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Native PlantVol 47 So / cNietyo 1 Januar • voly-Mar 47 / Ncho 20171 January-March 2017

California Native Society Bulletin California Consulting Botanist Certification Program What you need to know: FAQs Upcoming Tests • Nor Cal - March 6, 2017 NPS has been working to develop with those that are certified, as well as Curry Canyon Ranch (near Clayton) a certification program for producing and distributing educational botanists since 2004. It is now a and informational materials, such as the • So Cal - May 2017 C Location and date TBA reality! The main goal of this certification newsletter, keeping track of professional is to formally recognize botanists who: development credits (PDCs). Collaborating Organizations • Incorporate scientifically sound bo- Will there be a distribution list sent inform- tanical principles in decision-making. ing the public of who has been certified? • Meet a minimum set of standards in No. However, CNPS will maintain a list knowledge and experience. of all persons certified and their contact • Adhere to high ethical standards. information, and this list will be published on the botanist certification webpage. Will these exams be offered in a wider vari- ety of locations? Demand will be a large determining fac-

Photograph by Julie Nelson Photograph tor in when and where certification exams northern and southern California. Exam will be held; however, an effort will be dates will vary by demand as well. T Botanists in the field. made to move the venue around the state, hDavid Magney, CNPS Here are a few frequently asked questions with at least one set of exams each year in visit www.cnps.org/botanistcertification about the program. More can be found on our website. What sort of input was provided by the Saved from the Brink of Extinction: larger botanical community in the develop- ment of this program? The story of the Buckwheat The current certification program has he story of the Mount Diablo buckwheat actually starts out as a geology story with been under development since 2002 in the creation of our state's first Geological Survey of California. In the wake of the collaboration with botanists, the academic TGold Rush, the state legislature passed an 1860 act establishing the Survey and the community, consulting firms, government Office of the State Geologist. The act assigned Josiah D. Whitney (for whom Mount Whitney agencies, and conservationists statewide is named) to fill the new office, and (see our partners in the sidebar). The Whitney quickly assembled a team certification idea has been presented that included William H. Brewer as and discussed at major conferences and chief botanist and field party leader. smaller symposia too. While in the field, Brewer kept a de- What do the exam fee and annual dues tailed journal of the party's travels, later cover? published as the book, Up and Down The exam fee covers the costs associated California. In his notes, he described with developing and administering the approaching the Central Valley from examinations. The annual dues cover the Clayton, California the day before he cost of maintaining the records associated discovered Mount Diablo buckwheat: Mount Diablo buckwheat. continued on page 4 page 1 California Native Plant Society • vol 47 / No 1 January-March 2017

From the Executive Director "A single simple action…” inally, I did it, and it native plant lovers who generally can’t write (done), and 2) Ffeels good. It’s been a big check right now but want to make sure tell CNPS you on my personal “to do” CNPS is protecting our and places have done so lists, and without any good reason I have long into the future. (I’m doing that, just procrastinated and stalled for far too What got me to finally take action? fairly publicly, here). You can also choose long. It feels so good! Finally, I’ve made Elizabeth Schwartz. As you read in the to give guidance on how the gift is to be CNPS a beneficiary of my (all-too-meager) last Bulletin (and see page 10) Liz made applied: I want my gift used wherever it is estate. a special gift. She also showed me how most needed to support CNPS’s unique For more than four years I have had the incredibly simple it is to add CNPS as a and essential mission, to celebrate and save honor of working for CNPS. During that beneficiary to life insurance or retirement California’s amazing plants and places. time I have witnessed the enormous good accounts. I could do it anytime I login I am mindful of something Elizabeth done by Legacy Donors: those who chose online or return the annual insurance Schwartz once told us: “Please, go out and to include CNPS in their wills, trusts, enrollment forms, requiring no will, trust, be our ambassadors. A single simple action life insurance, or retirement accounts. attorneys, or fancy language. So, I did it. can start the ball rolling...” Thank you Liz Jenny and Scott Fleming, June Billisoly, The California Native Plant Society is now for the inspiration. T Beatrice Brown, Elaine Conze, Carlyn a beneficiary of my life insurance-not the h Dan Gluesenkamp Halde, Freda King, Marion McMahon, all only one, as I do want to make sure my child CNPS Executive Director deserve our deepest gratitude for gifts that is supported, but CNPS is also in my heart See page 10 for more on the supported CNPS conservation, rare plant and now is in my estate. Elizabeth Schwartz Fund research, education, gardening, and chapter It feels good, and I encourage you to needs. They ensured that we can continue consider doing the same-for one thing, I this important work even during major now get to wear the fancy cloisonné pin California Native Plant Society economic downturns. I have also been reserved for Legacy Donors! We can provide 2707 K Street, Suite 1 inspired by friends and, yes, coworkers, who more info if you need, but really there are Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 have named CNPS in their wills –dedicated just two steps: 1) add CNPS as a beneficiary Phone: 916-447-2677 t Fax: 916-447-2727 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cnps.org CNPS Bulletin Email: [email protected] Dan Gluesenkamp, Executive Director

