The Only Organization Working Exclusively to Conserve and Restore
California's Native Grasslands
About the California Native Grasslands Association
CNGA is the only organization working exclusively to conserve and restore California’s grasslands.CNGA’s 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. |
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Who we are...CNGA is a non-profit membership organization that brings together diverse interests to promote, preserve, and restore the diversity of California’s native grasses and grassland ecosystems through education, advocacy, research, and stewardship. Members include conservationists, restoration practitioners, naturalists, botanists, resource managers, horticulturalists, agency representatives, farmers, ranchers, homeowners, seed producers, scientists, consultants, students, and native plant enthusiasts. | What we do...Founded in 1991, CNGA continues to develop comprehensive and innovative programs of education, training, and field experience for its members and the general public. Through our publications, workshops, field trips, and our student scholarship program, CNGA is the primary network among people with an interest in California’s native grasses and grasslands. We believe this peer-to-peer contact and technical transfer of information is the most effective way to develop and promote the “art” of native grass restoration and conservation. |
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.
Our Programs:
Grassland Research Awards for Student Scholarship (GRASS) #CaliforniaGRASS
We encourage the next generation to get involved by offering student research scholarships to support field work in California grasslands. Learn more.
Workshops
We train grassland and rangeland managers through our workshops. Learn more.
Grasslands Journal
We provide up-to-date scientific based information in our presentations, advocacy, our website, and our quarterly journal, Grasslands. Learn more.
Conservation
Our Conservation Committee works to conserve grasslands through advocacy at the grassroots level (no pun intended). Learn more.
Education
We offer educational materials with teacher instructions for students in grades K-12. We have worksheets on several topics and created a video for grades 3 to 9 called "What Was Here Before?" Learn more.
We invite you to donate to CNGA or support CNGA by becoming a member.
CNGA's origin was on February 19, 1990 meeting when 20 public and private organizations met at the Lockford SCS Plant Materials Center to explore opportunities and "figure out a way to meet challenges which the organizations faced." In the fall of 1991, we became the California Native Grass Association with the dream to make native grasses available for restoration of natural communities.