored by birds and but- as secondary mean- terflies. A variety of nectar, pollen, dering paths and a berry, and seed-producing specimens picnic area beneath were planted and labeled, indicating the walnut tree. The the specific wildlife they attract. A Steering Commit- month later in celebration of Earth tee’s three-year plan Day, the Audubon Chapter returned includes interpretive to the garden with another 30-plus signs explaining ma- volunteers, most new to gardening jor plant communi- with California natives. They helped ties and habitat, and to install a 90-foot hedgerow for habi- what birds or other tat along the garden’s northern fence wildlife will be at- line, while learning about the ben- tracted to specific na- A children’s garden invites exploration by youngsters of all efits of the species they planted. tives. ages. The Napa Valley WORLD PEACE GARDEN community is fortunate to have this tional tool. Thanks to Ralph and mature, three-acre California native Evelyne Ingols and their CNPS The Martha Walker Garden at- habitat garden, which is enjoyed by friends, their vision over 25 years tained an unusual designation sev- local people of all ages, as well as ago of a public native habitat garden eral years ago when it became a those from other states and coun- has resulted in this spot being trans- World Peace Garden, one of only tries. The winding paths are easy- formed into a place of beauty and about a dozen in the world, and the to-use, many are wheelchair acces- growing biodiversity. first in the United States. The En- sible, and there are benches and pic- (For more information on the gland based World Peace Garden nic tables available throughout. The garden, visit www.napavalleycnps. Project is dedicated to helping form varied gardens create a calming ef- org and at the top of the page click a network of gardens and parklands fect, and at any time of year visitors on Martha Walker Garden.) that serve as retreats for peaceful can observe the connection between reflection, including both smaller plants and wildlife. Kathleen Chasey, 4050 Mt Veeder Road, personal gardens and large public The Napa Valley Chapter of Napa, CA 94558, kathleen@dteland spaces. CNPS is responsible for maintain- scapedesign.com; Leah Hawks, 1236 Sec- The garden has become both a ing and improving the garden, which ond Avenue, Napa, CA 94558, leah7 classroom and a place of respite. has become an invaluable educa- hawks@ yahoo.com

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 51 TWO VIEWS OF CNPS FELLOW CAROL WITHAM