2016 Board of Directors Steve Hartman, President Bill Waycott, VP Gabi McLean, Treasurer Carolyn Longstreth, Secretary At Large: Johanna Kwan, Julie Clark DeBlasio, Cari Porter, Brett Hall, Jean Robertson, Gordon Leppig, Cris Sarabia, Vince Scheidt

Chapter Council Chair, Marty Foltyn Vice Chair, Larry Levine Secretary, Judy Fenerty

CNPS Bulletin Liv O'Keeffe Marketing & Communications Director Michael Kauffmann, Editor & Designer David Chapman, Snowdy Dodson, Dave Flietner, & Allison Poklemba, Proofreaders

MAILING LABEL CHANGES Send to: [email protected] page 2 California Native Plant Society • vol 47 / No 1 January-March 2017 Struggle for survival on the Algodones

ocated in one of the hottest and almost exclusively found driest regions in the , in the western inte- Lthe measure 40 rior portions. Colonies of Photographs courtesy of Steve Hartman miles long and three to five miles wide. Peirson’s milkvetch north Portions of the dunes have been shown to of Hwy 78 are smaller be migrating southeasterly at an average than those further south rate of 15 feet per year for large dunes and become much less and 60 feet per year for smaller ones. The continuous. constant shifting sand has resulted in After the Center for interesting adaptations. The Algodones Biological Diversity, the Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii. dunes sunflower (Helianthus niveus ssp. Sierra Club, and others tephrodes) handles this by growing and reached a settlement with federal authori- flowering throughout the year. ties limiting off-road vehicle use on the Even more spectacular, and more dif- Algodones Dunes in 2000, there has been ficult to find, is the bizarre parasitic sand a contentious battle regarding the designa- food (Pholisma sonorae). In 1980, this tion of critical habitat for the species. In unusual made the cover 2003 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of CNPS’ journal Fremontia (Sand Food: proposed 52,780 acres as critical habitat. A Strange Plant of the Algodones Dunes That was cut by more than 60 percent by Wayne P. Armstrong, 7(4):3-9 Janu- in 2004, revised down to a proposal that ary 1980 and More About Sand Food by identified only 16,108 acres, and then in Wayne P. Armstrong, 8(2):30-31 July 2008 a final rule was published reducing 1980). the species’ critical habitat to just 12,105 Dunes meet ATVs. Of all the rare plants of the dunes, the acres. After losing the lawsuit, the case was ap- species in most peril is Peirson’s milkvetch In 2012, the BLM released a new rec- pealed and upheld by a three-judge panel (Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii). reational plan for California’s Algodones of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. This state (1979) endangered and federal Dunes that would eliminate protections In 2016, CNPS filed an amicus brief to (1998) listed threatened plant is limited to on more than 40,000 acres of crucial the Ninth Circuit in support of a request the Algodones Dunes in the United States. habitat for rare and vanishing species— for an en banc rehearing (a rehearing by Within the dunes, Peirson’s milkvetch is including more than 6,000 acres of rare the full Ninth Circuit Court, not just woodlands—by the three judge panel that ruled against allowing off-road vehicles the conservation organizations), but that unlimited access to areas hearing was denied. previously off-limits. In The goal of protecting the critical 2013 the Center for Bio- habitat of an endangered species per the logical Diversity, Public Federal Endangered Species Act is to Employees for Responsi- facilitate recovery, not merely to ensure bility, Desert Survivors, the survival of individuals or occurrences and the Sierra Club filed within a fragmented and disturbed land- a lawsuit against the scape of unsuitable or destroyed habitat. BLM’s Recreation Area It is unfortunate that the main population Management Plan for of Peirson’s milkvetch is in the area desig- the Algodones Dunes and nated for off-highway vehicle play. the USFWS’ Biological h Steve Hartman Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes. Opinion for that Plan. CNPS Board President

