Wildflower Viewing Hotspots | Professional Organizations | Government Resources | Medicinal Use of Plants | Restoration and Conservation Resources | Santa Cruz and Monterey Area Links
We have made the following links available to help share and spread information on the web about habitat restoration, conservation biology, and environmental issues in general.
Wildflower Viewing Hotspots Wilbur Hot Springs Nature Preserve
Wilbur’s spectacular nature preserve surrounds you with breathtaking valleys, panoramic ridges, high meadows and the rare remnants of century-old mining operations. Spring brings to life an internationally renowned wildflower valley, while bird watching thrives throughout the year.
Professional Organizations Society for Ecological Restoration
The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) is a the premier organization developing the science of restoration. The website has information on upcoming workshops as well as great resources concerning restoration, including a list of past SER Conference Abstracts.California Exotic Pest Plant Council
CalEPPC is one of the foremost organizations involved in the research of exotic pest plant control. Their website includes great information about non-native plants threatening California’s ecology.California Native Plant Society
The California Native Plant Society is an organization dedicated to the identification and preservation of California’s rare and endemic flora. Their website includes habitat information, plant lists, and an excellent page on current legislative actions.The World Conservation Monitoring Center
An incredible wealth of world-wide information on biodiversity. Includes several searchable databases, great links, and information on how to obtain IUCN publications.Government Resources California Environmental Resources Evaluation System
An excellent website for information concerning California’s diverse ecological wealth. Information developed by the California Dept. of Forestry, the Ca. Dept. of Fish and Game, and other state agencies charged with the management of California’s ecosystems are accessible from this site. It includes links, searchable databases, and reports, including the Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project report.The California Natural Heritage Division
A cooperative effort run by the California Dept. of Fish and Game and the Nature Conservancy, the Natural Heritage Division is focused on identifying, mapping, and protecting the rare and endangered species of California. Includes reports, significant natural area maps, and contact information for the Natural Diversity Data Base.Redwood National and State Parks Exotic Plant Management
Redwood National Park was one of the first National Parks to begin taking the problem of non-native plants as a serious concern. Their website contains information relevant to the redwoods found in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and there is also a copy of the Redwood NP Exotic Plant Management Plan available on-line.Biological Resources Division of the USGS
The Biological Resources Division was formally known as the National Biological Service (NBS). Their website includes publications, news releases, and other information generated at the federal level concerning biology and ecology. This site includes a link to the USGS homepage.University of California, GPO Gate
This excellent resource gives search capabilities for a wide assortment of federal government documents available online. Several databases included.Medicinal Uses of Plants Michael Moore – SW School of Botanical Medicine Home Page
One of the very best resources for students of herbology. Michael has graciously made available several texts that he has developed. Presented in both .doc and .pdf files (readable by Adobe acrobat Reader, a free program), you can download these tomes and use them whenever you have questions about traditional medicines.Herbalists Guild Home Page – HealthWorld Online
This is the site for the premier professional guild of herbalists across the United States.Plantas Medicinais
An informational system about medicinal plants developed by the Laboratory of Medicinal Plants and the Center for Agricultural Information based in Brazil. This site contains an impressive database. Note that all of the information is in PortugueseHerb Research Foundation – Herbs and Herbal Medicine for Health This is a non-profit organization based in Boulder Colorado that specializes in education about the many medicinal uses of plants.
Reference Guide For HERBS
A simple reference guide containing information about more than 25 commonly used herbs.Restoration and Conservation Resources CalFlora
The CalFlora database includes information and pictures for over 8,000 vascular plants found in California.Internet Directory for Botany
An invaluable resource for botanists looking for information on the web. Includes databases searchable alphabetically or by subject. There are more links here than you could possibly search in one sitting, and it’s constantly being updated.Restoration Reference List
A site that contains reference lists for Plant Reintroduction, Recovery Plans, and Restoration Programs. It was developed by the World Conservation Union, The Royal Botanical Society and the World Conservation Monitoring Center.WWW Virtual Library of Ecology and Biodiversity
A great site with biodiversity information and links for California and the United States.Information Center for the Environment
From UC Davis, this site is a must have resource for people interested in biodiversity. Includes a list of links to environmental organizations and GIS maps of several bioregions.Envirolink
Another excellent resource for information about environmental issues. This site includes links, contacts for organizations, and publications.
Santa Cruz and Monterey Area Links Terra Nova Landscape
Terra Nova is a company in Santa Cruz specializing in ecologically sensitive landscaping techniques. They use no pesticides, and they are 90% car free!Wildlands Restoration Team
The Wildlands Restoration Team has been critical to exotic species removal in state parks throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. This group of highly dedicated volunteers has been at the forefront of developing non-chemically intensive techniques for exotics control and removal. Volunteer opportunities are available.Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The first state park established in California, Big Basin is a beautiful place for outdoor recreation.Midpeninusula Open Space District
This group has been developing a greenbelt on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Their Open Space Reserve System offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the ecosystems around the greater San Jose region.Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club
A great resource for the Monterey Bay. Includes links to several Santa Cruz and Monterey sites.Cruzio
Another set of links for businesses and groups in Santa Cruz.Wilbur’s spectacular nature preserve surrounds you with breathtaking valleys, panoramic ridges, high meadows and the rare remnants of century-old mining operations. Spring brings to life an internationally renowned wildflower valley, while bird watching thrives throughout the year. Guests enjoy hiking and exploring along Wilbur’s many trails.
