February 27, 2027 – Redbud Annual Winter Picnic…and Grasses!

Saturday, February 27, Plant sale at 11:30  Program at 1 p.m.
Location: Grass Valley-Nevada City area. Specific location TBD.

Winter Picnic Returns!

Our 2026 Winter Picnic was so much fun that we’re doing one again in 2027! Come mingle with other Redbud members and native-plant fans, pick up some native grasses and other plants at our in-person plant sale, enjoy marvelous refreshments, celebrate all our volunteers, and explore bringing more native grasses into our environment. More to come about our annual picnic. If you’d like to help, volunteer.

Our Program — Ecological Benefits of Native Grasses

Native grasses provide vital ecological benefits. They provide essential habitat and food sources for birds, butterflies and other local wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Many butterfly and moth caterpillars feed specifically on native grasses blades during their growing phases.

Native grasses have deep root systems that prevent erosion and improve water absorption while requiring far less maintenance than traditional lawns. Grasses also sequester vast amount of carbon in the soil; many survive on natural rainfall and rarely need watering.

Come learn how we can successfully include native grasses in our home gardens. And take some home for your own garden.

Our Presenter — Jennifer Buck-Diaz

Presenter Jennifer Buck-Diaz is a vegetation ecologist and botanist with the CNPS Vegetation Program. An educator, she is widely published on a range of native plant species and on the ecology of native grasses and their communities across California. She regularly teaches professional workshops on vernal pools among other natural science topics.