page 3 California Native Plant Society • vol 47 / No 1 January-March 2017

Buckwheat continued from page 1

Before the canyon emerges into the San Joa- ing floristic quin plain it winds into a flat of perhaps two data on under- or three hundred acres surrounded by low explored parts rolling hills and covered with oaks scattered of Mount here and there, like a park. And such oaks! Diablo. At How I wish you could see them—nearly that time he worthless for timber, but surely the most found only 20 magnificent trees one could desire to see. plants growing Brewer arrived at the home of John at the site. Marsh, a noteworthy settler of the inte- After the rior of Contra Costa County. The next rediscovery, day, on May 29, 1862, he collected Mount botanists, nat- Diablo buckwheat on a dry hillsides at ural resource Marsh's ranch—thus documenting a spe- managers, the cies new to science. California Na- Since 1862, Mount Diablo buckwheat tive Plant So- truncatum. has been collected by six different bota- ciety, and other conservationists quickly Park District. On that day, May 19, 2016, nists at up to potentially seven unique formed a working group to provide need- Bartosh and Peterson observed a sizable locations. One of the more notable col- ed stewardship and monitoring.Seeds population growing in the Sand Creek lectors was Dr. Mary Bowerman, whose were immediately collected and ampli- corridor along the northeastern slopes dissertation focused on the flora of fied at the UC Berkeley Botanic Garden of Mount Diablo. While it seemed too Mount Diablo. In 1936, 69 years ago, by Holly Forbes. The group also planted good to be true, the duo quickly realized Mary was the last person to collect seedlings, but attempts to establish new what they discovered. The distinctive Mount Diablo buckwheat before it was populations on Mount Diablo were un- wishbone-like structure of the inflo- presumed extinct. successful. Concurrently, the number of rescence, pink pom-pom flowers, hairy Then on May 10, 2005, Michael Park plants at the natural population declined. stems, and elongate leaves were a dead discovered Mount Diablo buckwheat Michael Park stated numerous times giveaway. This could be considered the along the chaparral margins on the south that the working group was on extinc- discovery of a lifetime, and with the find, side of Mount Diablo. At the time, Mi- tion watch, despite efforts to document the extinction watch ended. chael was an undergrad at UC Berkeley new populations though annual “Find a Most striking about this population working on a senior thesis project collect- Buckwheat Day” events. was the sheer numbers of plants. Nomad It wasn't until Ecology botanists estimated that over 2 11 years later that million individuals were growing. The Nomad Ecology size of the plants was equally remarkable, botanists Heath as the individuals at this site are much Bartosh and Brian bigger than what was found at the redis- Peterson found a covery site by Michael Park. new population With this 2016 discovery, botanists while performing now have the chance to monitor the rare plant surveys population, observe its fluctuations, and in support of the vigilantly watch for threats to its long- land-use plan for term existence. T Black Diamond h Heath Bartosh & Mines, working on Michele Hammond behalf of Michele CNPS East Bay Chapter Hammond of the Heath Bartosh and Brian Peterson in a field of buckwheat. East Bay Regional page 4 California Native Plant Society • vol 47 / No 1 January-March 2017

In Appreciation: to be sent to CNPS. In doing so, the A match made in Santa Clara Valley Himes joined a growing trend across the charitable sphere in which people ew couples have photographic special moment for the Himes. are choosing to divert their wedding, evidence of the first time they “I’m on the left listening attentively birthday, or graduation presents to a Fmet, but Ken and Dee Himes are to Ken,” says Dee. “That is the first time charity of their choice. not like most couples. A photo from a Ken and I officially met.” “It was a no brainer for us to have CNPS Plumas County field trip in July Many field trips later, Ken and Dee donations to CNPS as one of our options 2010 (later published in the local chapter were married on October 1, 2016. In lieu as wedding gifts,” says Dee. “CNPS newsletter), captured what became a very of wedding gifts, they asked for donations brought us together, and we both love to support CNPS.” Ken, a CNPS Fellow, has volunteered for more than 30 years in the Santa Clara Valley Chapter, having cycled through every available volunteer role from “photo group” chairperson to president. Dee joined CNPS in 2007 and soon jumped in with both feet, volunteering as chapter treasurer and field trip chair. We are grateful to Ken and Dee for their creative approach and thoughtful support of CNPS – and of course want to extend our congratulations! May Ken and Dee enjoy many years exploring California’s trails and flora together. T h Stacey Flowerdew Ken and Dee Himes. Introducing Fremontia's New Editor he path to editor of Fremontia the Siskiyou Mountains so he could research to the North Coast Chapter for funding to for Michael Kauffmann covered a trail for a book he was writing. Later, when help publish his first Book, Conifer Country, thousands of miles of California I learned his summer fun was to walk from in 2011. Since then he has published two Twilderness and mountains. He has trod Covelo to Crescent City, along a route he more taxon-and-trail books, along with rocky, dry soils and soggy, wet soils, from the calls the Bigfoot Trail, I knew this was a guy other resources. He has a knack for getting southern to the near-Oregon ranges, who made the extraordinary happen. people outside looking at plants. paying attention to vegetation all the way. From his personal explorations grew a That Michael would take on a job that Michael and I first crossed paths when he burning need to share the joy the natural involves sitting at a desk speaks of his deep joined our CNPS field trip at Poker Flat in world brought him, so Michael entered belief in the mission of CNPS. His track the fields of education and publishing. He record of publishing books, despite the has taught science in middle school and at distracting call of the mountains, assures us Humboldt State. In studying and teaching that he can do this. Additionally, as program at Humboldt State University he found chair of our chapter he has demonstrated a kindred spirit in John Sawyer, and the fine networking skills, necessary for two learned from each other. Michael’s discovering the many and varied articles of knowledge of conifers and mountains has our organization’s journal. We are excited to been a valuable resource for researchers have him as the next editor of Fremontia.T studying trees in remote places, and he has h Carol Ralph been putting it on paper. Michael first came CNPS North Coast Chapter Michael Kauffmann.

