California Native Plant Society
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This organization is composed of people passionate about protecting native plants and their habitats and promoting their use in horticulture. Each chapter has their legends about the vitality and eccentricities of their core volunteers who accomplish an incredible amount of productive and scientific work to fulfill the goals of the society. The staff (few as they are) are amazingly resourceful and attentive to the needs of their members as well as to the future of the society. Native plants, unlike wildlife, have few legal protections from destruction, but CNPS does its best to give them status, including developing and updating the comprehensive rare plant inventory that is universally used by botanists and ecologists to assess species rareity. I'm always amazed that so few active CNPS people can do so much! My one complaint is that the society is not well known by the general public.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the recent conservation conference in Sacramento, which generated so many diverse sets of data, questions on the future and next steps, and good will among the participants and others who happened to be in the building.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
concentrate on name recognition in more ethnically and age-related diverse sectors of the population
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the energy others bring to meetings that prove that the whole is greater than the individual parts. All our opinions are generally given careful thought that feed into the group decision making process within this community of mutual respect.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
outstanding and all quite unique in their interests and ways of accomplishing tasks.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
(1) donate much of this money toward conservation goals and to other non-profit groups to network more effectively in accomplishing mutual long-term or short-term tasks (2) buy a building of its own to house its diverse activities (3) hire perm. staff
Ways to make it better...
I had learned about the society much earlier in life and had not had preconceived notions about it that kept me at a distance.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
(1) financial: not having sufficient funds to accomplish its goals and (2) critical need for younger volunteers to replace aging or burned-out members in some chapters
One thing I'd also say is that...
This group works hard!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
The CNPS fills a vital role in conservation of native plants and landscapes in California. They are active in education, advocacy, research, publications, and volunteer efforts throughout the state. I have been extremely impressed by the professionalism of the staff and volunteer chapter members, as well as the feeling of all-inclusiveness and high standards to scientific inquiry that they maintain. I have been a member of other state native plant societies. CNPS is extremely active, especially in working to protect sensitive plants and habitats via education, legislation, and advocacy, including working with other advocacy groups. It is imperative to help fund their work to maintain a strong CNPS presence in the state.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
intelligent, welcoming and sharing, professional and knowledgeable, very involved and caring about native plants.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
This group gets it about having both very active, local chapters focused on local matters; and a statewide organization that works for common interests for the state. It is an effective organization in its goals of education and conservation both at the local and statewide level. It can also be a lot of fun.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Preserving vernal pool habitat in Sacramento County, and making sure that the rare plants in the state have more protection than they would with the Endangered Species Act alone.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Sharing my enjoyment of nature with others. Another thing is the breadth of things I've been able to do with CNPS--attend and lead hikes, write letters and attend council meetings about local conservation issues, and participate in native plant sales.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
expert in vegetation and botany, motivated, self-directed kind of people. Nice too.
Ways to make it better...
there was more diversity in the organization. The organization's strength is also its weakness--it seems to attract people who are already botanically/environmentally oriented instead of finding ways to inspire a wider audience to become involved.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I attended the terrific conference in Sacramento (on my own nickel) and found it well worthwhile. Much useful information, and I enjoyed the speakers Ringo and Hopper. Couldn't attend the evening banquet due to lousy public transport in Sacramento. I am a retired plant breeder, recently moved to the Big Valley (Lodi area) from the Monterey Bay. Thanks for a great conference, though a bit pricey for those of us with no sponsor. I will be working with invasive plant issues on the Mokelumne River and the Cosumnes, being a docent in the Lodi Lake Natural Area, doing water-saving workshops in our local nursery, trying to help out. Thanks for a great conference. Only comments: education outreach for native habitat gardens, through parks and schools, need to be enhanced. Count me in! Josie C can contact me any time for help in this, my services are Free! I also am a speaker for the Calif. Invasive Plant Council, and am available for any sort of visit to do the excellent powerpoint that they have provided.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the important listings of endangered plant species, the contacts with governmental agencies such as BLM, National Parks and private landowners to protect endangered spp. Organizing volunteers for weed eradication is a CRUCIAL part of the cnps, keep it going and increase if possible.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Please increase the publicity on dangers from invasives, including the wildfire issues. If we had more publicity about the vulnerability of broom and pampas to fire, perhaps folks would pay more attention.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Besides the conference, the newsletter is great. I am between chapters, geographically, so need to carefully choose what trips and events to attend.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
excellent
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Buy advertising to reduce invasive plants by informing folks of the dangers.
Ways to make it better...
The public transportation in Sacramento had been better, safety around the convention center at night was an issue, was unable to attend any evening sessions. Maybe move the keynote speaker to a daytime slot instead next time.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
many, no time no to enumerate...you know what they are
One thing I'd also say is that...
I'm looking to get more involved, but both chapters (N and S) are pretty far away. Will try to keep informed on activities and attend when possible. Ever thought of a chapter in Lodi? I know folks connected with the Lodi Lake Park who might be interested. What is involved in starting a new chapter?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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