Tahoe & Sierra Valley Chapter
Get involved!
Representing Alpine, Sierra, and eastern Placer, El Dorado, and Nevada counties

The California Native Plant Society is working to protect California’s native plants and habitats, today, tomorrow, and into the future. Whether you’re a gardener, a student, or a passionate advocate for nature, the CNPS Tahoe & Sierra Valley Chapter has something for you. Our CNPS members love to spend their time wandering the Sierra Mountains, and while our focus is mainly native plants, we really enjoy almost everything about the outdoors. So, if you love the majesty of our tallest trees or the delicate beauty of our mosses and lichens, let us know. We will be happy to share our joy of nature with you!
Chapter Activities
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many volunteer opportunities available with CNPS or our partners ranging from helping with events to garden and trail maintenance. Contact us at Tahoe@cnps.org for more information.
Local Plant List
Did you know that our chapter is home to more than 2,000 species, subspecies, and varietals of plants? Botanical wonders surround us. Learn about the plants near you and how to identify them. See our printable list or download the sortable version.
Recommended Outings
Enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of the area. Our list of recommended outings includes everything from easy strolls to challenging hikes. You’ll be amazed at what you can find close to home! See our recommendations.
Upcoming Events
About Our Chapter
The Tahoe & Sierra Valley Chapter is an intersection of several ecosystems that contribute a large number of native plants for all to enjoy. In our area, we’re proud to be the home of special plants like sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), mountain pride (Penstemon newberryi), and Tahoe yellowcress (Rorippa subumbellata). But those plants and the habitat surrounding them face increasing pressure from development, drought, and wildfire. We’re everyday community members working together to protect our native plants and vital habitat, so that all residents and visitors can enjoy them for generations to come.
Meet Our Local Leaders

Brett Hall
Tahoe & Sierra Valley Chapter President

Jeannette Halderman
Tahoe & Sierra Valley Secretary

Jaime Ratchford
Tahoe & Sierra Valley Chapter Treasurer
Contact us at Tahoe@cnps.org.
Chapter Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter for the latest on the chapter plant sale, recent field trips, and our conservation priority!
CNPS news across the state
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From local grassroots to the US Capitol, the work continues to expand Berryessa National Monument and permanently protect Molok Luyuk.
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Spotted Coralroot Orchid in the Western Transverse Ranges?
A CNPS chapter field trip yields an intriguing new discovery—the presence of spotted coralroot orchid (Corallorhiza maculata) in a new place! -
AB 1573 Reaches a Stopping Point
The bill would have created CA's first native plant requirement and signaled the importance of supporting biodiversity through landscaping.