page 5 CNPS Conservation At-a-Glance CNPS CONSERVATION AT-A-GLANCE PAGE 3

2016 Legislative Victories Summary Each year, CNPS works with legislators to promote, amend or oppose bills impacting native plant conservation.

Good News SB 859 (Senate Committee on Budget) NGOs prevent last-minute attempt to double amount of biomass feedstock incentives from clear-cutting. State Native Plant Policy Desert Vegetation Mapping Microphyll Woodlands Livermore Tarplant Newhall Ranch Walker Ridge Native Oak Protection Madrona Project Delayed AB 1958 (Wood) Creates Timber CA Fish and Game 8.7 million acres completed Innovative drone Listed as a California TheThe CaliforniaCalifornia BLM revoked a wind CNPS San Luis Obispo CNPS Orange County Harvest Plan exemption for restoration/conservation of native Commission approved with major support from the footage of rarely seen endangered species Supreme Court ruled energy development Chapter, Hills for Everyone Chapter helped secure oak woodlands. a comprehensive state BLM, CA Dept. of Fish and landscapes helped thanks to a model inin favorfavor ofof CNPS,CNPS, permit thanks to long- an emergency county and other partners won a SB 1340 (Wolk) policy on native plants Wildlife (CDFW) and the CA increase awareness of listing petition by upholding protections standing resistance by ordinance to stop the lawsuit for careful CEQA Requires improvements in landscape water for the first time. Energy Commission. this sensitive desert CNPS member Heath and appropriate levels Tuleyome, CNPS, and review and oversight. clear-cutting of oak use efficiency. landscape. Bartosh. of environmental others. woodlands. review.review. SB 32 (Pavley) & AB 197 (Garcia) Sets strong new goal for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: 40% Settlement Reached below 1990 levels by 2030. Letters Submitted CEQA Budget Trailer Mender Street Coastal Prairie: vs. Uwe Heinz Corback and Sara Kissing. Effort failed CNPS is the voice for plants in California, and often that happens through letter-writing to authorize housing projects “by Newhall Ranch: Decision upheld by CA Supreme Court against Newhall Land & Farming and CDFW. campaigns. Thanks to our partners who’ve joined us in these efforts! right” rather than via normal CEQA review. Madrona Development: Case won against City of Brea. Eagle Crest Pump Storage: Voiced concerns to BLM about project next to Joshua Tree National Park. Litigation California Flats Solar Project: Settlement reached requiring sizeable environmental mitigation. Healthy Soils: Cautions against broad compost application to grazed grasslands in California. Of Note Litigation is a last-resort but Saddle Crest: Lost fight against City of Orange to stop development. Forest Ecological Performance: Calls for improved state forestry standards. AB 2029 (Dahle) Establishes essential tool in upholding stump diameter limits and road Sunrise-Douglas: vs. City of Rancho Cordova and USFWS. DRECP Protest: Advocated for legal protection of microphyll woodlands. the legal protections of our restrictions for salvage logging. Antelope Valley Plan: natural resources. Though Comments on which focal plant species to include. AB 2087 (Levine) Creation of Ongoing Forest Carbon: Group NGO comment letter to CA Air Resource Board. even the best court decisions Regional Conservation Investment won’t always stop harmful Forest Plan Revision: WMO Route Designation: vs. the US BLM. NGO coalition comment letter, includes native plant section. Strategies (aka, Regional development, litigation can Silurian Valley: Thanked the BLM for denying development. Conservation Frameworks) be the only recourse to force Newhall Ranch, Mission Village: vs. County of Los Angeles. Land and Water Conservation Fund: Supports procurement of additional federal conservation land. re-examination of unlawfully Esperanza Hills: vs. County of Orange, City of Yorba Linda. Bad News Cape Ivy Biocontrol: approved projects, and to Recommends federal approval of work to control this invasive species. Coastal Commission Orange Citizens: vs. Milan Rei IV, LLC, Superior Court of Orange County. require better mitigation Transmission Line Development: NGO coalition calls on CA Public Utilities Commission to adhere to DRECP Transparency for significant impact to Banning Ranch: CA Supreme Court has agreed to review case against City of Newport Beach. and San Joaquin Valley reports. Bills to increase openness of native plants. Assoc. of Governments: CA Supreme Court agrees to review case against SANDAG. San Fernando Valley Spineflower:Recommends US Fish and Wildlife list as federally endangered species. deliberations failed. (AB 2002, AB 2628 and SB 1190) National Monument Nominations: Multiple nominations for precious California places. Top photo credits as follows: Livermore Tarplant - Heath Bartosh;- Newhall Ranch - David Magney; Walker Ridge - Steve Edwards; All others - Greg Suba CNPS Conservation At-a-Glance CNPS CONSERVATION AT-A-GLANCE PAGE 3

