California Native Plant Society -- Marin Chapter Meetup

Pollinator Partnership has initiated Project Wingspan: Golden State, a program with the goal to increase the supply of local native seed and plants in the Bay Area. It will be a collaboration with numerous partners and volunteers to locate native plant populations, collect seed, and multiply that seed. The resulting locally-adapted seed and native plants will be used by homeowners and land managers to create and enhance pollinator habitat.

James Hart will describe the program, explain how Pollinator Partnership will organize collection events, provide volunteer training on proper seed collection techniques, and coordinate the tracking, cleaning, and growing out of some seed as live plants. He will explain how local-ecotype native plant materials are important because of the types of pollinators they support.

Originally from Tidewater Virginia, James developed a love of plants and the outdoors during family trips to the mountains of New England. These interests led him to pursue a degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he focused on botany and forest ecology. James has worked numerous seasonal positions over the years, and after graduating he took part in two terms as an AmeriCorps member, one in the Palouse region of eastern Washington State and one in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Through his time in California, James has grown passionate about the conservation challenges that the region faces and the solutions being implemented across the landscape. When he’s not working, you can find him reading, puttering in the woodshop, or playing music.

Ring Mountain is well-known for beautiful views and stunning wildflower displays. Its serpentine grasslands are home to several rare plants including the Oakland star tulip and the Tiburon mariposa lily, which is found nowhere else. CNPS has a long history of supporting Ring Mountain and is continuing that work with a stewardship focus. Join us for the first CNPS Ring Mountain Stewardship event for a morning of hands-on work to protect native habitat. We will focus on removing non-native invasive plants, such as tocalote and false brome, on an important wildflower site across from Turtle Rock. Removing invasive plants frees space and resources for native grasses and wildflowers to thrive. After a morning of rewarding work, Amanda will lead a short plant walk to enjoy the abundant wildflowers including tidy tips, goldfields, and owl’s clover, and to see if the Tiburon mariposa lily is blooming.

During the work day we will be using hand tools to remove invasive plants, and will be kneeling and working in tall grass. This location is exposed and can be windy. Please dress comfortably for field work and bring water and snacks.

Tools provided: Hand tools, spare gloves, and some kneeling pads.

Consider bringing: Sun protection and layers. Long pants and close-toed shoes are recommended. If you have favorite gardening items you would like to bring (i.e., gloves, hori hori etc.), you are welcome to bring them if they are free of dirt and seeds. A spray bottle with rubbing alcohol will be on site to sanitize any personal gardening tools (to prevent plant pathogen introduction).

Meeting Location: Park and meet at the sign at the end of Taylor Rd. in Tiburon (dead-end street). From there we will walk together to our weeding site, which is approximately 0.3 miles with 100 feet of elevation gain (about a 10-minute walk).

Driving directions: From Hwy 101 in Corte Madera, take the Tamalpais Dr. exit east and go straight onto San Clemente, which merges into Paradise Dr. after 0.4 miles. Follow Paradise Dr. approximately 1.7 miles, turn right onto Taylor Rd, and follow to the end (dead end). Parking is available on the side of the road.

Max 15 people. Rain cancels.