Finding the right native plants | The Real Dirt
he Native Plant Finder website is a collaboration between the National Wildlife Federation and the U.S. Forest Service, and is based on the work of Doug Tallamy, noted entomologist and ecologist at the University of Delaware.
Go native
California is home to over 6,000 native plant species that thrive in local climates, require minimal water and support birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. These native plants existed in the state before European colonization and are adapted to California’s diverse climates, soils and ecosystems.
See California Native Plant Garden in Sacramento that was Fined by City
Nicole Brodeur, who designed a California native plants garden in 2024 for home owner Marc Dantona in Sacramento, talks about the benefits on Aug. 11, 2026.
Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and California Botanic Garden Announce Memorandum of Understanding
The signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in deepening the relationship between the Tribe and CalBG. Through this agreement, both organizations reaffirm their shared dedication to preserving native flora, supporting Indigenous plant wisdom, and fostering education and community engagement that honors the ecological and cultural heritage of the region.
Caltrans helps to ensure future of iconic butterflies
As thousands of western monarch butterflies return this fall to their overwintering sites along the central coast and other coastal locations of California, Caltrans and partner agencies are working to protect their migration and habitats, which are increasingly stressed by urban growth.
Cal State LA study confirms native plants boost urban pollinators
Outdoor areas surrounding houses and housing complexes that have California native plants support four times more pollinators than conventionally landscaped yards, according to a recent study led by a Cal State Los Angeles graduate.
Let’s Get to Know California Buckwheat!
If you’ve ever driven through Southern California in late summer, you probably are familiar with the rolling, brown hills that cover the landscape, typical of the coastal sage scrub plant community.
Girl Scout Gold Award Project adds biodiverse beauty to Prospect Hill
In response to the loss of native plants and pollinators worldwide, a Waltham Girl Scout installed a native plant garden at the Prospect Hill overlook as part of her Gold Award project.
Cal State LA study finds native plants boost urban pollinators
Residential yards landscaped with California native plants support four times more pollinators than conventionally landscaped yards, according to a new study led by Cal State LA alumna Esmeralda Reyes.
NEW COMPOST HUB IN SAN JOSÉ WILL PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH FREE COMPOST, MULCH FOR HOME GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING
Residential yard trimmings and food scraps collected by the City’s contracted hauler, GreenWaste Recovery, are processed into high-quality compost and mulch. Residents can pick up these materials at no cost at our brand-new self-service compost hub. Compost can be used for home gardening and landscaping projects.