by Eva S. Butler . . . that truly matter: rare plants, vernal duced regular “rare plants of the Sac- pools, education, and the organization ramento Valley” articles for our news- t the December 2009 Meeting that champions these causes: CNPS. letter. of the California Native As is true of all heroes, Carol has She has served as chair of many Plant Society (CNPS), Carol sacrificed much in her quest to help chapter committees over the years in- Witham became a Fellow of Californians understand and appreci- cluding rare plants, vegetation, peri- theA Society. She was bestowed with ate their native flora. Few are willing odic plant watch, and conservation. this highest honor for the myriad con- to devote so much of their time on this When Carol is not leading activities, tributions she has made that have bene- planet to saving it. While we hope that she is always prepared to help out by fitted the flora and the people of Cali- the journey was its own reward, we unloading plants for our fall sale, writ- fornia. Her leadership and dedication feel compelled to do more, to say more. ing scores of comment letters, repre- to conservation, education, and re- We want to recognize the sacrifice and senting CNPS at land use planning search have led to better outcomes for celebrate the successes of our home- meetings, and more. native plants throughout the state. town hero. At the state level, Carol has served We applaud the litigation victo- If imitation is the sincerest form as CNPS president, vice president, and ries. We glow over her latest publica- of flattery, there is no better way to member of the Board of Directors. She tion—the lovely Field Guide to the honor Carol’s contribution than to is a long-term active participant in nu- Mather Field Vernal Pools. We appreci- emulate it. She has changed our ex- merous program committees and board ate the leadership roles she has played pectations of what is possible. By her committees. Carol represents CNPS in and the places she has managed to lead example, she has changed our expec- various environmental consortiums in- us. Though laudable, these outcomes tations of ourselves. Her story em- cluding the California Endangered Spe- are not her greatest achievements. powers us to be more and to do more cies and Habitat Alliance and the Cali- Carol’s most lasting influence will because we see the difference one per- fornia Rangeland Conservation Coali- defy definition and measure. It is the son can make. tion. Because of her leadership-by-ex- subtle, almost undetectable goal of ac- As Carol Witham joins the com- ample style, Carol has also been highly tivism: a change in expectations. Once pany of the exalted Fellows of CNPS, successful in recruiting new leaders expectations change, we quickly lose we are reminded that she follows a for the Society. sight of how things were. A new para- well-worn path, blazed by those who By far Carol’s most significant con- digm emerges and people get on board. have led the way. Through our words tribution to the flora and the Society We progress as though it were always and our deeds may we join her in the plan. conveying our belief and our optimism Like a cloud shadow, Carol’s in- that Calfornia’s native plants will con- fluence is evident on a landscape level: tinue to bloom long after we are gone. UC Merced will alter its development What greater legacy can one attain than footprint; Sacramento developers will to leave a path strewn with flowers? preserve more vernal pools; preserves will have solid management plans. Spe- . . . and by Diana Hickson cies and landscapes will persist be- cause Carol took the time to research, The Sacramento Valley Chapter write, debate, and negotiate on their nominated Carol Witham to become a behalf. Carol has changed expectations. Fellow of CNPS in recognition of her When we look backward, digging tremendous contributions to the Soci- deeper into the origins of fundamental ety and her remarkable achievements change, we find the stories of our he- in the conservation and appreciation roes. This is where the story of Carol of California’s vernal pools. Witham will live. Her story celebrates Carol has been a volunteer and flower power—that is, the triumph of leader within CNPS for over two de- flowers over power. cades. Over the years, her active roles As the story unfolds, her character in the Society have been many and emerges as strategic, tenacious, and varied. Upon becoming a member, decidedly drawn to challenges. Though Carol immediately took on educational rooted in a passion for plants, her ac- activities at the chapter level and pro- tions speak of intelligence, persistence, and dogged attention to detail. She Carol at Oroville Table Mountain, February does not fight for the sake of fighting; 2010. Photograph by D. Rosen/Wildside she fights for what is at stake, for things Photography.

52 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 TOP: A teachable moment at Oroville Table Mountain focused on the natural history of butterflies that use native violets (Viola sp.) as larval food sources. • MIDDLE: A Splash field trip for school children to a vernal pool. Carol played a large role in helping to create the curriculum, which is used by over 2,200 children each year in Sacramento County. Photographs by D. Rosen/Wildside Photography. • BOTTOM: Carol emphasizing a point during a monitoring training workshop at the Kiefer Landfill Wetland Preserve. Photograph by M. Pakenham-Walsh. has been her multi-faceted and inde- raising events, solicited donations from fatigable campaign to preserve vernal CNPS members and other organiza- pools. Carol is a self-educated expert in tions, and has raised $70,000. the ecology of vernal pool ecosystems Carol teaches about vernal pools and uses her knowledge to educate, at all levels from children to graduate inform, and advocate for vernal pool students, laypersons to docents, and conservation. Her expertise was most land use planners to lawyers. Carol is recently recognized by the U.S. Fish author of Field Guide to the Vernal Pools and Wildlife Service when she was ap- of Mather Field, Sacramento County pointed to chair their Vernal Pool Re- which is a key outreach and fundraising covery Plan Implementation Team. tool for the chapter. In 2006, after many years of nego- In addition to being a scientist, tiations, Carol’s efforts resulted in a educator, and conservation advocate, reduced and shifted footprint for the Carol has also been generous in her University of California Merced cam- giving to the Society. She is a member pus, thereby protecting many species of the Donor Circle and Legacy Circle. and sensitive habitat. She has champi- oned several successful lawsuits to pro- Eva S. Butler, 1940 Markham Way, Sac- tect vernal pools and ensure adequate ramento, CA 95818, eva@sacsplash. disclosure of environmental impacts. org; Diana Hickson, 9333 Sparks Way, To fund these lawsuits, Carol has or- Sacramento, CA 95827, dianahickson@ ganized three highly successful fund- comcast.net

