Our mission is to promote, preserve, and restore the diversity of California's native grasses and grassland ecosystems through education, advocacy, research, and stewardship. We work towards increasing public understanding and appreciation of the value of native grassland ecosystems. Learn more...

Healthy, functioning grasslands are essential for human well-being, providing benefits that extend to local, regional, and global communities.

Conserving California’s Native Grasslands: A Critical Mission

California’s native grasslands are among the most altered ecosystems in the state, with over 99% lost to agriculture, invasive species, development, and other human activities. Despite this, these remaining grasslands are vital habitats, supporting more than 40% of California's native plant species and providing critical resources for birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and pollinators. Currently, 73 grassland-associated species are listed under state and federal Endangered Species Acts, including 14 vertebrates, 59 plants, and 6 butterfly species. Many other species, particularly native pollinators, are also in steep decline, often without formal protection.

At CNGA, we focus on conserving serving and restoring these fragile ecosystems. Through education, research, and advocacy, we aim to support the health of California’s grasslands and the diverse species that depend on them, ensuring their survival for future generations.