Auburn, CA – Do you know which plants at your house and in your community are invasive species? On Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m., join the Redbud Chapter of the California Native Plant Society to hear invasives expert Steve Schoenig at the General Gomez Arts in Auburn. At this free public program, learn about the state of invasive plant species in California and what can be done to control them.

Though scotch broom brightens up local spring scenes, as an invasive plant, it takes over large areas, damaging our ecosystems. Photo by Nancy Gilbert
Though scotch broom brightens up local spring scenes, as an invasive plant, it takes over large areas, damaging our ecosystems. Photo by Nancy Gilbert

In addition to California’s extraordinary diversity of native species, our state also has a large burden of over 1100 naturalized non-native plants. Some are benign and even interesting. But the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) lists over 300 non-natives as invasive. These plants cause immense harm to humans, wildlife and native plant ecosystems.

A short history of both organized and individual control efforts will provide a clear-eyed expectation of what the future of our native flora looks like and how strategic efforts by conservationists can help determine more optimistic outcomes.

An Expert on Invasive Weeds

Steve Schoenig has been working for 40 years on invasives and native plant botany in California. During his state government career, he supervised the state’s noxious weed eradication program and then supervised the California Natural Diversity Database and vegetation mapping program at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. He was on the board of the California Invasive Plant Council for 16 years. He currently serves on the CNPS state board of directors and on the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee.

Location Details

General Gomez Arts is at 808 Lincoln Way in Auburn. Plenty of free nearby parking is available. Join us May 21 at 6 p.m.

About the Redbud Chapter of the California Native Plant Society

The Redbud Chapter serves western Nevada and Placer Counties. They offer native plant sales, programs on native plant-related topics, field trips, a hands-on propagation group, grants to local schools and non-profits for education and restoration projects, a quarterly newsletter, and ongoing advocacy and conservation projects. Most activities are free and open to the public. To become involved or join, email RedbudChapter@gmail.com.