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 53 BART O’BRIEN HONORED BY CNPS by Brett Hall

uring the March 2010 Chapter Bart finished his early schooling in Bart has had an adventurous two Council Banquet at Rancho Hollister and then attended UC Davis, decades with RSABG and his accom- Santa Ana Botanic Garden graduating with a degree in environ- plishments are fascinating. In fact he’s (RSABG), we honored Bart mental planning before heading to pretty well known these days. Last year DO’Brien for his creative and extraordi- Harvard School of Design for a master’s LA Times West Magazine named him nary service to CNPS as Fremontia edi- degree in landscape architecture. He among the 100 most influential people tor (2006–2009). practiced landscape architecture and in the region! Next to indigenous people, Bart is design in Marin County, where he be- about as Californian as possible. He is came familiar with Wayne Roderick a fifth generation native from Hollister, and a number of other Northern Cali- California with a lineage going straight fornia botanical experts. He mapped back to the Mayflower! Bart’s interest populations of stink bells (Fritillaria in native plants started very early. By agrestis) in Nicasio for the California the age of five he was running transects Natural Diversity Database and later along the railroad tracks in search of moved to the Santa Clara area and wildflowers—a deed for which he re- joined CNPS. members getting into “serious” trouble Soon after, he received a welcom- with his parents! ing note from the chapter’s board of directors inviting him Bart and lemon lily (Lilium parryi) in July 2009 in the San to lectures and board Bernardino Mountains. Photograph by S. De Groot. meetings. So he went and discovered all kinds of wonderful people, and also that native plants could be far more than just a Bart in his old office at Rancho Santa full career and a pas- Ana Botanic Garden. Photograph by B. time: it could be all- Eisenstein. consuming and a way of life. Bart is quick to describe the big Joining the Santa accomplishments he has enjoyed dur- Clara ranks with Bar- ing his Rancho days as marvelous col- bara Coe, Ken Himes, laborations with friends and colleagues, Tony Corelli, Susan notable among them the cultivar gar- Sommers, Bob Will, den at Rancho with its beautiful plants and many others and magnificent baked enamel signs. helped Bart become Bart is well-known for an earlier pro- heavily involved. An- ject—his cultivar list book—which is other new friend was an unpublished compendium on Cali- Gerda Isenberg, who fornia cultivars. Did you know there later hired Bart to have been over 7,000 named Califor- manage Yerba Buena nia native-derived cultivars? Bart’s scho- Nursery in the late larly research and forensics in enumer- 1980s, where he ating and describing these have earned joined a short list of him the affectionately used title, “King important botanists of Cultivars.” and horticulturists The Green House Horticulture who have held that complex and Seed Lab were all fea- same post. In 1990 he tures established at RSABG when Bart was hired as director arrived, but at the time they were of horticulture at housed in separate areas with fewer Rancho Santa Ana facilities and resources available to Botanic Garden in them. Bart’s job was to create detail Claremont, California. for the complex and coordinate with

54 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 researchers and others to develop the Bart has published many papers for contract and retail for the region, facilities. Today they clearly serve the and two recent books, with another and offer programs in horticultural conservation, botanical, and horticul- one on the way. He has introduced therapy to veterans, among other very tural goals that Bart and his collabora- some 50 California selections into hor- interesting projects. tors set forth. ticulture and we hope many more of Bart thoroughly enjoyed his time Bart has many ongoing special re- those are on the way. as Fremontia editor, and we im- search directions. Among them, the cul- A few years back he moved within mensely appreciate the quality and tivation of Arctostaphylos, Ceanothus, Rancho, handing over the director of creativity of his issues, as well as his Fremontodendron, Salvia, and Dudleya horticulture post to Susan Jett. He now other numerous accomplishments to (especially Baja, California dudleyas), holds the title, director of special date. restoration planning for the Los Ange- projects. In this new focus, Bart se- les and San Gabriel Rivers, and recently, cured for RSABG long-term use of 12 Brett Hall, UCSC Arboretum, 1156 High the Baja Rare Plant Project with many acres of Veterans Administration land Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, brett@ important collaborators. for a nursery which will grow natives ucsc.edu

