Conservation

Protecting California’s unparalleled plant biodiversity

Carrizo Plain. Credit John Cubit.

Support Conservation!

California is a global treasure because of its native plants. No other state in the nation has as many species, and of those a third can’t be found anywhere else in the world! That’s why we’re fighting to preserve California’s native plants and places before it’s too late. The Conservation Program at CNPS advocates for maximum legal protection and science-based, ecologically sound land-management. Join us and support our conservation efforts today!

Saving What Matters Most

CNPS is leading an ambitious effort to create California’s first conservation index for plants. Region by region we’re pulling together the experts and data needed to protect vital species and places for generations to come. See what’s happening near you!

IMPORTANT PLANT AREAS

Hot Topics

Joshua tree with Spanish bayonet
Mojave National Preserve. Credit: Julie Evens

Desert lands

California’s deserts are under attack. Here’s what we’re doing to defend them.

Joshua tree with Spanish bayonet
Credit: Stock

Planning

CNPS is actively participating in regional conservation and development plans, giving voice to native plants.

Climate change

Our plants are already showing us the impacts — and potential adaptions — of a changing climate. What lessons can we learn?

Abies concolor Pinus lambertiana
Abies concolor Pinus lambertiana Calaveras Co 09 09 02

Forests

A new round of forest management plans provides another opportunity to revisit forest health and needed actions.

Hi intensity fire
Hi intensity fire. Credit Wendy Trowbridge.

Fire

Wildfire is part of life in California. Doing the right thing is both complex and nuanced.

Other issues 

We’re tracking a number of ongoing and emerging issues statewide. See the latest round-up.

Act Locally!

Advocacy

Help us make a difference.

ACTIONS

Local efforts

Your CNPS chapter is a great way to get involved.

LOCAL CHAPTERS

Join us!

Becoming a member is the best way to have a lasting impact.

JOIN CNPS
Conservation policies,<br />
statements & guidelines

Conservation policies,
statements & guidelines

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Credit Kristen Hehnke.

Oaks in Winter Mist
Oaks in Winter Mist. Credit Ger Erickson,