{"id":1572,"date":"2024-02-10T17:23:32","date_gmt":"2024-02-11T01:23:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chapters.cnps.org\/bristlecone\/?page_id=1572"},"modified":"2025-09-19T18:29:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T01:29:48","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chapters.cnps.org\/bristlecone\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row padding_size=”m-padding”][vc_column el_class=”pad-rt60-2-3″][wyde_heading title=”CNPS Bristlecone Chapter”][vc_column_text]The Bristlecone Chapter covers the region from Indian Wells Valley in northeastern Kern County northward through Owens Valley to the northern boundary of Mono County. This area includes the northern Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Eastern Sierra Nevada \u2013 with a diverse and fascinating palette of native plants. Our Chapter area encompasses extreme geographical and environmental diversity. This environment has put intense adaptive pressures on the region\u2019s native plants, resulting in many rare and endemic species. Inhabiting ancient sand dunes and alkali flats below sea level to alpine rock gardens, our native plants are unique and wonderful.<\/p>\n

Co-founded by Mary Dedecker<\/a>, we are governed by an elected Executive Board<\/strong><\/a>, along with several Committee Chairs<\/a>.\u00a0 While our chapter is located primarily in Inyo and Mono counties, our chapter members hail from all over the state and beyond.\u00a0 They all share an appreciation for our region\u2019s spectacularly diverse flora.<\/p>\n

The Bristlecone Chapter has the privilege of working to preserve our invaluable native plant resources.\u00a0 To this end we hold native plant sales<\/a>, award the Mary DeDecker Botanical Grant<\/a>, offer field trips and presentations, follow local conservation<\/a> issues, and maintain the Mary DeDecker Native Plant Garden<\/a> in Independence.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row padding_size=”m-padding”][vc_column][wyde_heading title=”You Can Help!”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Our chapter area is sparsely populated with humans, but densely populated with opportunities to care for, enjoy, and promote native plants.\u00a0 We could use your help!\u00a0 See below for opportunities to get involved<\/a> and help us meet our native plant conservation mission.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_accordion collapsible=”true”][vc_accordion_tab title=”Bristlecone Governing Board opportunities and needs”][vc_column_text]We currently have several vacancies on our governing board.\u00a0 Most urgently, we are in need of a Vice President-program coordinator. \u00a0Click here<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to see how you can help fill the gap.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Field trips”][vc_column_text]Interested in leading a field trip?\u00a0 With several thousand feet of elevation difference, field trips can start as early as March and continue right into September, or even October for a fall colors tour.\u00a0 We have plenty of plant lists ready to make it easier on trip leaders and can create more at your request.\u00a0 Visit our Events<\/a> page to learn about upcoming field trips, and take a look at our currently available plant lists<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Native Plant Sales”][vc_column_text]We hold an annual native plant sale, as well as provide native plants for purchase at our local annual Pollinator Garden Fest.\u00a0 Growing and selling thousands of plants takes many hands!\u00a0 Visit our\u00a0Gardening and Plant Sales<\/span><\/a>\u00a0page and watch for upcoming opportunities on our\u00a0News and Events page<\/span><\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Native Plant Demonstration Gardens”][vc_column_text]Our chapter maintains the Mary DeDecker Native Plant Garden in Independence.\u00a0 We occasionally host work days as needed at the garden in Independence.\u00a0 Learn more about the DeDecker Garden\u00a0here<\/span><\/a>, and watch for work day announcements on our\u00a0News and Events page<\/span><\/a> or our Facebook page<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Programs”][vc_column_text]Have an expertise to share?\u00a0 An interesting botanical topic to explore?\u00a0 A good collection of photos??\u00a0 We are always looking for speakers to present at our chapter meetings, in person or remote if needed.\u00a0\u00a0Contact a board member<\/span><\/a>\u00a0if interested.\u00a0 We\u2019re a friendly audience![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”More Volunteer Opportunities”][vc_column_text]See more ways to get involved on our Volunteer Opportunities page<\/a>![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Resources”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Recommended Books and other Resources for anyone visiting the Eastern Sierra region:<\/h3>\n

General Natural History<\/a> | Floras<\/a> | Trees<\/a> | Conservation<\/a> | Gardening<\/a> | Where to Buy<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n

General Natural History<\/h4>\n