About CNPS

“The mission of the California Native Plant Society is to increase understanding and appreciation of California's native plants and to conserve them and their natural habitats through education, science, advocacy, horticulture and land stewardship.”

Originally formed in 1965 in the east bay region, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non-profit organization of amateurs and professionals with a common interest in California's native plants. The Society, working through its local chapters and statewide programs, seeks to increase understanding of California's native flora and to preserve this rich resource for future generations. Membership is open to everyone. Our members have diverse interests including natural history, botany, ecology, conservation, photography, drawing, hiking, plant uses, land use, horticulture and gardening, and a love of California’s natural landscapes.

Local Chapters

Numerous CNPS activities are organized at the chapter level where the varied interests of local members directly influence programs and projects. Common activities include plant sales, field trips, demonstration gardens, and speaker programs. Many chapters also engage in weed eradication, conservation projects, rare plant monitoring, plant community sampling, and educational outreach. Each activity brings members together with shared goals under the CNPS mission. See the Local Chapter pages for more information.

Statewide Programs

Long term programs work both independently and interactively with chapters. These programs include rare plant science, vegetation science, conservation, land stewardship, horticulture, education, and publications. See Program/Project links at the top of the page for more information. Statewide programs are under responsibility of the Executive Director in the central Sacramento office as well as specific program directors. Additional organization administration activities are also conducted out of the Sacramento office.

Chapter Council and Board of Directors

CNPS chapters and programs send representatives to quarterly council meetings. These meetings promote communication and coordination between groups. Council meetings are often the source and final approval for CNPS policies. The Chapter Council elects its own officers as well as the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is responsible for the financial, administrative, general business, and sustainability of the Society.

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