California Native Plant Society – Riverside/San Bernardino Chapter Newsletter

The Encelia

President’s Message

 

It’s Planting Time, and Local Conservation Needs You!

 

Fall is a wonderful time of year. In arid Southern California, instead of plans for harvest, native plant lovers turn our thoughts to planting and new ways to showcase native plants in our landscapes. Our fall events are aimed at helping you learn more about how to go native in your garden. Join us at the October meeting as several of our local experts share their tips on all aspects of native gardening. And don’t miss our second annual plant sale on November 13. Growing native plants in our gardens and landscapes is growing in popularity, fueled by concerns over water usage, by the recognition that native gardens are low maintenance, and by the simple truth that these landscapes are beautiful, and great for wildlife and for you! Let us know if you need ideas, suggestions, or help bringing natives to your garden.

 

Get involved in our Conservation Committee. As a lifelong native, mostly Southern, Californian, I have watched the loss of our native wildlands. Houses marched into former childhood haunts in the foothills of the San Gabriels, open spaces in Orange County became new cities, and for some years the “fastest growing” title has hovered over the inland empire of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the Coachella Valley. This rampant growth requires continued vigilance and our chapter has been blessed to have Alison Shilling as our conservation chair; her tireless efforts have helped stem the tide of loss of our native flora. For personal reasons Alison is not able to continue as conservation chair. If you would like to get involved, we need a conservation chair (or sign up a friend and we’ll have co-chairs!) or conservation committee members. If you are interested, please contact me, Katie Barrows (kate.cnb@verizon.net or (760) 564-2413).

 

Riverside/San Bernardino Chapter

California Native Plant Society

 

Chapter Contacts

 

President: Katie Barrows (760)564-2413 or

kate.cnb@verizon.net

 

Co-Treasurers: Susan Jett and Michael Duval (909)625-8767 x 246 or Susan.Jett@cgu.edu &  m_l_duval@hotmail.com

 

Newsletter & Membership: Nancy Rutherford (909)986-8004) or njrutherford@surfside.net

 

Education, Public Outreach & Programs: Lorrae Fuentes (909)625-8767 x 243 or

lorrae.fuentes@cgu.edu

 

Conservation: Alison Shilling (909)789-1304 or

abshilling@mindspring.com

 

Rare Plant Coordinator: Fred Roberts

(760)439-6244 or antshrike@earthlink.net

 

Committees and Special Activities

 

RSB Chapter WebMaster & Plant Photography Representative: Rolf Muertter 951-686-1193,

rolf@dslextreme.com

www.rolfmuertter.com/cnps.html

 

Chapter Contact: Sheila McMahon, 951-683-8850

Conservation Help Needed

 

I have been filling the duties of conservation chair for our chapter for several years, but, owing to my health and family circumstances, find myself unable to continue. I can still in all likelihood assist – in particular, I will try to go on attending the meetings of several committees that are underway – but I need to gradually pass the baton on to someone else.

 

The volunteer does not need to be an expert – I myself knew so little about the subject when I started that I did not realize how ignorant I was! It would help to either be retired or to have flexible work hours, since meetings are often in the daytime. A tolerance for bureaucratic nonsense and a willingness to hit your head against brick walls (since very occasionally they are ready to give a little, if not crumble) are also useful attributes.

 

Please contact me, Alison Shilling, (951) 789-1304,

abshilling@mindspring.com, or Katie Barrows, or any member of the chapter board.