Native plants in California

The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery is a unique institution located at 1552 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek, California. This outdoor botanical garden and retail nursery specializes in drought-tolerant and climate-adaptive plants suitable for the East Bay microclimate. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of cacti, succulents, California native plants, and more, all set within a beautifully designed 3.5-acre garden. As a local non-profit organization, The Ruth Bancroft Garden aims to preserve Ruth Bancroft's legacy, promote education on climate-resiliency, and conserve water-conserving plant species. Memberships offer exclusive benefits, including reciprocal access to gardens across North America.

Pioneer Memorial Park is a historic and picturesque park located at 1146 Church Street in Mountain View, California. This park serves as a memorial to the pioneers who settled in the area and played a significant role in shaping the community. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds, which feature walking paths, picnic areas, and a variety of native plants and trees. The park is also home to several historical markers and monuments that provide insight into the area's rich history. Pioneer Memorial Park is a popular tourist attraction in Mountain View, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat for visitors of all ages.

Noll Park is a beautiful green space located at 39700 Logan Drive in Fremont, California. This park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush grassy areas, shady trees, and walking paths for visitors to enjoy. Families can relax and have a picnic, children can play on the playground equipment, and nature enthusiasts can explore the native plants and wildlife. Noll Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and community gatherings, making it a beloved institution in the heart of Fremont.

Descanso Gardens is a renowned botanical garden and urban oasis located at 1418 Descanso Drive in La Cañada Flintridge, California. Visitors can explore 150 acres of cultivated gardens and natural landscapes, filled with a variety of plant life and colorful native flowers. From verdant woodlands to tranquil pathways, there are endless opportunities to connect with nature and find moments of inspiration. Whether you're looking to participate in a program or event, learn about horticulture, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the gardens, Descanso offers something for everyone. Families and individuals alike can immerse themselves in this living museum, where rich history and future preservation efforts come together to create a truly unique experience.

North Campus Open Space is a beautiful park located at Atlantic Court in Goleta, California. This serene and picturesque destination offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and stunning views, North Campus Open Space is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply enjoy the fresh air, this park is a must-visit tourist attraction in the United States.

Anisq'Oyo Park is a beautiful and serene park located at 950 Embarcadero del Mar in Goleta, California, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching in this peaceful oasis. The park is also home to a variety of native plants and wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a fun outdoor adventure, Anisq'Oyo Park is the perfect destination for visitors of all ages.

Bohnett Park is a charming neighborhood park located at 1251 San Pascual Street in Santa Barbara, California. This park is a popular tourist attraction with its large shady trees, open spaces for informal soccer games, picnic areas, and playground designed for children aged five to twelve. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of native plants and flowers throughout the park. Across the creek, facing San Andres Street, is a unique pocket park with a whimsical house theme and hidden artwork, giving the space a storybook atmosphere. Bohnett Park is the perfect place for families to spend a relaxing day outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of Santa Barbara.

Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park is a beautiful and serene institution located at 25820 Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles, California, United States. This park is not just a regular park, it is also an amusement park and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. However, floatation and remote control water craft are prohibited in Machado Lake at this time in consideration of the habitat restoration efforts. Machado Lake, located within Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park, is home to over 300 separate species of migratory birds. This lake plays a crucial role in the natural water habitat of Southern California for native animals and plants. Visitors are encouraged to come and enjoy the natural habitat, nature walks, and seasonal migratory birds.

Edible Garden is a botanical wonderland located at 900 Exposition Park Drive in Los Angeles, California. This 3.5 acre park features a diverse range of plants that attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, creating a vibrant ecosystem for visitors to explore. Designed by NHM scientists and landscape architects, the Nature Gardens were created to celebrate the Museum's 100th birthday and provide a green space for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. Visitors can wander through colorful blooms, succulent aloes, and perennial yarrow, while observing bees and hummingbirds attracted to the Marina madrone and California bluebell flowers. The California lilacs and Queen's wreath vines add beauty to the gardens and support beneficial insects. Blueberries and manzanitas provide valuable food sources for birds and mammals, while the pollinator meadow bursts with native plant blossoms.

Urban Forest is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 6711 Ellis Avenue in Huntington Beach, California. The institution recently received a generous donation from Chevron for the planting of 50 trees in Huntington Central Park. Visitors can celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the park in 2024 by helping to replace lost trees through donations. The Secret Garden within the park is now open to the public, and visitors can also enjoy the sight of Monarch Butterflies in November. The park is home to a variety of California-native plants and trees, and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain and enhance the green space. Visitors can support the Urban Forest through donations, volunteering, and shopping with Goodshop to contribute a percentage of purchases to HB Trees. The Huntington Beach Tree Society, a non-profit organization, has planted over 8,000 trees in and around the Urban Forest. Bird watchers can also enjoy observing various species in the expanding habitat of the park. For more information and to get involved, visit the Urban Forest website or contact [email protected].

Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park is a beautiful park located at 19251 Seapoint Street in Huntington Beach, California, United States. This park features a four-acre developed area with amenities such as restrooms, parking, picnic areas, playground equipment, outdoor exercise equipment, and scenic viewpoints. The park is designed to blend in with the natural environment, using native plants and sustainable materials. Additionally, there are approximately 30 acres of natural habitat with trails, a seasonal creek, and native plants. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing experience in this well-maintained park, making it a popular tourist attraction in the area.

Caroline Park is a unique park and botanical nature garden located at 320 North Poppy Road in Redlands, California. This park is a favorite among naturalists, dog walkers, picnickers, homeschoolers, walkers, and runners. The overlook terrace off Sunset Drive offers parking and a stunning 180-degree view of the surrounding mountains. While there are no restrooms or playground equipment, Caroline Park provides a one-of-a-kind park experience. Originally donated to the City of Redlands in 1929 by Olivia Phelps Stokes in memory of her sister Caroline, the park remains in its natural state as much as possible. In 1987, Dr. Harold Hill envisioned a native plant botanical park within Caroline Park, which was developed with the help of local residents, Rotary Clubs, and the City Parks Department. The park features a variety of habitats, including woodlands and Coastal Sage Scrub, a dwindling habitat in Southern California.

Rose Haven Heritage Garden is a charming park and tourist attraction nestled in the heart of Temecula, California. Located at 30592 Jedediah Smith Road, this hidden gem is a beautiful oasis where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of nature. The garden features a stunning display of roses, meticulously maintained pathways, and a variety of native plants and flowers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful place to relax, take a leisurely stroll, or simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, Rose Haven Heritage Garden is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden treasure in Temecula.

Undeveloped Park Open Space in Chula Vista, California offers a serene and natural setting for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. This park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with plenty of open space for picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, with lush greenery, native plants, and wildlife all around. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or a spot to explore and connect with nature, Undeveloped Park Open Space is the perfect destination.

La Mesa Community Garden is a vibrant park located at 5080 Memorial Drive in La Mesa, California. This institution serves as a gathering place for residents of all ages to come together and cultivate a sense of community through gardening. The garden offers individual plots for community members to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as communal areas for events and workshops. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the garden, learn about sustainable gardening practices, and connect with their neighbors in a peaceful and welcoming environment. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, La Mesa Community Garden is a place where everyone can come together to enjoy the benefits of nature and community.

The 34th Street Canyon Open Space is a serene park located in San Diego, California, United States. Nestled in a canyon, this open space offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, lush greenery, and a variety of native plants and wildlife. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or a spot to reconnect with nature, the 34th Street Canyon Open Space is the perfect destination.

Mission Valley Hillsides Open Space is a stunning park located in San Diego, California, United States. This beautiful open space offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with scenic views of the surrounding hillsides and valleys. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in this serene natural setting. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife and native plants, making it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or a challenging trail to conquer, Mission Valley Hillsides Open Space has something for everyone.

The Water Conservation Garden is a beautiful park located at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West in El Cajon, California. This institution is dedicated to promoting water conservation and sustainable landscaping practices. Visitors can explore the various exhibits and gardens that showcase drought-tolerant plants, water-wise irrigation systems, and other environmentally friendly techniques. The Water Conservation Garden is a wonderful place to learn about how we can all work together to protect our precious water resources for future generations.

The Barona Cultural Center & Museum, located at 1095 Barona Road in Lakeside, California, is a museum and tourist attraction dedicated to preserving and presenting the local Kumeyaay-Diegueño Native culture. As the first museum on an Indian reservation in San Diego County, the Barona Museum offers a unique educational experience for visitors of all ages. The museum's collection showcases thousands of years of history, with some objects dating back as far as 10,000 years, highlighting the artistry and skill of the region's first inhabitants. The institution was honored with the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, recognizing its significant contributions to the community. Admission to the museum is free, and visitors can explore exhibits, a Native Plant Garden, and products inspired by Kumeyaay people. The museum also offers various learning opportunities, including outreach programs and exhibitions from local schools.

The UC Davis Arboretum Gazebo is a charming and picturesque spot located on Garrod Drive in Davis, California. This institution is part of the larger UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, which spans over 5300 acres and includes a variety of demonstration gardens and scientific collections. The Arboretum and Public Garden aims to inspire human potential and promote environmental stewardship by providing a space for education, research, and community engagement. The institution also acknowledges the land's history as the ancestral home of the Patwin people and works to honor their heritage through various installations and initiatives.

Located at 12770 Glass Beach Drive in Rancho Cordova, California, the Labyrinth Community Park is a 7-acre neighborhood park that opened in the Fall of 2020. It provides a peaceful green space for residents of the Sequoia at Cypress neighborhood to relax and unwind. This park offers various amenities, including a zipline play equipment, a children's demonstration garden, and a labyrinth - one of the region's only ones. With meandering pathways, native plants, and a multi-use turf area, the park is the perfect place to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors. To reserve a space at the park, visitors can complete a reservation request online and pay the required fees. For more information, contact the park at 916-842-3300 or inquire about rentals at 916-369-9844.

