California Native Plant Society
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a California not-for-profit organization that seeks to increase understanding of California's native flora and to preserve that flora. The CNPS was formed in 1965 in the East Bay. There are currently 33 chapters and several sub chapters covering the entire state. The organization works largely through the various chapters, although there is a state board. Chapters select particular agendas for their area based on the interests and expertise of members. Chapters conduct regular field trips and are involved in advocacy and conservation of sensitive areas and rare plants in their regions. Members range from amateur plant enthusiasts and gardeners, to professional botanists and horticulturists, alongside naturalists, hikers, and nature photographers.
The CNPS developed the Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California with the guidance of botanist and evolutionary biologist G. Ledyard Stebbins. The Inventory is still published and used by the State and Federal government for conservation planning.
