CNPS Announces the Biodiversity in Urban Gardens Initiative

May 26, 2026, SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Today, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) announced the launch of the Biodiversity in Urban Gardens (BUG) I, a two-year effort that links community science, public policy, and civic action to foster biodiversity in urban landscapes. 

“By learning about the relationship between native plants and wildlife, we hope to unlock new insights on the crucial role native plants have in our ecosystems,” said Lila Higgins, director of Education and Horticulture at CNPS. “Urban ecosystems are often overlooked when it comes to biodiversity, yet they are rich in wildlife, as anyone who’s ever observed birds or butterflies in cities can attest. With 94% of Californians living in urban areas, we need to choose the plants that best support life there.” 

With the launch of BUG, CNPS is inviting members of the public to join BUG community science projects to document native plants and wildlife in the urban environment.  

1. A statewide community science study: BUG participants across California will document the native plants and native wildlife they see in native-plant dominant gardens through simple observations uploaded to iNaturalist. This project is open to anyone who is interested and has a smartphone or digital camera and can download the iNaturalist app. Instructions are provided, so prior knowledge of iNaturalist is not necessary. 
2. The Santa Clara Valley Paired Garden Study: Five paired study sites (10 gardens total) in Santa Clara County, will be managed in partnership with community-based organizations. Trained community scientists will be dedicated to these sites to document species richness and abundance. 

Participants will learn about biodiversity data collection and later how they can connect their observational experiences with civic engagement. In late 2026, the BUG project will focus on analyzing the data collected and connecting the dots between science and public policy. CNPS will offer participants training in advocacy and relevant public policy and introduce opportunities for civic action on behalf of urban biodiversity. The initiative also includes the development of an annotated bibliography of published research.  

“BUG provides an exciting opportunity for the public to engage in community science,” said Vivian Neou, co-president of the CNPS Santa Clara Valley Chapter and president of the CNPS Board of Directors. “Participants will discover more about their local environment, deepening their connection and appreciation for it while helping to capture vital information about it. Our hope is that as individuals gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystems surrounding them, they will become involved in advocacy initiatives aimed at protecting biodiversity. Together, the community science findings, participant experiences, and annotated bibliography can powerfully inform a statewide adoption of practices that support urban biodiversity and access to native plants and nature.” 

A biodiversity hotspot, California is home to more species of plants and animals than any other state in the nation. Yet the state has also lost 70% of its original native vegetation. This loss is driven by development pressure, invasive species, and climate change. The built environment of cities, highways, and other landscaped areas can be used to support biodiversity as a complement to conservation. The benefits to wildlife in conserved areas under 30×30 are greater when nearby urban or developed areas are managed to create more habitat, support connectivity, and promote ecosystem function. Integrating native plants into urban landscapes can also reduce water use, improve climate resilience, and expand equitable access to nature. 

The BUG Initiative will be replicable and scalable, meaning that it can serve as a model for state-wide community science projects related to biodiversity and civic engagement. CNPS developed the Biodiversity in Urban Gardens Initiative with guidance from a group of expert advisors and partners.  

Learn more about getting involved in the Biodiversity in Urban Gardens Initiative at cnps.org/bug. For media inquiries, please contact CNPS Communications Manager Amina Sharma at asharma@cnps.org or 916-694-0118.

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California Native Plant Society is a statewide nonprofit organization that protects California’s native plants and their natural habitats through science, education, stewardship, gardening, and advocacy. CNPS has more than 13,000 members and 35 chapters supporting its mission throughout California and Baja California, Mexico. Learn more at cnps.org.