Vegetation Program
Growing our understanding of California’s plant communities

We don’t save individual plant species in isolation. Plants belong to communities, playing foundational roles in our ecosystems. Our understanding of those relationships are critical to both conservation and science. The CNPS Vegetation Program has established a vegetation classification system that has become the standard for interpreting statewide vegetation patterns and for initiating local and regional ecological assessments. Today, the program continues to expand this knowledge to inform conservation and land-use planning amidst today’s critical decisions. Read on to learn more.
Manual of California Vegetation (MCV)
The MCV is California’s definitive system for describing vegetation statewide. It uses a principal unit called an “Alliance” (or series), which is a floristically defined vegetation type identified by its dominant and/or characteristic species. Learn more about the MCV or access the current online edition here.
Areas of Service

Sensitive Natural Communities
CNPS is developing tools and training to identify and protect sensitive vegetation types as key units of biodiversity.
Veg Mapping & Monitoring
From grasslands to conifer forests, we’re working to quantifiably capture California’s plant communities and their changes over time.
Reports
Classification and mapping reports for rare plant communities and places, created in partnership with state, federal, and local partners.
Field Updates
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In order to restore native ecosystems that are resilient against climate chaos, many Indigenous practitioners continue to utilize Traditional Cultural Practices such as cultural burning.
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In The Field: Vegetation Mapping in the Klamath Mountains
The Klamath Mountains contain some of the most exceptional temperate plant communities in North America. Representative plants from the Cascades, North Coast Range, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin all call the Klamath Mountains home. -
Exploring the Kern River Watershed
We looked for rare plants, camped, hiked, went birdwatching, and found fire followers coming up in the French Fire burn area.