Environmental News

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

Botany Alumna Finds Passion in Search for California Wildflowers

In her role as a botanist with the California Botanic Garden, Fraga has researched countless varieties of plants and even discovered a rare wildflower.

UCLA becomes first California campus awarded a Green Grounds Certification

UCLA is rooted in keeping its grounds green and healthy

Examining the Environmental Impacts of the LA Fires

Urban fires cause more damage to the environment than fires in the wilderness because of the toxins created by the burning of all sorts of toxic materials, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into both air and water.

What trees survived in our terrible fires? And why didn’t they burn?

Certain trees survived, according to Cal Fire, because they have a natural adaptation to withstand fire, such as thick bark, a shape that sheds embers and higher moisture content than the structures that caught fire. “While trees may still be singed, they are often less flammable than structures,” according to the post.

New study reveals remarkable impact of simple gardening tool on the California landscape: ‘It’s a promising step’

“It’s a simple, low-cost method that could be a first step for restoring these systems.”

Shrubs, plants burned in LA area may be gone forever, Northeastern ecologist says

Northeastern University plant ecologist Sarah Swope says the dense thickets of native chaparral that grew along the coastline may never grow back.

Noxious weeds on Pine Hill Preserve — an area of critical environmental concern

In the county’s Pine Hill Preserve, numerous such weeds have taken hold. After the chapter’s general meeting, Landon Eldredge with the Bureau of Land Management will discuss the ongoing work to ban the noxious plants.

 

How Invasive Plants Are Fueling California’s Wildfire Crisis

Non-native grasses and eucalyptus trees were brought to California centuries ago for agriculture and landscaping, but they’ve changed the state’s natural fire dynamics.

The Garden Chronicles of 2024

2024 was a year of heightened interest and growth at the Tule River Parkway California Native Plant Gard

Innovative System Measures Fog That Beloved Plants Need to Thrive

Fog is a critical but mysterious water source for native plants during hot, dry summers at Cabrillo National Monument. Researchers used new technology to uncover the park’s fog patterns, showing the best places to restore damaged habitat.