October 2021

by Ari Novy, PhD, President & CEO

Last month, the California State Coastal Conservancy approved a $200,000 grant to the Garden, enabling us to enhance and restore 4.6 acres of critical habitat in Ocean Knoll Canyon, adjacent to Ocean Knoll Elementary School. Our Conservation Team will lead work with our volunteers and community members of the canyon’s coastal native habitat. The canyon is a multi-benefit ecosystem, serving as a refuge for native plants and animals – some of which are endangered – in addition to cleaning water that eventually flows out into the ocean at Moonlight Beach. The restored canyon will serve as a living laboratory for elementary school students. We couldn’t be more thrilled to improve native plant habitat at Ocean Knoll Elementary School’s canyon. The only thing we get more excited about than preserving plant life in our region is educating kids about our amazing flora. This project allows us to do both.

SDBG works in conservation horticulture, botany, and applied plant sciences to address important local and global issues — including climate change, food security and land management. The Garden’s botanical research and applied science activities range from plant conservation and ecosystems management to horticultural improvement and pollination studies. Our Science and Conservation Team focuses on the preservation of rare and endangered plants and the restoration of native habitats to protect local ecosystems for the future. 

With the support of visitors and members like you – and through collaboration with local researchers, companies, government and nonprofits – we continue to expand the ways we create, share, and apply innovative and impactful botanical knowledge.