About us
Want to learn more about Marin native plants? Join us for field trips, lectures, and work parties. Most of our events are free to our members and to the public. For more information, check out our website and subscribe to our newsletter.
For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to the conservation of California native plants and their natural habitats, and to increasing the understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants. Annual membership donations to the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) support our programs and conservation work. Additional benefits include our quarterly magazine Flora, our twice-yearly scientific journal Artemisia, and discounts at local nurseries.
Please:
- New: CNPS Marin Waiver for 2026
- Sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2025, if you have not done so already.
- Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
- Treat everyone with respect.
- No dogs at these events.
Upcoming events
17
Mt. Burdell Habitat Restoration Work Party!
Mt. Burdell, 488 San Carlos Way, Novato, CA, USMt. Burdell Habitat Restoration Work Party!
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 9-11 am
Leaders: Greg Reza, Marin County Parks and Open Space District Volunteer Program Coordinator
Marin CNPS Coordinator: Caroline Christman
Location: Mt. Burdell Open Space Preserve, NovatoJoin a community of habitat restorers! Marin CNPS is partnering with Marin County Open Space District staff to remove invasive species and improve native habitat at Mt. Burdell. Located at the northern edge of Novato, Mt. Burdell has serpentine grasslands with rare plants, an incredible array of oaks, and seasonal streams that support milkweed- the critical host for Monarch butterflies.
During this workday we will continue hand removal of several invasive species, including Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). The Bermuda buttercup population is expanding rapidly, spreading from a small patch near the entry gate towards the nearby grasslands, and threatens to diminish wildflower diversity. Volunteers tarped a large area of Bermuda buttercup earlier this winter, and we will work on controlling other areas with manual removal. Himalayan blackberry grows along the stream channel and creates dense thickets that outcompete all other plants. Removing the non-native blackberry protects habitat for milkweed and other pollinator plants, as well as native shrubs such as snowberry.
Marin County staff will provide tools and great snacks. Bring a reusable water bottle, sun and wind protection, long pants, sturdy close-toed shoes, and work/garden gloves (gloves provided if you don’t have them). We will work in light rain, please bring rain gear if it’s a wet day.
Limit: 15 attendees
Heavy rain cancels; cancellations will be posted on Meetup.
Directions: Meet at the San Carlos Way entrance to Mt. Burdell OSP, north of San Marin Drive. Use 488 San Carlos Way for mapping. The work area is a short walk from the San Carlos trailhead. https://maps.app.goo.gl/A74nosMCMqWSyPDU9
Please:
- Sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2026, if you have not done so already.
- Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
- Email marincnpsvolunteers@gmail.org with questions.
Sorry, no dogs on this trip.
11 attendees
Habitat Restoration at Alder Creek Preserve, Inverness
38°11'20.9"N 122°57'14.6"W, Pierce Point Rd, Inverness, CA, USJoin CNPS and Friends to weed the Alder Creek Preserve restoration site in Inverness.
In 2023, the Inverness Association (IA), cleared the site of a large acacia forest. Since then, an enthusiastic group of IA members, neighbors, and SPAWN volunteers have planted a mix of native trees and shrubs and watered them throughout the summer.
Now the focus turns to tackling the weeds: acacia seedlings, poison hemlock, vinca, African veldt grass, and others. We'd love to have your help!
Location: The site is located about a 1/2 mile north of Inverness village, at the corner of Sir Francis Drake Blvd and Vision Rd. For more information, contact Carolyn Longstreth at cklongstreth@gmail.com.
If you have not done so already, please sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2026
Bring: gloves, kneeling pads, and your favorite weeding tool.
Late registrants and walk ins are welcome.3 attendees
Wildflower Field Trips on Ring Mountain, Tiburon
Taylor Rd. Trailhead for Ring Mountain Tiburon, CA, 37.912990, -122.488025, Tiburon, CA, USLeader: Alison Pence or Karen Madsen
Join Ring Mountain Docents Alison Pence and Karen Madsen for short wildflower forays 10 am to 12:30. See schedule below.
Each few weeks different wildflowers become showy.
There are two possible meeting locations off Paradise Road in Tiburon. Please check which trailhead to meet at for the date you plan to go. See map below.
· Taylor Road Trailhead off Paradise Dr. From Taylor Road Trailhead, the group will walk out and back about 2 miles.
· Phyllis Ellman Trailhead on Paradise Dr. The Phyllis Ellman/Loop trail hike is about 2.5 miles, with about 600 feet of elevation gain and drop.| | Date | Time | Name/location | Leader |
| --- | ---- | ---- | ------------- | ------ |
| Sun. | 4/5/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence |
| Thurs. | 4/23/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen |
| Sun. | 5/24/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence |
| Tues. | 5/26/26 | 10-12:30 | Paradise Dr. - Phyllis Ellman Trailhead | Karen Madsen |
| Sun. | 6/7/26 | 10-12:30 | Taylor Rd Trailhead | Alison Pence |Bring: Water, lunch/snack, rain gear, and hiking poles if desired.
If you have not done so already, please sign the CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver
Note: Destructive invasive plant pathogens and weed seeds can be transported to sensitive plant habitats when contaminated soil or plant material is shed from footwear, equipment (such as hiking poles), and other personal items. See these 2 brochures for how you can minimize your impact. Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
20 attendees
Past events
196
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