BARBARA M. PITSCHEL: 1939–2010 by Suzanne Harmon

t is with great sadness that I share bara fittingly took on the role of hospi- was impeccably orchestrated, from with you news of the sudden passing tality chair, providing at her own ex- calls for submissions, getting the news- of my dear friend, former colleague, pense food and refreshment at the letter to the publisher, or arranging and fellow Yerba Buena Chapter chapter’s monthly membership meet- mailing party gatherings in the com- Iboard member Barbara Pitschel. Bar- ings. This hospitality shone through fort of her own home. The newsletter bara joined her beloved husband Roland in all that Barbara did, and when she was consistently produced in an ex- in death exactly one year and two days took on the additional task of program tremely timely fashion, and always con- after his passing. On August 3, with chair, she insisted that the speakers at tained interesting and relevant topics daughter Justine and her two grand- the wonderful and varied programs be that were educational to its readers. daughters by her side, Barbara died from treated to dinner beforehand. She al- Barbara was long-time head librar- lung cancer, only two weeks after she ways thoughtfully anticipated any ian at the San Francisco Botanical had developed pneumonia and just five travel, equipment, or logistical needs Garden’s Helen Crocker Russell Li- days after having been diagnosed with of the speakers, and made sure they brary of Horticulture, where she could an advanced form of cancer. were graciously thanked afterwards. always be found ready to assist and I first met Barbara upon attending Barbara was also long-time editor answer questions about gardening my very first CNPS meeting. I was given of the chapter’s newsletter, the Yerba and native plants to anyone who came such a warm welcome, and her hospi- Buena News, the coordination of which through the doors. Michael Mc- tality so impressed me, that I was Kechnie, executive director of the inspired to become a member of Barbara Pitschel. Photograph by M. Bors. San Francisco Botanical Garden CNPS on the spot. Several years Society, had high praise for her: later, I went on to have the privi- lege of working with Barbara at the “Barbara was one of the most phe- San Francisco Botanical Garden, nomenally dedicated staff people I where we quickly became friends, have ever had the pleasure of work- and where I formed a deep appre- ing with. She loved this garden ciation of her impeccable attention and the library and dedicated so to detail, which made working to- much of her life to both. She also gether a dream come true. Barbara’s made sure that there was a young hospitality, professionalism, and at- and able successor, Brandy Kuhl, tention to detail are traits that ran to take up the reins. That to me is strongly through every aspect of the ultimate expression of her love the multitude of things she did for for the place.” our community. Barbara, along with husband During the nearly three de- Roland, was one of the founding cades she worked there, the library members of the Yerba Buena Chap- became the site of the largest and ter of CNPS, and the Pitschels were most comprehensive horticultural both active and indispensable to collection in northern California. the chapter on so many levels. Bar- In addition, she had a long in-

