The joint Shasta Chapter CNPS/Master Gardeners of Shasta County plant giveaway on April 23, 2022, occurred under pleasant conditions and clear skies. John Springer, Margaret Widdowson, and MaryAnn McCrary assisted wildfire victims by listening to and educating them about native plants and gardening. Now we can add the Fawn, Salt, Lava, Tennant, Beckwourth Complex, River Complex, Antelope, McCash, McFarland, Monument, and Dixie fires to the long list of recent northern California catastrophic wildfires.
Shasta Chapter CNPS gave away 36 plants to 14 families. Many families also picked up a copy of the informative CNPS Fire Recovery Guide. Throughout the several-year history of plant giveaways, a common subject has been fuel reduction because of the fear of future wildfires. Wildfire victims feel the need to remove all dead or seemingly dead trees and shrubs to lessen fire risk. They appeared surprised when I informed them that CNPS, per the fire recovery guide, recommends: “do not remove burned plants unless they bear a risk to people or property.” This helps lessen erosion and “allows nature to restore vegetative cover.”
John Springer relayed a story of a little boy, a future caretaker of ecosystems, “who was having such a good time picking out plants for butterflies and birds. He definitely took home a showy milkweed.”
Once again, the families left with tremendous gratitude and positive feelings about rejuvenating their landscapes, although many holes will need digging, followed by thoughtful caring for the plants, especially for the first year or two. ~Doug Mandel
