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
13
Ring Mountain Geology and Wildflowers
End of Westward dr., Park Entrance, 298 Westward Drive, Corte Madera, CA, USRing Mountain Geology and Wildflowers
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 2:30 to 5 pm
Leaders: Nicole Myers and Kristin Jakob
Please sign up for this field trip on Meetup.Join geologist Nicole Myers and botanist Kristin Jakob for a late afternoon ramble on Ring Mountain in Tiburon. Learn how the amazing and unique geology of this mountain is the basis for its landscape, rocks, and soils. We will see the relationship between these landforms and the plant communities that they support.
Geologic highlights are serpentinite outcrops and metamorphic rocks of basaltic origins in the upper portions and sandstone and shale formations on the lower slopes. The nutrient poor serpentinite supports rare plants like the Tiburon Mariposa lily and Marin dwarf flax. Along our route, we will encounter an array of native plants and flowers depending on weather. Wavy-leaved soap plant blossoms start opening about 4 pm, which will make our descent from the mountain enchanting.Directions:
Meet at the end of Westward Dr. off of Paradise Dr. in Tiburon (near 208 Westward). We will connect with the Phyllis Ellman Trail part way up.Bring: Water, a snack. Dress in layers.
Rain cancels. Check Meetup for notification.If you have not done so already, please sign the CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver
Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
Email Kristin (akristinjakob@gmail.com) with any questions.
Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 650-608-1274Limit 20.
20 attendees
Abbott's Lagoon
Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead, 4101 Pierce Point Rd, Inverness, CA, USAbbott’s Lagoon, Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 9:30 am – 2 pm
Leaders: Ann Elliott, Carolyn Longstreth, and Stacey Pogorzelski
The gentle, flat two-mile long trail that leads out to Abbott’s Lagoon is a year-round favorite for plant lovers and bird watchers. It passes through coastal scrub, dotted by two marshes, passes over a stream between the upper and lower lagoon, and ends in the dunes near the beach.
In early June we will see the end of the spring blooms and the beginning of the summer flower display. In the coastal scrub, we are likely to see yellow bush lupine, cobweb thistle coast angelica, seaside daisy, and a profusion of California poppies.
As we walk into the dunes, we’ll look for yellow sand verbena, beach evening-primrose, Chamisso bush lupine, and the rare Tidestrom’s lupine.
This will be a fairly flat out and back walk of 4 or 5 miles. We plan to walk into the dunes, covering some areas of loose sand to reach the beach. Those who are not comfortable walking in the dunes can turn around at the end of the maintained path. Stacey will lead those that need to leave early back to the trailhead.
Plants lists for this area include Calflora’s Abbott’s Lagoon Trail and Dunes and the CNPS Abbott’s Lagoon Public Trail list.
Meet at the Abbotts Lagoon trailhead on Pierce Point Road. Dress in layers, bring lunch, water, and sun protection.
Text message for day of trip: 530-521-44029 attendees
Mt. Burdell Habitat Restoration Work Party!
Mt. Burdell, 488 San Carlos Way, Novato, CA, USMt. Burdell Habitat Restoration Work Party!
Thursday, June 4, 9-11am
Leader: Greg Reza, Marin County Parks and Open Space District Volunteer Program Coordinator
Marin CNPS Coordinators: Stacey Pogorzelski and 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 volunteer workdays we use hand tools to remove invasive plant species that threaten grassland and stream corridor ecosystems, including Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), and yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Invasive species can create dense populations that crowd out native plants, which in turns harms the wildlife that depend on them. Removing invasive plants protects habitat for milkweed and other pollinator plants, diverse wildflowers in the grasslands, and the many birds and insects that rely on native plants.
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).
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/A74nosMCMqWSyPDU9Please:
- 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.com with questions.
- Sorry, no dogs on this trip.
8 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
Join Ring Mountain Docents Alison Pence for short wildflower forays 10 am to 12:30. See schedule below.
The last field trip of the year is June 7 at
· Taylor Road Trailhead off Paradise Dr. From Taylor Road Trailhead, the group will walk out and back about 2 miles.| | Date | Time | Name/location | Leader |
| --- | ---- | ---- | ------------- | ------ |
| 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
8 attendees
Past events
224
Group links
Members
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