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA 55 volvement with the Council on Bo- ways found time to express her thanks, tanical and Horticultural Libraries and I was regularly treated to a hand- MATERIALS FOR (CBHL), serving as its president, on written thank you card, even for rou- PUBLICATION the board of directors, and on numer- tine work that I performed. In these Members and others are invited ous committees. In addition, for many cards and in visits, she would fre- to submit material for publica- years she was West Coast editor of the quently tell me that my husband and I tion in Fremontia. Instructions Council’s newsletter, as well as being a reminded her exactly of herself and for contributors can be found popular conference speaker. In 2006 Roland when they had been our age. Barbara received the Charles Robert While I don’t think that I could ever on the CNPS website, www.cnps. Long Award of Merit for her outstand- be as energetic or exuberant as Bar- org, or can be requested from ing dedication to CBHL and her many bara, I have always thought that to be Fremontia Editor Bob Hass at contributions to the field of horticul- able to accomplish even a small part of [email protected]. tural literature and information ser- what Barbara had accomplished was vice and research. something wonderful to aspire to, and Fremontia Editorial Advisory The Pitchels were pivotal in the I continue to do so to this day. Board establishment of San Francisco’s Bernal There is so much more that Bar- Hill Park as a natural area, beginning bara accomplished, and a fuller appre- Susan D’Alcamo, Ellen Dean, with organized trash removal parties, ciation of both Barbara and Roland Phyllis M. Faber, Holly Forbes, which evolved into the hilltop habitat Pitschel can be found in the Spring Brett Hall, Tara Hansen, Todd restoration work parties that still con- 2007 issue of Fremontia when they Keeler-Wolf, David Keil, Pam tinue to this day, and which would, of were named Fellows of the California Muick, Dylan Neubauer, Bart course, famously end with a wonder- Native Plant Society. O’Brien, Roger Raiche, John Saw- ful feast prepared by Barbara at her yer, Teresa Sholars, Nevin Smith, nearby home. Suzanne Harmon, P.O. Box 1977, Greg Suba, Dick Turner, Mike Amid all that Barbara did both pro- Murphys, CA 95247, suzharmon@gmail. Vasey, Carol Witham fessionally and as a volunteer, she al- com

HARLAN KESSEL: 1928–2010 by Phyllis M. Faber

arlan Kessel died on August Books were always and later, me (in 1984) 27 from pulmonary fibrosis a vital part of Harlan’s to expand Fremontia in at his home in Oakland, a world. He amassed an order to increase our home notable for his book amazing collection that understanding of the Hcollection and his warm, welcoming he and his wife Esther special nature of Cali- enthusiasm. Harlan served as publica- carefully cataloged in fornia plants and the tion chair for CNPS from 1981 to 1988 their later years. Harlan activities that lent sup- and remained on the Society’s Publi- was a cofounder of the port to protecting them. cations Committee until 1999. He Northern California Harlan enthusiastically brought to his work a great knowledge Bookseller’s Associa- encouraged the Society of publications as well as enthusiasm tion and Western Heri- to create a publications for the work of the California Native tage Press and was edi- program that, over its Plant Society. tor-in-chief of the Book ten-year tenure, pub- Harlan served as marketing direc- Club of California. Harlan Kessel. Photograph by lished seven floras and tor for the University of California Harlan was also a A. Curtis. grew to provide a third Press under August Frugé, the direc- crusader for open space of the CNPS annual tor of the University of California Press, in the Bay Area and a longtime direc- budget with books like California’s Wild where they became close friends. After tor of the East Bay Regional Park Dis- Gardens and the first Manual of Califor- his retirement, August and his wife, trict (1976-1992), where he fought nia Vegetation. Susan began spending more time en- many battles for open space. His wins Harlan lived a long, productive life joying and protecting California’s na- include the acquisition of Claremont working with open space issues, pub- tive plants. When August became Canyon in Berkeley and the protec- lications, and for our California native President of CNPS, he drew Harlan in tion of the Apperson Ridge Wilder- plants. His work and effectiveness will as its publications chair. Harlan’s ness Park. be sorely missed. friendship with August and Susan Harlan was a strong supporter of Frugé lasted throughout the remain- both the CNPS Bulletin and Fremontia. Phyllis M. Faber, 212 Del Casa Dr., Mill der of the Frugés’ lives. He encouraged first Marge Hawakawa, Valley, CA 94941, [email protected]

56 FREMONTIA VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 Join Today! CNPS member gifts allow us to promote and protect California’s native plants and their habitats. Gifts are tax-deductible minus the $12 of the total gift which goes toward publication of Fremontia.

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CONTRIBUTORS (continued from back cover) Brett Hall is director of the UCSC Arboretum, and president of the CNPS Board of Directors.

Suzanne Harmon was a long-time colleague and friend of Barbara Pitschel, and currently serves as membership chair for the Yerba Buena Chapter of CNPS.

Leah Hawks is a long-time active member of the Napa Valley Chapter of CNPS, and coauthor of the soon-to-be-published Skyline Wilderness Park, Nature’s Gift to Napa Valley.

