President’s Message, June 2022

by Susan Libonati-BarnesPosted onAnnouncements
Pipevine swallowtail butterfy on Cleveland sage in Susan Libonati-Barnes' garden, May 30, 2022. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.

Dear Members:
I love this natural world of ours and am proud that we are sharing that love with Shasta Chapter CNPS members, old and new, and the general public of our area.

People at the wildflower show. S. Libonati-Barnes.
Attendees at the Siskiyou County Mother’s Day Wildflower Show 2022 enjoying the many, many native plants collected for display by US Forest Service botanists and volunteers. May 7, 2022.
Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.

I love that my large Cleveland sage (vintage about 2005) not only supports wild pipevine swallowtail butterflies and wild carpenter bees, but also domesticated honeybees, pollinators of human crops.

Bee on Cleveland sage in Susan Libonati-Barnes’ garden, May 30, 2022. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.

I love that the Propagation and Plant Sales teams grew and sold a host of plants, such as milkweeds, specially adapted to tempt and support butterflies and other pollinators.

I am thanking Shasta Chapter Board and members for carrying on through the pandemic, and now, in the face of water restrictions. Although we made a clean sweep of plants this spring, I am looking forward to starting afresh.

Robin & John at the wildflower show. S. Libonati-Barnes.
Special thanks to Robin Fallscheer and John Springer for representing Shasta Chapter CNPS at the Siskiyou County Mother’s Day Wildflower Show in Yreka. They sold plants and books, and answered many questions about native plants. May 7, 2022. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.

I am writing on Memorial Day, remembering those who have passed, but feeling very grateful for those who are here.

To everyone who loves wild plants, I wish you a summer full of walks and wildlife and woodland wonders. ~Susan Libonati-Barnes, President

Purple broomrape. S. Libonati-Barnes.
Purple broomrape, Aphyllon purpureum, was one of hundreds of wildflower species on display at the Siskiyou County Mother’s Day Wildflower Show. Photo taken May 7, 2022, by Susan Libonati-Barnes.