The study and science of plants.

maps of CA biodiversity

Can California Reverse Biodiversity Decline?

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At a time when development is paving over habitat and climate change is transforming ecosystems at an unprecedented pace, California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot says the state has a moral imperative to focus on biodiversity.

big sur coast

Live Biodiversity

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There’s a certain predictable expression that frequently settles on the face of the friend or family member I’m talking to when I say the word “biodiversity.” I’d call it tolerantly bored.

black walnut tree

Tree Detectives

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The Northern California black walnut led scientists into a genetic mystery: is this a rare tree, or a common one?

East Bay Regional Park District Bans Glyphosate

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This past July, the East Bay Regional Park District announced a ban on the controversial herbicide glyphosate, also known by the brand name Roundup. The prohibition was effective immediately in picnic areas. The district said it would discontinue use of … Read more

fasciated poison oak

Fasciated Plants and Where to Find Them in the Wild

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What is this weird belt-like growth on poison oak? Fasciated plants have fascinated humans for thousands of years due to their gnarled and belt-like growth patterns on stems or bizarrely elongated flowers. Fasciation has been documented in over 107 plant … Read more