President’s Message
May 2025

Poppy super bloom. J. Kierstead
Poppy super bloom along the Cloverdale Trails, Redding, after the 2018 Carr Fire. Photo taken April 21, 2019, by Julie Kierstead.

Two things I love in the month of May,
Wildflowers bloom, and Mother’s Day!
We love our dad, sisters and brothers,
Children, best friends, and significant others,
But we are only here because of our mothers!
Just about done with this little ditty,
So, pick some flowers that are pretty,
And spend some time with your first best friend,
Happy Mother’s Day my friends!

~Jeremey Kelley
Tree-hugging Jeremey Kelley. J. Kelley.
Here’s something else Jeremey loves but forgot to mention: trees! We think he’s a good fit for our group, wouldn’t you agree? Photo courtesy of Jeremey Kelley.

It certainly has been a fun and rewarding spring! Thank you so much to all the dedicated volunteers that helped with the various plant sales, fun field trips, and other happy plant activities!

If wildflowers are your happy place, you’re probably feeling amazed at all the colors, blossoms, and super blooms! Whether I am driving the Millville Plains road on the way to work, working at one of our local nature preserves, or relaxing after a day of work with a cold snack in my very own flower garden, I am visually stimulated by the variety, beauty, and abundance of our local native plant community!

Earth Day Redding 2025. D. Burk.
Our conservation community is also growing and becoming more diverse. Earth Day Redding 2025 saw huge public interest in its many, many conservation- and nature-themed booths. Photo taken at Caldwell Park on April 19, by Don Burk.

I am excited to give a presentation at the Chapter meeting this month. I will be talking about beavers, a keystone species, and their beneficial effect on native vegetation. It will be a hands-on meeting that will include a short walk for an opportunity to see beavers in action and the plants they help propagate! Hope to see you there! ~Jeremey Kelley, President

Charlie Russell's April presentation. D. Burk.
Charlie Russell, Jepson Prairie Preserve docent, giving an excellent presentation on vernal pools to the Chapter at our April 17 meeting. Photo taken by Don Burk.