Diana Hickson is a past State CNPS Board member, member of the Sacramento Valley Chapter, and a biogeographer with the Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program at the Department of Fish and Game.

Michelle Jensen is a graduate student at Purdue University, and the recipient of a 2008 CNPS Education Grant.

Russ Lewis, retired BLM ecologist, initiated the native plant restoration project at the Piedras Blancas Light Station Out- standing Natural Area. He was a member of the SLO Chapter of CNPS for many years before moving to Washington state.

Rob Moore is a California native landscape designer based in Orange County. He currently serves as sustainability cochair for the Greater LA District Chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

V. Thomas Parker is a professor of biology at SF State specializing in plant ecology and has worked on understanding manzanita ecology and evolution for three decades.

Rob Preston is a senior botanist at ICF International (formerly Jones & Stokes) and a research associate with the herbarium at UC Davis.

Michael Vasey studies the systematics of Arctostaphylos and is completing his Ph.D. at UC Santa Cruz on the ecology of maritime chaparral in Central California.

VOLUME 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010 FREMONTIA California Native Plant Society Nonprofit Org. 2707 K Street, Suite 1 Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 U.S. Postage PAID Address Service Requested A.M.S.

CONTRIBUTORS FROM THE EDITOR

Carole Adams, BLM volunteer, was mentored by Russ Lewis ue to a series of coincidences this past month, I hap- and has been the native plant restoration project leader at pened to open a copy of the first issue of Fremontia, Piedras Blancas Light Station since 2002. She is a member of Dpublished in April 1973. As long-time members of the San Luis Obispo Chapter of CNPS. CNPS may recall, this issue replaced the Society’s newslet- ter, which had been called The California Native Plant Eva Butler is a colleague of Carol Witham and a life member Society Newsletter and from then on was called the Bulletin of CNPS who is dedicated to conserving vernal pools in the (now the CNPS Bulletin). The name Fremontia had been Sacramento region through education. selected in a contest held by a publications committee and Kathleen Chasey is garden curator of the Martha Walker Gunder Hefta, Fremontia’s first editor. Native Habitat Garden in Napa County, and owner/designer As I turned the pages of this premier 24-page issue, I of Down to Earth Landscape Design. was impressed by a number of things. It did not look like a first issue of a new publication, much less that of a journal. Michael Chassé is an ecologist with the National Park Ser- It appeared to have been professionally designed, had a vice at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. He has been clean, crisp appearance, and contained a variety of articles, involved with community-based ecological stewardship and photos, and illustrations. rare plant monitoring for over 14 years. The lead article featured “amateur” botanist Ernest Chris- Sarah J. De Groot is a graduate student in botany at Rancho tian Twisselmann, who had died the previous year. There Santa Ana Botanic Garden and Claremont Graduate Univer- was an article about valley oaks and their regeneration sity, and the recipient of a 2008 CNPS Education Grant. problem, which if published today would still be timely. Other articles included a longer piece on vernal pools, one Nancy Emery is an assistant professor in the Departments on California’s Channel Islands where endemic plants were of Biological Sciences and Botany and Plant Pathology at being decimated by feral goats and pigs, a horticultural Purdue University. defense of using the hardy species McNab cypress in the Phyllis M. Faber is a past editor of Fremontia (1984-1999) home garden, and even something on edible weeds along and for many years also served as CNPS publications chair. with a recipe. As is true of all Fremontia articles, those who write them Mark Frey manages the Presidio Trust’s habitat restoration do so without recompense. Although some may be able to program, where he has worked since 2002. justify a part of their time spent writing as work-related, Daniel Gluesenkamp directs habitat protection and restora- much if not all of the work is a labor of love. The same can tion for Audubon Canyon Ranch’s 30 properties in Sonoma be said of all CNPS members and others who donate time to County, and is cofounder of the Bay Area Early Detection chapter activities and projects. Our cover story about the Network. He is a past president of the California Invasive Franciscan manzanita is a case in point. Plant Council. —Bob Hass

FREMONTIA(continued on inside back VOLUME cover) 37:4/38:1, OCTOBER 2009/JANUARY 2010