Join us for a fun and hands-on workshop where participants can see how a California native plant nursery works with seed and plant divisions on a daily basis. From White Sage (Salvia apiana) to Monkeyflowers (Mimulus species) and Oaks (Quercus species), many of California’s most iconic plants will be discussed. Topics covered include:

– How to correctly and ethically collect native seed

– Various methods for cleaning and storing seed

– The basics of preparing and sowing trays of seed

– Soils, fertilizers, and techniques used when transplanting seedlings

– Basic techniques for dividing Hummingbird Sage, native grasses, and other perennials

After a brief tour of the Ranch Sierra Vista nursery growing grounds and seed bank, attendees will be shown how to collect, clean and sow various native seed, alng with proper methods for preparing plant divisions. Participants will get the opportunity help transplant seedlings, and a few will get to try their hand at cleaning seed. All seed and plants worked on during this training will be grown-out for current and future native plant restoration projects in and around the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and a small amount of seed and plants can be taken home by the attendee.

This morning 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:

Park in the main visitor parking lot at Rancho Sierra Vista, and walk past the left side of the bathrooms, past the Eucalytpus grove. Walk into and past the horse stable area, and into the nursery. Total walking time is less than 3 minutes.

Main entrance cross street is Via Goleta and Lynn Road, Newbury Park, CA, 91320

GPS Coordinates for Entrance (Via Goleta & Lynn Road): N 34.1569 W -118.9733

Main Entrance: Ventura Fwy (101) to Lynn Rd exit. South on Lynn Rd 5.25 miles to Via Goleta. Park entrance is on the left.

(*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 [email protected])