Why is Conservation Important to CNPS?

• California is a worldwide recognized biodiversity hotspot.
• Less than 10% of our original coastal sage scrub land and less than 1% of native grassland remain intact.
• One third of our native plants are identified as rare, endangered, or threatened.
• Native plants generally support many times as many species of native wildlife as non-native plants.
• Minimally disturbed natural vegetated areas provide water purification, air cleansing, erosion control, carbon storage, moderate recreation, genetic diversity, pollinator homes, wildlife habitat, and beautiful scenery.
• Development without appropriate regional conservation planning is fragmenting our ecosystems. Habitats in the small remaining isolated land areas may not survive natural and manmade disturbances. How will plants and animals move as global climate changes affect California?