Native Plant Workshop! Intro to Growing and Running a Native Plant Nursery

Join us for an info-packed workshop detailing how a native plant nursery works with California native seed, cuttings and baby plants on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis. Depending on plant availability and class size, plants to be worked on and discussed include California Buckwheat, Toyon, Black Sage, California Sagebrush, Manzanita, various rhizomatous perennials and bunch grasses. Specific topics to be covered include:

- How to identify and sustainably collect native seed

- Applying various treatments to seed for best germination results

- Soils, fertilizers, and techniques used when transplanting seedlings and older plants

- Producing small and large amounts of native plants in various size pots

- Producing plants thru cuttings and divisions

- Ideas for working with volunteer and intern groups of all ages and abilities, and how to make seed collecting and plant production with these groups most efficient and productive

This morning/afternoon event will take place outdoors at the Rancho Sierra Vista nursery. Much of the class will take place under shade, but attendees should be prepared to stand all 2.5 hours and be exposed to the sun for various lengths of time. Please wear hiking or outdoor working attire, bring water/reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

Directions:

Meet at the native plant nursery in Rancho Sierra Vista, which is a short 3 minute walk from the bottom (final) main parking lot.

On Google Maps, search 'Car Park for Sycamore Canyon, Newbury Park' and follow directions to the bottom, final parking lot.

From the bottom, final main parking lot, walk towards the small bathroom building, and take the small dirt path to the left of the building. The trail will quickly take you past a few Eucalyptus trees and into a government vehicle dirt parking lot, walk thru the middle and into the wide open gates with the 'Native Plant Nursery' sign. Walk thru the horse stables and find the native plant nursery next to the stables. Total walking time is about 3 minutes from the parking lot. If you are walking more than 3 minutes, you may be lost! Call (805) 844-7449 for directions!

(*NOTE: If you are unable to attend this event but would like to learn about native plant propagation and/ or volunteer at the Rancho Sierra Vista native plant nursery, please contact Antonio Sanchez at sanchezhorticulture@gmail.com)