Field Update: Santa Susana Mountains
CNPS sampled 30+ plant alliances in the Santa Susana Mountains, progress on classifying vegetation with the first fine-scale map of local plant communities.
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 Focus
Rare Plant Communities
CNPS is developing tools and training to identify and protect rare vegetation types as key units of biodiversity.
Veg Mapping & Monitoring
From grasslands to conifer forests, we’re working to quanifiably capture California’s plant communities and their changes over time.
Veg Training & Resources
The websites, forms, and information we use and share to improve vegetation plant science.
Field Updates
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Bigcone Douglas-Fir
CNPS worked with USFS to complete field studies to assess the extent & status of the California endemic bigcone Douglas-fir in the Angeles National Forest. -
Important Plant Areas Mapping
CNPS provides verifiable botanical data used every day in local, regional, and statewide planning for conservation and development around the state.
