Conservation
Protecting California’s unparalleled plant biodiversity

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!
Hot Topics

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

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?

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

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.