Local Plants
The South Coast area, roughly speaking, comprises coastal Los Angeles between Long Beach and El Segundo and east to the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains as well as Catalina and San Clemente Islands. The image below shows the South Coast chapter area in red.
The area is home to a large number of native plants. Of the approximately 25,500 vascular plant taxa native to North America north of Mexico (NatureServe.org), about 6 percent (1427 taxa) are found in the South Coast chapter area (CalFlora.org). With such a rich diversity of native plants in our area, our chapter is dedicated to furthering the preservation and conservation of the native flora and plant communities in our area and the appropriate use of native plants in garden settings.
Endemic Plants
The diverse geologic history and climatic conditions of Monterey county have created a mosaic of isolated and specialized environments, which contribute to the evolution of locally endemic plants. A number of locations in our area are known for their locally endemic species, including the Monterey Peninsula, Fort Ord dunes, the northern Santa Lucia Mountains, and Fort Hunter Liggett.
See our Endemic Plants page for information on endemic plant species of Monterey and San Benito counties.
Plant Checklists
Our chapter members have created plant lists for 33 local natural areas, including regional parks, county parks, state parks, and a few trails within the Los Padres National Forest. It is helpful to print and bring a plant list when visiting one of these natural areas, because they can help locate plants and confirm identifications.
See our Local Plant Lists page to download plant species lists for local natural areas.
Native Plant Gardens
Growing native plants in landscapes can save water, lower maintenance, reduce pesticides, invite wildlife, support local ecology, and connect people to nature. The Monterey Bay area boasts several beautiful native plant gardens, designed to showcase the ecological and horticultural value of local native plants. See our Gardening with Natives page for more information about these special places.
Gardening with Natives
The chapter includes a horticulture group which is focused on growing native plants for sale and encouraging their use in landscaping. See our Gardening with Natives page for more information.
Invasive Plants
Our chapter volunteers have committed to combat invasive plants such as French broom, jubata grass, Cape ivy and other noxious invasive weeds in high priority natural areas. These invasive species can modify and dominate natural habitats, reducing their habitat value to native plants and animals.
See our Events Calendar for scheduled restoration workdays.
South Coast Chapter Resources for Local Native Plants
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Jun 28 2022 -
May 04 2022 A Starter Guide To Replacing Thirsty Lawn With Drought-Tolerant Foliage
Upgrade your lawn to a native garden! Why? A recent article in LAist tells you why, “…Most crucially, native plants require far less water than many other plants and greens. Native plant gardens, on average, use a seventh of the…
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Oct 12 2021 Call to Action: Class 1 E-Bike access to Portuguese Bend Reserve
Class 1 E-Bike access to Portuguese Bend Reserve
On October 5, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council approved Class 1 E-Bike access to the Portuguese Bend Reserve (Reserve) trails that allow bicycle access. To view the Council meeting – visit https://rpv.granicus.com/player/clip/4035…
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Apr 21 2021 Hermosa & Redondo Back Dune Plant List
In Hermosa Beach and other local beach cities, most of the built space resides upon old back dunes. Back dune refers to established dunes in a coastal setting that are detached from the shoreline by other dunes referred to as foredunes. The soil tends to be sandy and well-draining and the shapes of the local… -
Jan 21 2020 Palos Verdes Nature Preserve
The South Coast Chapter provided extensive input regarding the Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) that was created by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and approved on August 31, 2004. The final plan provided for preservation of almost all of…
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Jan 15 2020 What is the relationship between RPV and the PVPLC?
The city of Rancho Palos Verdes and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy work together though their Natural Community Conservation Planning agreement, or NCCP, under which the city must restore at least 5 acres of its preserve land per year. …
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Jan 15 2020 Machado Lake Ecosystem Rehabilitation Project
On November 2, 2004, the voters of Los Angeles overwhelmingly passed Proposition O, a $500 million bond issue for open space improvement projects.
Out of the $500 million authorized, a total of $117 million has been committed to Machado Lake and…
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Dec 07 2019 Acquisition of Upper Filiorum Property
On December 7, 2009, the South Coast Chapter Board of Directors voted to contribute $10,500 from the operating account towards the acquisition of Upper Filiorum, the last remaining available open space to complete the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve.
The purchase price…