Grassroots Ecology has set to work re-oaking several Silicon Valley preserves. We’re excited to share with you what we’ve done and what we’ve learned along the way.

Did you know that we have a native species of raspberry right here in the Bay Area? Blackcap raspberry (Rubus leucodermis) is found in the Santa Cruz Mountains and produces delicious black raspberries in the summer. Blackcap raspberries are available at our Native Plant Nursery. Learn more about raspberries and how to grow them.

Every spring, California buttercup blooms across the grasslands, oak forests, and along creeks of the Bay Area. These brilliant, yellow flowers re-emerge after the rain and provide an early food source for native bees, ants, and butterflies. They are sure to add a pop of color to a sunny meadow or semi-shaded woodland garden.

Our native plant of the month is manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.)! Learn about manzanitas and how to grow them:

Our native plant of the month is oaks (Quercus species.), an important plant in our California ecosystems that provides habitat for hundreds of different mammals, birds, and insects. Learn about oaks and how to grow them:

Volunteers help us install thousands of native plants every year. Pruning, or the removal of dead and unwanted parts of a plant, is a crucial part of maintaining their health. Grassroots Ecology staff recently sharpened their pruning skills at a workshop led by our Nursery Director Deanna Giuliano and Ecologist Siena Watson. Follow their tips below to learn how to prune in your own garden.

Learn how to make native plant scented candles from one of our 2022 Summer Naturalist Interns!

Our August native plant of the month is California fescue (Festuca californica), a great drought resistant native plant that provides habitat for local wildlife!

Learn about the wonders of California native grasses and how to grow California fescue:

Our native plant of the month is California phacelia! Phacelia is a great drought resistant native plant to add to your garden or any outdoor space. Learn how to grow phacelia at home:

Our native plant of the month is common yarrow! Yarrow is a great drought resistant native plant to add to your garden or any outdoor space that can handle a variety of sun and water conditions.

Our native plant of the month is coyote mint. Learn how to grow this pollinator plant in your own garden!

The October atmospheric river that combined with a “Bomb Cyclone” caused flooding throughout our urban and suburban infrastructure, increasing the severity of the flood event.

If you are looking to help mitigate flooding in your local neighborhood and/or creeks here are three GSI solutions that you can implement at home or share with your local city council:

It’s an exciting time at our Native Plant Nursery as we prepare to send off thousands of our young plants to more solid ground.

Cheyenne is a recent Grassroots Ecology college intern who worked at our Redwood City and East Palo Alto habitat restoration sites. Read her top plants to remove from your yard, as well as her favorite California native plants to include.

Perhaps the real world embodiment of The Giving Tree, the tall and benevolent oak not only provides a shaded reprieve for the tired hiker, but is also unparalleled in its ability to grant food, water, shelter, and protection for wildlife. But like many wild things, our mighty oaks are threatened by a rapidly changing world.