About Us

Beach Evening Primrose
Camissonia cheiranthifolia var. suffruticosa

Originally formed in 1965 in the East Bay region, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non-profit organization of amateurs and professionals with a common interest in California’s native plants. The Society, working through its local chapters and statewide programs, seeks to increase citizen understanding of California’s native flora and the impact of native plants on the state’s ecosystems, including home gardens.

Membership is open to everyone.

The South Coast Chapter (SCCNPS), founded in 1982, is one of 35 chapters.

The chapter is governed by a Board elected by the chapter membership and operates under bylaws adopted in 2012. (To download a copy of the bylaws, click here.) The Board consists of an Executive Board (president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary), and various program chairs, such as conservation, horticulture, membership, outreach, plant sale, programs, publicity, and rare plants.

In addition to a history of advocacy for conservation and restoration of open space, our chapter has a strong horticultural emphasis. We sponsor an annual fall plant sale, monthly public programs about native plants and related subjects, and an annual Spring Garden Tour, all described and announced on our website. We maintain a native plant garden at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. (RPV). Members may engage in weed eradication, rare plant monitoring, seed collection, plant community sampling, community outreach and other chapter programs.

In light of the persistent drought conditions faced by the whole state, the CNPS mission and activities are more important than ever, emphasizing as they do water conservation, erosion control and habitat formation.

Vision

We work toward a world where all people understand the interconnectedness between all things and live in harmony with the natural world, and toward a California where people can see and experience native plants in many environments and habitats.

Conze Bequest

The chapter received a bequest of $392,000 from the Vincent Conze Living Trust on March 5, 2009, in support of “native plant garden projects.” Following more than a year of in-depth discussions, the Board developed the Conze Grant Program. Using detailed criteria to evaluate funding requests, the Board has reviewed 14 grant proposals and awarded 15 since November 2010. For more information about the bequest or to apply for a grant, click here. The Conze Grant Program also supports a part-time project coordinator at PVIC for garden maintenance, volunteer recruitment, and education. The position is jointly funded by SCCNPS and PVIC.

CHAPTER BOUNDARIES

Our chapter encompasses South Los Angeles County, ranging from LAX in the north, Long Beach in the south, and to Whittier in the east. We have members in more than 30 cities.

CHAPTER DIRECTORS & CHAIRS

Vacant | Membership Chair

Vacant | Publicity Chair

OTHER SUPPORT