with Christopher McDonald, PhD., Natural Resources Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties.
California is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, with Southern California being particularly diverse. Southern California has a unique climate pattern, topographic and geologic diversity which all contribute to create a wonderful place to call home. Native plants form the base of the food web in our wildlands and are essential to many species of wildlife, yet our traditional suburban landscapes are dominated by non-native plants that offer little benefit to wildlife. When land managers and homeowners learn some of the causes of species diversity they can view the world through the eyes of a native pollinator, or a bird, and adapt their landscapes to increase the amount of native wildlife that visit their yard. Through the increased use of a variety of native plants, and by providing food, water and shelter, we can create backyard habitats for small species of wildlife that can enrich our yards and our lives.
Dr. McDonald has been working on vegetation management research for over 15 years. His research focuses on reducing and managing invasive plants, including highly invasive and novel species, as well as restoring native plants after weed removal among other wide-ranging interests.
6:30pm-7pm: NATIVES FOR NOVICES
My Favorite Native Plant
with Judie Lincer, Susan Lewitt & Diana Stockdale
7:00pm-7:30pm: A time for discussion, camaraderie, visiting, and enjoying the sales table.
7:30pm: FEATURED PRESENTATION