2016 Legislative Victories Summary Each year, CNPS works with legislators to promote, amend or oppose bills impacting native plant conservation.

Good News SB 859 (Senate Committee on Budget) NGOs prevent last-minute attempt to double amount of biomass feedstock incentives from clear-cutting. State Native Plant Policy Desert Vegetation Mapping Microphyll Woodlands Livermore Tarplant Newhall Ranch Walker Ridge Native Oak Protection Madrona Project Delayed AB 1958 (Wood) Creates Timber CA Fish and Game 8.7 million acres completed Innovative drone Listed as a California TheThe CaliforniaCalifornia BLM revoked a wind CNPS San Luis Obispo CNPS Orange County Harvest Plan exemption for restoration/conservation of native Commission approved with major support from the footage of rarely seen endangered species Supreme Court ruled energy development Chapter, Hills for Everyone Chapter helped secure oak woodlands. a comprehensive state BLM, CA Dept. of Fish and landscapes helped thanks to a model inin favorfavor ofof CNPS,CNPS, permit thanks to long- an emergency county and other partners won a SB 1340 (Wolk) policy on native plants Wildlife (CDFW) and the CA increase awareness of listing petition by upholding protections standing resistance by ordinance to stop the lawsuit for careful CEQA Requires improvements in landscape water for the first time. Energy Commission. this sensitive desert CNPS member Heath and appropriate levels Tuleyome, CNPS, and review and oversight. clear-cutting of oak use efficiency. landscape. Bartosh. of environmental others. woodlands. review.review. SB 32 (Pavley) & AB 197 (Garcia) Sets strong new goal for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: 40% Settlement Reached below 1990 levels by 2030. Letters Submitted CEQA Budget Trailer Mender Street Coastal Prairie: vs. Uwe Heinz Corback and Sara Kissing. Effort failed CNPS is the voice for plants in California, and often that happens through letter-writing to authorize housing projects “by Newhall Ranch: Decision upheld by CA Supreme Court against Newhall Land & Farming and CDFW. campaigns. Thanks to our partners who’ve joined us in these efforts! right” rather than via normal CEQA review. Madrona Development: Case won against City of Brea. Eagle Crest Pump Storage: Voiced concerns to BLM about project next to Joshua Tree National Park. Litigation California Flats Solar Project: Settlement reached requiring sizeable environmental mitigation. Healthy Soils: Cautions against broad compost application to grazed grasslands in California. Of Note Litigation is a last-resort but Saddle Crest: Lost fight against City of Orange to stop development. Forest Ecological Performance: Calls for improved state forestry standards. AB 2029 (Dahle) Establishes essential tool in upholding stump diameter limits and road Sunrise-Douglas: vs. City of Rancho Cordova and USFWS. DRECP Protest: Advocated for legal protection of microphyll woodlands. the legal protections of our restrictions for salvage logging. Antelope Valley Plan: natural resources. Though Comments on which focal plant species to include. AB 2087 (Levine) Creation of Ongoing Forest Carbon: Group NGO comment letter to CA Air Resource Board. even the best court decisions Regional Conservation Investment won’t always stop harmful Forest Plan Revision: WMO Route Designation: vs. the US BLM. NGO coalition comment letter, includes native plant section. Strategies (aka, Regional development, litigation can Silurian Valley: Thanked the BLM for denying development. Conservation Frameworks) be the only recourse to force Newhall Ranch, Mission Village: vs. County of Los Angeles. Land and Water Conservation Fund: Supports procurement of additional federal conservation land. re-examination of unlawfully Esperanza Hills: vs. County of Orange, City of Yorba Linda. Bad News Cape Ivy Biocontrol: approved projects, and to Recommends federal approval of work to control this invasive species. Coastal Commission Orange Citizens: vs. Milan Rei IV, LLC, Superior Court of Orange County. require better mitigation Transmission Line Development: NGO coalition calls on CA Public Utilities Commission to adhere to DRECP Transparency for significant impact to Banning Ranch: CA Supreme Court has agreed to review case against City of Newport Beach. and San Joaquin Valley reports. Bills to increase openness of native plants. San Diego Assoc. of Governments: CA Supreme Court agrees to review case against SANDAG. San Fernando Valley Spineflower:Recommends US Fish and Wildlife list as federally endangered species. deliberations failed. (AB 2002, AB 2628 and SB 1190) National Monument Nominations: Multiple nominations for precious California places. Top photo credits as follows: Livermore Tarplant - Heath Bartosh;- Newhall Ranch - David Magney; Walker Ridge - Steve Edwards; All others - Greg Suba California Native Plant Society • vol 47 / No 1 January-March 2017