Clipper Community Garden, located at 855 Clipper Terrace in San Francisco, California, is a beautiful park managed by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRPD). This community garden is part of a network of 42 gardens across the city where volunteers can grow their own produce and ornamental plants. At Clipper Community Garden, individuals can participate by requesting an individual plot through a wait-list system. These plots are allotted to individuals, with some common areas for shared perennial herbs, native plants, and fruit trees. The garden may have regularly scheduled workdays, self-imposed annual dues, and a volunteer garden coordinator or steering committee to manage membership and plot assignments.

Newbury Gateway Park, located at 2250 Michael Drive in Thousand Oaks, California, is a beautiful seven-acre park that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park, which was acquired in 1984, features native plants, including an oak grove and two dedicated oak trees near the entrance, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. In 1999, four acres of the park were developed into a neighborhood park with funding from a cooperative agreement with the City of Thousand Oaks. In 2011, CRPD entered into easements with the city for the construction of an infiltration swale, which helps capture and filter storm water to prevent flooding at Newbury Road and Michael Drive.

The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a park located at 1080 Gunpowder Point Drive in Chula Vista, California. This refuge consists of two distinct areas where visitors can enjoy the beauty of San Diego Bay's wildlife, connected by the Bayshore Bikeway. Accessing the refuge is easy, whether you choose to ride your bike, take the bus, or drive. Limited access is available at the Sweetwater Marsh Unit, where visitors can catch a free shuttle from the Living Coast Discovery Center to access refuge trails. The Refuge protects a diverse range of endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species and their habitats within a highly urbanized coastal environment. Monthly tours are available to the public, as well as winter tours led by the San Diego Audubon Society. Habitat management techniques are used to maintain, recover, or enhance plant and wildlife values within the Refuge.

Located at 1020 Ranch Road in Loleta, California, the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning park and tourist attraction that showcases some of the most beautiful and biologically diverse coastal habitats in the world. The refuge utilizes a variety of land management tools based on the best available science to ensure a balanced conservation approach that benefits both wildlife and people. Management activities at the refuge focus on research, monitoring, and protection of wildlife, as well as the maintenance of a natural and functioning ecosystem. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service collaborates with tribes, other agencies, and the public to ensure the long-term health and viability of native plant and animal populations.

Sue-meg State Park, located at 4150 Patricks Point Drive in Trinidad, California, is a must-visit tourist attraction on the north coast. This one-square-mile park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hunting for agates to exploring tidepools and watching seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. The park is densely packed with potential adventures, including a visitor center, native plant garden, and a reconstructed Yurok plank-house village. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance, with a maximum stay limit of 15 days per calendar year. Dogs are not allowed on the trails, except for service animals. For those interested in staying informed about events in north coast parks, the North Coast Redwoods Facebook and Instagram pages are great resources.

The Fort Ord National Monument, located in Marina, California, is a park and tourist attraction with a rich history, diverse habitat, and bountiful recreation opportunities. With over 86 miles of trails, visitors can hike, bike, or ride horses through rolling hills, chaparral, and oak woodlands. The area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including streamside corridors, grasslands, and oak woodlands. The monument holds significance as a former U.S. Army facility from 1917-1994, serving as a major training center and deployment staging ground during the Vietnam War. Today, it remains undeveloped, offering a glimpse into the heroism and dedication of the men and women who served our nation.

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, located at 1212 Mission Canyon Road in Santa Barbara, California, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction. The garden features a variety of native plants and exhibits, including the 'Arriving Home' exhibit which evokes feelings of comfort and belonging. One interesting plant you may come across at the garden is the Dudleya, also known as liveforevers, a genus of about 65 species and subspecies in the stonecrop family. Visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature in a serene and peaceful setting.

Redwood Grove Nature Preserve is a serene park located at 482 University Avenue in Los Altos, California. This hidden gem is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature. The preserve is home to towering redwood trees, tranquil walking paths, and a variety of native plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush forest, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the soothing sounds of nature. Whether you're looking for a relaxing retreat or a scenic spot for a picnic, Redwood Grove Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Rocky Oaks Park is a hidden gem nestled among the hustle and bustle of modern life in Malibu, California. This tranquil park features a seasonal pond and a variety of plant communities that provide a habitat for local wildlife. Take a leisurely hike along the loop trails and enjoy picturesque views of the pond, once used as a watering hole for cattle but now a vital water source for native animals such as rabbits, coyotes, and deer. Plants like tule, cattail, and willow flourish in and around the pond, while water birds like buffleheads and mallards gracefully glide across the water. The park serves as a rest stop and commuting area for animals traveling between habitats in the Santa Monica Mountains.