Environmental News

A curated set of environmental news stories brought to you by the Gottlieb Native Garden team.

A “Californian” Yard to Help Pollinators

Using California native plants in landscaping can help pollinators and save water

Native plants from the Golden State that wildlife love

A series of plant sales coming up feature native varieties that don’t need a lot of water or fuss and that provide food and cover for birds, insects and other wildlife.

The uncertain future for California plants only found in one spot in the world

A feeling of peace and rugged beauty is inherent to the southern California desert, especially Joshua Tree National Park. Fortunately, the land and species within Joshua Tree enjoy federal protection, meaning they are safe from development and any extractive practices.

Incorporating Native American Plants into Landscape

When the Gorman Museum of Native American Art relocated to a space adjacent to the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden in 2023, a seed was planted. Why not include Indigenous California plants outside the museum?

Plants for Birds

Bring more birds to your home with native plants

The race is on to stop a tiny pest from killing Southern California’s native oak trees

The race is on to stop a tiny pest from killing Southern California’s native oak trees

An inexpensive fix for California’s struggling wildflowers

Rake dead grass to increase flower power.

4-H students work with local company to repopulate native species

A six-acre plot of land in Cameron Parish sat empty, shelly and unused. It is surrounded by the Mermentau River and contains the same fertile soil that supports rice farms surrounding the area. But on this bare plot of land at the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana 4-H members have begun the process to transform it into the Cajun prairie land it once was.

Monarch butterflies in California

Many know about the famous monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Michoacán and México, which give refuge to millions of monarch butterflies each year in their fir tree forests, but did you know a different population of monarch, the western monarch, overwinters right here on the California coast? 

Master Gardener: California native plants as holiday tree alternatives

As the holiday season approaches, many look for Christmas trees. But maybe there’s an alternative.