Is Our Survival Rooted in Our Soil? This Nonprofit Thinks "Yes".

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What if one of the most effective ways to protect California’s quality of life—for generations to come—starts with something as simple as native plants?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jun Bando, CEO of the California Native Plant Society to explore why native plants may be one of the most practical—and overlooked—investments in California’s future.

CNPS operates at the intersection of science, community engagement, and advocacy. Their work touches climate resilience, biodiversity, water systems, and education—often quietly, always with a long view in mind.

We talk about why conservation requires patience, how local action connects to statewide impact, and what it means to steward something today that may not fully show its return for decades.

This conversation is for anyone curious about thoughtful and responsible philanthropy, and the power of caring for what endures.

To learn more about the California Native Plant Society, you can visit their website https://www.cnps.org/

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – Why Ask the Plant Question Now?
Why native plants have become a quality-of-life issue—not just an environmental one.

03:10 – What CNPS Really Does (Beyond the Name)
The scope of CNPS work across science, education, policy, and grassroots action.

07:05 – Native Plants as Infrastructure
How ecosystems quietly support water, climate resilience, and community health.

11:40 – The Long Game of Conservation
Why this work resists shortcuts—and why that matters for lasting impact.

16:20 – Community, Volunteers, and Local Action
How everyday Californians connect to conservation through CNPS.

20:45 – Climate Reality Without Alarmism
Addressing environmental urgency while staying grounded in data and hope.

25:30 – Stewardship, Philanthropy, and Legacy
Why donors play a critical role in protecting what won’t trend—but will last.

29:10 – Looking Ahead: What Gives CNPS Hope
The future of native plant conservation and why optimism still belongs here.

Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.