October 2026 General Membership Meeting

The Thursday, October 1, 2026 general membership meeting will feature three short talks from student researchers. The overall schedule for the meeting is:

6:00 PM
FREE SEED EXCHANGE
(Open to everyone – bring your seed!)

7:00 PM
SOCIAL GATHERING

7:30 PM
CHAPTER BUSINESS MEETING & PROGRAM

Rockin’ out with alpine rock jasmine: How a widespread alpine plant varies by microsite, Clara Cameron – As global temperatures continue to increase, high-mountain alpine plants may be particularly vulnerable. Pygmy rock jasmine (Androsace septentrionalis) is one such alpine species that occurs in alpine regions around the northern hemisphere, including in California. In this study, undergraduate and Malcom McLeod scholarship recipient Clara Cameron tests whether this species is sensitive to variable habitat conditions within the alpine. She specifically addresses the study question: Are there certain microsites where this plant is doing better than others?

Proposed restoration of a recently burned grassland on Terrace Hill, San Luis Obispo, CA, Rheanna Dunton – Three acres of annual grassland on Terrace Hill burned in July of this year. Undergraduate Rheanna Dunton will present on a proposed class project to add native seeds to a portion of the burned area. The project goal is to increase native grassland species post-burn, and, in turn, to reduce the prevalence of non-native annuals. The proposed seeding would take place this fall at the onset of winter rains. At this talk, chapter members will be especially encouraged to ask questions and contribute ideas that may increase the likelihood of successful seeding at Terrace Hill.

Impacts of a recent prescribed burn on the soil seed bank at Miossi Open Space, San Luis Obispo, CA, Adam Bloom, Avery Dubois, John Goettl, Sierra Lopez-Nusser, and Roxanne Grechman – A recent prescribed burn by the ytt Northern Chumash Tribe occurred in a 13-acre grassland on the Miossi Open Space Preserve on June 8th, 2026. The goal of the burn was to promote traditional tribal uses of the land, as well as to reduce non-native species and promote recruitment of native perennial bunchgrasses such as purple-needle grass (Stipa pulchra). Undergraduate researchers will present on an ongoing group project studying the impacts of the burn on the soil seed bank. They will specifically address the question: Was the non-native seed bank reduced relative to the native seed bank in burned areas?

The general membership meeting will be preceded by a 6:00 PM SEED EXCHANGE and everyone is welcome. You don’t need to bring seed to participate. Please label your seed with genus and species (if known) and general collection area. Cleaned seed appreciated but not required. Envelopes and pencils available (but bring your own if you can). Unclaimed seed may be added to our seed sales to raise Chapter funds. Our goal is to encourage a rich diversity of native plants in local gardens!

Photo: Clara Cameron, 2026 Malcom McLeod scholarship recipient, surveying a vegetation transect on Niwot Ridge, Colorado, Summer 2026.