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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2025 as Native Plant Month in Solano County and honor the Willis Linn Jepson Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and the Solano Resource Conservation District for their contributions toward the protection of California’s native plants and habitat (Supervisor Vasquez)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Vasquez requests the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2025 as Native Plant Month in Solano County and honor the Willis Linn Jepson Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and the Solano Resource Conservation District for their contributions toward the protection of California’s native plants and habitat.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
April 1, 2025, marks the beginning of Native Plant Month in Solano County and the State of California. The State Legislature established California Native Plant Month in 2023 in recognition of the state’s globally significant native plants. Throughout the month of April, local native plant societies host events in their communities to raise awareness of native plants and their significance. These include tours, educational talks, field trips, and plant sales.
The Willis Linn Jepson Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) encompasses Solano County and is named after Willis Linn Jepson, a Vacaville native born in 1867, who would go on to become a world-renowned botanist and co-founder of the Sierra Club. Jepson was interested in botany from a young age and received his education in botany from U.C. Berkeley, where he would eventually go on to become a professor. The Jepson Prairie in unincorporated Solano County, south of Dixon, is named in his honor and is one of the largest remaining vernal pools in the state and a destination for observers of spring flowers.
As part of their work to protect and restore native plant habitat, the Willis Linn Jepson Chapter of the California Native Plant Society maintains a native plant nursery in Vallejo and participates in the CNPS Healthy Nurseries & Habitat Committee to help stop the spread of plant pathogens like sudden oak death. Volunteers also collect acorns and grow oaks at their nursery for the Re-Oak Solano Program.
Solano County and the Solano Resource Conservation District (SRCD) have also partnered to improve habitat for Monarch butterflies and pollinating insects. In late 2024, the County and SRCD entered into an agreement to create a butterfly and pollinator habitat on county-owned land near the Nut Tree Airport. The ground was seeded over winter and is already in bloom with bees and insects buzzing about. This project was done with the help of a grant from the California State Wildlife Conservation Board.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve this resolution, however, that is not recommended as this is an opportunity to educate the public and promote the significance of California’s native plants and recognize Solano County residents for their conservation efforts.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Willis Linn Jepson Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, Solano Resource Conservation District
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION