The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a species of jewel beetle native to Northeast Asia that spread to North America in 2002 and has become a widespread concern for California and the Pacific Northwest, as these non-native beetles have an insatiable appetite for ash trees (Fraxinus), as their common name suggests. EAB have the potential…
Non-native turfgrass lawns may be widely planted in southern California, but they simply do not belong here. To many people these ubiquitous green carpets of grass seem inoffensive, even desirable. But after years of droughts, fires, and mudslides, many Californians are beginning to understand that it’s past time for us to rethink their presence here.…
In the fall of 2023, the Garden started a habitat creation, experimental science, and community-building project on the mesa at Elings Park, a collective effort only made possible with the help of volunteers and Channel Islands Restoration. Now, with a year of effort and growth behind us, we wanted to share some early findings and…
A forest of black oak, incense cedar, and Jeffrey pine provides shade and fills the air with a woodsy scent on the hike up the mountain. Near the top, these tall trees are replaced by low chaparral shrubs and forbs, which are likely providing forage for black bears and other animals. These were observations that…
Learn all about native plants and explore the Garden. Sign up for our newsletter.
Donate