As summer’s heat fades with the arrival of cooler days (and even some rain), the Conservancy is busily preparing for planting season! During this exciting time, meticulous planning efforts and preparations literally take root in fresh plantings that will soon become new homes to native wildlife. This winter, staff and volunteers will plant 26,500 native shrubs and wildflowers, all started as seeds in our own native plant nursery.
We will plant 10,000 native plants at Alta Vicente Reserve (bordering Palos Verdes Drive South in the terrace below RPV City Hall) on five additional acres and continue caring for previously restored areas in the Portuguese Bend Reserve. Beginning in January, Outdoor Volunteer Days will welcome people to join the planting effort while enjoying an ocean view and a good chance of whale sightings. Both areas increase available plants for use by rare cactus wren and threatened California gnatcatchers.
With student volunteers for the Adopt-a-Plot program, the Conservancy will continue to support the recovery of endangered Palos Verdes blue butterfly. We invite individuals, families and groups to adopt a piece of land and help plant and maintain native locoweed and deerweed, the butterfly’s vitally important host plants. In San Pedro this fall, volunteers, interns, garden apprentices and docents will plant trees and native shrubs in White Point Nature Preserve’s demonstration garden. Thanks to generous support from the Harbor Community Benefit Foundation and the California Native Plant Society, we will continue to offer enriching public programs that engage the community in the beautification and care of this preserve.
Support native wildlife and conserve water by planting endemic species around your home garden. Several fragrant and showy native plant species are available for sale the fourth Saturday of each month, from noon to 2 p.m. at White Point Nature Center. Naturalists and docents are always available to answer questions and provide tips on selection and planting.