The Salton Sea is California’s most imperiled lake. Can a new conservancy turn back the tide?
A new conservancy will oversee work to improve vegetation, water quality and natural habitat in the Salton Sea. Will nearly half a billion dollars in projects be enough?
Santa Monica Beach Dune Project Shows Promise For Coastal Resilience
Nine years ago, UC Santa Barbara researchers and collaborators faced an intriguing question: Could an urban sandy beach—typically groomed flat and stripped of vegetation—be restored with minimal intervention?
California to hold public meeting Monday on planned Joshua tree fees
In its current form, the plan requires property owners and agencies to pay mitigation fees when removing western Joshua trees or doing trenching or other work near one of the protected trees.
This small tweak to California parks could help prevent fires
Landscape architecture studio Terremoto is battling invasive species, fire threats, and underfunded parks departments with a new approach to ecological restoration.
Here’s an easy way you can help California native wildflowers thrive
A new study from researchers at UC Riverside found that raking away thatch — a tan layer of dead plant debris produced by invasive plants like grasses — can be an effective way to increase biodiversity of native plants.
Waiting for wildflowers? Here’s the forecast for Southern California’s iconic blooms
Wildflowers usually start blooming in March in Southern California, but a dry winter means we’re unlikely to see large swaths of poppies and other native annuals in 2025.
GROWING NATIVE 2025: REDEFINING LANDSCAPES AND SAVING WATER
In the face of growing water scarcity and climate change, transforming our landscapes can be a game-changer. Valley Water is proud to support the Growing Native Garden Tour 2025, an initiative that highlights yards transformed with California native plants. Residents are invited to register for the tour to explore inspiring landscapes and learn about sustainable gardening practices.
What it takes to regrow a community after wildfire
As it recovers, Altadena finds inspiration in other wildfire-devastated communities that have replanted lawns, gardens, and green spaces with fire-resistant native species.
New manzanita species discovered in California, already at risk
A new species of manzanita—a native California shrub famous for its twisted branches and wildfire resilience—has been discovered on the central coast, but its survival is already threatened by urban development that could destroy much of its fragile population.
California’s native plants find refuge at Los Medanos College nature preserve
Amidst the sprawling landscape of Los Medanos College, a 2-acre gem thrives with life, rooted in its mission to preserve California’s native plants and provide a sanctuary for students.