Responding to the Unimaginable
An update to help you sort through the overwhelm of federal actions--and act.
CNPS Willis Linn Jepson
Get involved!
Representing Solano County
The California Native Plant Society is working to protect California’s native plants and habitats, today, tomorrow, and into the future. The Willis Linn Jepson (WLJ) Chapter represents members of the Society residing in Solano County. Whether you’re a gardener, a student, or a passionate advocate for nature, the WLJ Chapter has something for you. Learn more about this chapter and how to get involved. All are welcome!
Chapter Activities
Field Trips
Hailing from a county rich in native plant habitat, our small chapter focuses on Spring hikes that showcase Solano County’s botanical treasures across select locations.
Join us for occasional guided outings and explore nearby activities with CNPS Napa Valley and East Bay Chapters.
Chapter Programs
The WLJ Chapter hosts occasional native plant talks. We encourage members to explore diverse programs by nearby CNPS Chapters and the Sonoma Center for Environmental Inquiry.
Interested in presenting? Email us at contact@jepson.cnps.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
WLJ Chapter volunteers operate a Vallejo nursery to cultivate native plants for sales and conservation every Monday and Thursday, 10-12. Contact Barbara to learn more!
Volunteers also collect acorns and grow oaks at the nursery for our ReOak Solano Program, and helps the Solano Resource Conservation District with native habitat projects.
Local Plant List
Solano County harbors over 660 California native plant species thriving across eight distinct communities: alkali sink, chaparral, coastal prairie, coastal sage scrub, coastal salt marsh, foothill woodland, freshwater marsh, and valley grassland. Explore our plant list here.
Recommended Outings
Enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of the valley. Our list of recommended outings includes everything from easy strolls to challenging hikes:
Native Plant Gardening
The WLJ Chapter grows native plants suitable for Solano County gardens at its nursery in Vallejo, which are available for purchase at our semi-annual plant sales. Find CNPS guidance on native plant gardening here. Access sample planting plans and plant recommendations from our experienced chapter members in the Native Plant Landscaping Guide for Solano County. Click here for additional native plant suggestions for Solano County gardens.
About Our Chapter
Our chaper is named after Willis Linn Jepson, California’s most distinguished early botanist born near Vacaville. Co-founding the Sierra Club and authoring influential books like A Flora of California, his legacy endures through the Jepson Herbarium and the Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California.
Our chapter is also home of Jepson Prairie, one of the few remaining vernal pool habitats and native bunchgrass prairies in California. Located 10 miles south of Dixon, this rare habitat still remains despite agriculture development that has converted much of the grasslands of the Central Valley.
Meet Our Local Leaders
We currently have vacancies on our Board of Directors. Apply now by sending an email to contact@jepson.cnps.org.
Chapter Newsletter
Annual Activities Report
Each year, the Board of Directors submits an report to the State office describing accomplishments, administrative issues and other activities. Click here for the most recent Annual Activities Report.
Conservation
Conservation work is our highest priority. We have joined Solano Together to defeat the California Forever project and direct growth to our cities. Through ReOak Solano County and partnerships with others, we support restoration of native plant habitats. We participate on the CNPS Healthy Nurseries & Habitat Committee to help stop the spread of plant pathogens like Sudden Oak Death to our open spaces.
CNPS news across the state
-
-
Into the Wild: An Interview with Meghan Hertel
Meghan Hertel makes an immediate impact for biodiversity in her new role as director of California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife -
A Rare Plant Revelation in Central California
How CNPS botanists identified a rare plant bonanza in San Luis Obispo County
