The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) was founded in 1965 by grassroots activists and botanists, who organized the society with the mission to protect the native plant species of California, after saving an important native plant garden in Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park.

Plant Sale:

Each April, CNPS Marin puts together a fun and informative week-long series of events to invite the public to learn about the plants that are native to Marin. These events are family friendly and a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the early days of spring. This year, Native Plant Week events begin on Saturday, April 14th with the Marin CNPS native plant sale at the Falkirk Center in San Rafael, from 9am – 1pm. The spring plant sale focuses on spring and summer flowering plants. If you are looking to add color, beauty, and pollinators to your garden, come to the plant sale and talk with one of many local plant experts to learn what plants to add to your garden.

Weekly Events:

California Native Plant Week April 14-22,2018

CNPS Native Plant Week events.

April is a great month to view wildflowers! There are many opportunities throughout native plant week to hike with local botanists and learn all about native plants in beautiful settings such as Mt. Burdell, Chimney Rock, and Gary Giacomini preserve. Also, a class on plant pressing will be taught, and a pollinator ecologist will teach about the bees commonly found in our gardens.

Douglas Iris (Iris douglasii), near Chimney Rock

Photo: Douglas Iris (Iris douglasii), near Chimney Rock

Celebrate Earth Day at Samuel P. Taylor State Park:

Native Plant Week will close with an Earth Day Celebration, held on Saturday, April 21st from 9:30am to 1pm at Samuel P. Taylor State Park, offering visitors a chance to relax and connect with nature. Many local organizations including SPAWN, Greenplay Marin, Samuel P. Taylor State Park,  and Marin CNPS are collaborating to offer a morning packed with educational plant walks, watershed talks, and nature and craft activities for children. Nancy Hanson, a long-time SPAWN nursery volunteer and leader of the Zen of Weeding group at Samuel P. Taylor, will also lead an invasive plant removal activity.

Earth Day at Samuel P. Taylor 2017, photo taken by CNPS Marin

Photo: Earth Day at Samuel P. Taylor 2017, photo taken by CNPS Marin

Last year’s Earth Day celebration was a big success! This year, the event will be held near the entrance to the park, at the Azalea campground. Snacks, beverages, and all tools and gloves needed for weeding activities will be provided. Please bring a picnic lunch.  Note that there is an $8 parking fee. Please email audrey@tirn.net and/or preston@tirn.net if you have any questions about the Earth Day Celebration.