History of the Arcata Community Center Native Plant and Wildlife Garden

ne of the great pleasures of Coast Chapter observing a native plant garden (CNPS-NCC) Ogrow up over the years is planted various seeing an increase in plant and wildlife species of na- diversity. The efforts of volunteers at tive plants in an the Arcata Community Center Native Plant 0.1 acre waste and Wildlife Garden in Humboldt County field near the did just that-adding 29 species of native Arcata Com- plants. This diversity also included four munity Center. species of amphibians, four species of This planting mammals, 16 species of butterflies, emerged from and nine genera of bees including the an agreement establishment of a thriving nesting site between the for hundreds of Halictus tripartatus, a City of Arcata, native bee. represented by Native Plant and Wildlife sign was supported in part by CNPS-North Coast Chapter. The Arcata Garden was established on Dan Diemer, Parks Superintendent, and February 27, 1999 when volunteers from CNPS-NCC, represented by Pete Haggard, the California Native Plant Society-North Garden Chair. The agreement stipulated that the City of Arcata provide the site and planting stock for the initial planting, and the CNPS-NCC provide volunteers for planting and ongoing maintenance of the site. After 17 years Arcata now has a beauti- ful, stable natural area that requires no water, fertilizer, or mowing and very little

All photographs courtesy ofPete Haggard physical maintenance by employees. As a committed CNPSer, I have enjoyed these years of tending the garden and seeing blossom into fruition. Since the garden is located in an area with heavy pedestrian traffic, including college and high school students and people visiting the Arcata Community Garraya eliptica. Center, it is an excellent place to further one of CNPS-NCC’s goals-to educate nent garden with natural beauty and an the public on the value of a biodiverse educational tool for the CNPS-NCC. native landscape in urban areas. For more information on the garden, the As the garden matures and creates plants and animals that live there, or a more niches in the landscape, I look for- tour of the garden, contact me! T ward to seeing more wildlife and native h Pete Haggard plants utilizing this site. Garden Chair, Both the City and CNPS-NCC have CNPS-North Coast Chapter benefited from this agreement, which [email protected] has provided the public with a perma- www.northcoastcnps.org

Grindelia stricta. page 8 California Native Plant Society • vol 47 / No 1 January-March 2017

Revisiting Rare Plant Populations Just in Time NPS is joining a lawsuit to Forest and other timberlands owned by ensure that equivalent CEQA Pacific Lumber Company during the Cstandards for environmental 1990s. review and protection are met by the Unlike most logging plans in the California Department of Forestry region, the “Dogwood” THP is located and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for entirely in the designated wild and scenic timber harvest plans. The Dorothy Gualala River floodplain’s last continu- Photographs courtesy of Peter Baye King Young Chapter is joining Friends ous stands of 90-100 year old redwoods, of Gualala River and rich in wetlands Forest Unlimited and rare plant in litigation against habitat. But CAL CAL FIRE for FIRE approved authorizing a Timber the plan without Campanula californica. Harvest Plan (THP) conducting a for 400 acres of rare plant survey also accepted GRT’s argument that it jus- mature redwood specific to the tified an exception to new Forest Practice floodplain forest THP area, and Rules protecting sensitive “flood prone” along more than five without includ- areas against disturbances like skid roads. miles of the Gualala ing the results of CAL FIRE did not even require review Riparian habitat along the Gualala River. River, near the a wetland survey of alternatives that complied with flood- Mendocino border of Sonoma County, in the THP. Most of the rare plants prone rules. but without providing equivalent affected occur in seasonal wetlands, Sonoma County Superior court grant- CEQA impact assessment, mitigation, like California bellflower (Campanula ed a preliminary injunction to halt the or alternatives review. Until his recent californica) and fringed corn-lily (Ve ra - logging on September 15, 2016, while the retirement during the start of what is trum fimbriatum). GRT and CAL FIRE lawsuit proceeds. The court noted “Peti- known as the "Dogwood" litigation, denied that seasonal wetlands existed in tioners’ evidence also demonstrates that Gualala Redwoods Timber (GRT) was the floodplain, despite widespread oc- the logging activities may harm ecologi- managed by Henry Alden, the forester currence of obligate dominant wetland cally sensitive, protected wetlands, flora, best known for the controversial old- plants like slough sedge (Carex obnupta) and fauna.” The attorney representing growth redwood logging of Headwaters in seasonally flooded swales. CAL FIRE GRT is Ginevra Chandler, former chief counsel for CAL FIRE. The stakes for CNPS are both local and statewide. By law, THPs are sup- posed to be equivalent to EIRs. Clearly, they are not in this case, with respect to rare plants, wetlands, alternatives, and other issues. If CNPS and fellow plaintiffs prevail, new precedents for truly CEQA- equivalent timber harvest plans would be a step in the right direction for improved environmental review and compliance, along with public participation in the timber harvest review process.T h Peter Baye Conservation Chair CNPS Dorothy King Young Chapter The fringed corn-lily (Veratrum fimbriatum) is one of the rare wetland species that was not as- sessed with wetland delineations (habitat) and rare plant surveys before the plan was approved. page 9 Photograph courtesy of Michael Kauffmann

