Reflections from the 2026 California Native Plant Society Conference
In February, members of the Land Trust’s Stewardship team traveled to Riverside to attend the 2026 California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Conference, a statewide gathering held once every three years that brings together leaders in conservation, plant science, land management, and environmental education.
For our team, opportunities like this are more than professional development. They are an investment in the long-term health of the lands we protect here in Napa County.
Land Trust Stewardship Program Assistants Whitney Wyche and JoeJoe Clark attended this year’s conference, joining over a thousand practitioners from across California who are working to conserve native plants and steward natural landscapes.
Whitney shared this reflection from the experience:
“The CNPS Conference is an incredible opportunity to connect with and learn from other professionals working to protect California’s native landscapes. JoeJoe and I had the chance to attend sessions ranging from Sensitive Natural Communities to Common Roots: Native Plants and Culture.
The conference opened with an inspiring plenary by Zoë Schlanger, author of The Light Eaters, and José G. González, educator and founder of Latino Outdoors. I learned more about vegetation mapping tools like BIOS and heard thoughtful discussions about how we can make environmental education programs more accessible and inclusive.
Throughout the week, I gained valuable insight into how organizations across the state are implementing restoration practices, pioneering education programs, and advancing statewide conservation goals. It was also a meaningful opportunity to build relationships and explore new collaborations.”
Conferences like CNPS provide a rare opportunity to step back from day-to-day fieldwork and engage with emerging science, evolving restoration strategies, and innovative approaches to education and community engagement. From improved vegetation mapping tools to new models for inclusive programming, the knowledge gained directly strengthens our stewardship practices.
Equally important are the relationships formed. Conservation is collaborative work. By connecting with peer organizations across California, our team builds partnerships that support shared goals, from habitat restoration to advancing statewide conservation priorities.
At Napa Land Trust, we believe strong conservation outcomes depend on strong, well-supported professionals. Investing in our staff ensures that the lands we protect benefit from the latest science, best practices, and collaborative networks.
We are grateful to CNPS for fostering a community rooted in shared learning and appreciation for California’s native plants, and we are proud of Whitney and JoeJoe for representing LTNC and bringing valuable insights back home.
These learnings directly support the protection of species like those found on our permanent preserves:
To learn more about the California Native Plant Society, visit their website here.
If you would like to learn more about the Land Trust’s Stewardship program, you can visit here.