California Native Plant Society • vol 47 / No 1 January-March 2017

Welcome Liv O'Keeffe: Director of Marketing & Communications

his is an exciting time for CNPS, volunteers we can do even more. research institutions – good practice for the with our growing community We have been fortunate to recruit Liv work of better supporting 35 CNPS chapters Tof dedicated native plant lovers O'Keeffe, an expert in digital and com- and the needs of our hundreds of dedicated taking on more and varied projects every munications strategy, to lead this ambitious volunteers. day. We are accomplishing a lot! As initiative as our new Marketing and Commu- Liv says this role came at the right time outlined in the new CNPS Strategic Plan, nications Director. in her career, as she was our efforts are focused on four primary Liv (pronounced seeking to better align her goals: like “Leave”) joined personal values with her 1.o T Know our native plants, plant com- CNPS at the end of professional work. Liv is munities, and landscapes. October. Her back- a California native herself 2. To Save our native plants and plant com- ground in strategic and lives in Davis with munities through conversation. planning, digital her husband, Malcolm, 3.o T Fix and reclaim space for natives marketing, publica- and daughters, Fiona and through horticulture and stewardship. tions, and public Olivia. In her free time, 4.o T Engage a strong CNPS base to ac- relations makes her she loves great meals with complish the goals above. uniquely suited for friends, track and field, The last few years have seen great progress this role, and her long walks listening to on the first three goals, but we all can see that history shows her podcasts, and lake time more engagement and outreach is needed if commitment: as an Liv O'Keeffe. in the high Sierras. Her we are to inspire more Californians to join early-career journal- dream is to live on a five-acre farm with a our cause. ist she wound up working for a non-profit booming garden and a menagerie of crit- Toward this end, CNPS is beginning a new advancing political reform during the early ters. A lifelong nature lover and long-time effort focused on outreach and engagement, days of the Internet. For the last decade, Liv fan of CNPS, she says every day on the job with the goal of strategically coordinating led digital marketing for a 50,000-employee is a complete joy. "I’m in awe over what the and leveraging several key areas, including: healthcare organization, organizing content CNPS community has accomplished,” says all CNPS digital platforms, publications, and social media strategy for a five-time Liv. “I'm looking forward to doing my part CNPS press, chapter and member support, award-winning health and wellness website. to help by applying the best of what I learned horticulture outreach, Calscape, education, Liv was instrumental in Sutter Health’s in the corporate environment to a cause that the Conservation Conference, and media emergence into digital marketing, and adept registers deeply for me” relations. Engagement and outreach is al- at coordinating information from hundreds Please join us in welcoming Liv, and look ready key to much of what CNPS does, and of opinionated doctors to support more than for her at a chapter event near you! T by improving our systems and supporting our 30 affiliate hospitals, medical groups and h Dan Gluesenkamp Announcing the Elizabeth C. Schwartz Fund lizabeth Schwartz was a Southern 2015 while hiking in . She was 66. support a new staff position focused on California native plant legend. Elizabeth had named CNPS as a Southern California conservation work. After practicing law for 15 years, she beneficiary of her IRA retirement account, There is a tremendous need for this position, Efell in love with native plants and became an exceedingly simple action resulting in which will increase with pending changes in a certified horticulturist. In this second a tremendously thoughtful gift. After federal policy. Over the next few months we career, she engaged thousands of plant talking with her surviving husband, UCLA will work to match this initial seed money, lovers as executive director of the Theodore astronomer Ben Schwartz, it was decided with donations from Schwartz family and Payne Foundation, board president of the to apply a portion of Liz’s gift to create a friends, an event hosted by G2 Gallery’s Southern California Horticultural Society, fund that would honor her memory and Susan Gottlieb, and support from others staff of the Botanical Garden at UCLA, and substantially increase CNPS Conservation committed to conservation gardening. If you via numerous lectures and articles on native work in Southern California. are interested learning more, please contact plants. Liz died suddenly on August 12, This “Elizabeth C. Schwartz Fund” will Executive Director Dan Gluesenkamp. T page 10 Photograph courtesy of Michael Kauffmann

California Native Plant Society • vol 47 / No 1 January-March 2017

One Tam: Collaborative stewardship for a botanical wonder undreds of scientists, land These assessments managers, and community were enhanced by data members gathered on October collected during a dozen H28–29 to learn about an innovative CNPS-supported rare assessment of Mt. Tamalpais' ecological plant “Treasure Hunts” health. Sponsored in part by the CNPS held in 2012–2013 Image courtesy of Lieven Leroy Marin Chapter, the 2016 Mt. Tamalpais and recent botanical Science Summit was the culmination of bioblitzes. That data, almost a year of workshops, data collection combined with other and analysis, and discussions among more mapping and monitoring than 60 resource managers and scientists efforts, represents the familiar with the mountain’s flora and first time Mt. Tamalpais' fauna. land managers have Led by One Tam—a partnership of the had a seamless, mountain’s four land management agencies cross-jurisdictional Volunteers and staff work together to record plant and animal and the Golden Gate National Parks presentation of vegetation species at a One Tam bioblitz in Cascade Canyon, Marin County. Conservancy—the assessment considered data. individual species, species guilds, and entire These efforts also considered Mt. By identifying where additional work is communities as indicators of ecological Tamalpais' extirpated plants, half of needed, One Tam is guiding future efforts health. Seven plant communities were which are moisture-loving species. Their to close information gaps. assessed, including two particularly rich disappearance has mostly likely occurred In the near term, Ms. Williams believes in rare species: serpentine barrens and due to habitat xerification as a result of the results of the health assessments point maritime chaparral. climate change. Some other potentially toward reintroducing natural disturbances It appears that both rare plant extirpated species may have shifted their such as fire and grazing, or to find ways communities are declining, and Marin ranges north and west towards the coast, to re-create these effects. More broadly, Municipal Water District Vegetation where conditions are more mesic. Others research will support ongoing efforts by One Ecologist Andrea Williams believes she may have disappeared from the above- Tam partners to take a more comprehensive knows why. “The trends for Mt. Tam’s rare ground flora due to lack of the periodic fires look at the mountain’s rare plants, and offer species are a microcosm of the trends for needed to germinate their seeds. a coordinated, interagency approach for its plants overall—some are doing well and The project also revealed several their stewardship and protection. some poorly for similar reasons, primarily a important data gaps, including the need As Marin Chapter Board Member Phyllis lack of fire, changes in soil moisture, and the for assessments of rare plant-rich seeps, Faber describes it, “What One Tam and this arrival of invasive species.” springs, and wet meadow communities. health assessment offer is the opportunity to work together to recognize the threats to rare plants and help them in their struggle to survive. It offers a huge and truly unique opportunity to improve management of the mountain.” Visit onetam.org/peak-health to learn Photograph courtesy of Jeff Bisbee more about the Mt. Tam health assessment, including the full report and an online dashboard where you can explore specific findings. T h Michelle O’Herron O'Herron & Company with Phyllis Faber Mount Tamalpais Manzanita (A. montana ssp. montana) and sargent cypress (Hesperocyparis CNPS Marin County Chapter sargentii) decorate the serpentine barrens on Mount Tamalpias. page 11 California Native Plant Society • vol 47 / No 1 January-March 2017

California Native Plant Society NONPROFIT ORG Bulletin U.S. POSTAGE 2707 K Street, Suite 1 Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 PAID A.M.S. The California Native Plant Society is a statewide, nonprofit organization of amateurs and professionals with a common interest in learning about and preserving California’s native plants and plant communities. Membership is open to all. Visit cnps.org

Printed on sustainably harvested paper containing 50% recycled and 25% post- consumer content, processed chlorine-free.

In this issue: • New Director of Marketing • Algondones Dunes • Rare Buckwheat • Botanist Certification • North Coast Garden • Gualala River • New Fremontia Editor Save the date! Next Chapter Council Meeting is • One Tam March 10-12 in Carpinteria, California

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Enjoy a copy of this beautifully written and illustrated book and start planning your 2017 plant-exploring adventures!

• Over 300 pages, arranged by ecoregion into 14 vibrant chapters • Descriptions of the key vegetation alliances and rare plant species for each region • A discussion of current threat and management concerns for each region • More than 600 photographs store.cnps.org page 12