Bird Park

Wildscaping Bird Park: CNPS San Diego’s native plant habitat garden initiative

Starting in 2021, the CNPS San Diego Native Garden Committee set out to create a habitat demonstration garden in Bird Park, an area in Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks just minutes from downtown San Diego.

This visionary project was made possible through the collaboration of many: Conception and design was led by the CNPS San Diego’s Native Gardening Committee team members Christine Hoey, Lucy Warren, Debbie O’Leary and Greg Rubin with support from the Forever Balboa Park Adopt-A-Plot program and Balboa Parks & Recreation. The implementation took place in two hands-on educational workshops where dozens of enthusiastic participants led by Leo Hernandez built dry streambeds and DG pathways, placed numerous sitting boulders, and planted hundreds of native plants.

The community response to the garden has been overwhelmingly positive. Our Garden Team continues to maintain the garden and we are always met with compliments and questions about the native plants by visitors.

The CNPS San Diego Native Plant Teaching Garden is nestled within Bird Park, a Balboa Park community gem. It has flourished into a thriving sanctuary for native plants, wildlife, and visitors alike. As part of the Forever Balboa Park Adopt-A-Plot program, the garden has been transformed into a certified Monarch Butterfly Waystation, affectionately known as the "butterfly garden."

In 2021, we planted two of the nine "feather" plots with California native plants, and recently added two more. These areas feature native oaks, colorful plants, grasses, and a dry streambed designed to capture precious rainwater. Visitors can stroll along the meandering paths, relax on the sitting boulders, and enjoy the serenity of watching local wildlife.

With five more feather plots left to plant, your support will help create a vibrant habitat for pollinators, birds, and the community. Your tax-deductible gift will help complete this community treasure and leave a lasting impact.

All proceeds will support the expansion of “feather” plots in Bird Park, helping us create a thriving habitat for pollinators, birds, butterflies, and the community.

Your support will contribute to the conservation of vital ecosystems in our community.

For more information about Bird Park, go to https://chapters.cnps.org/sandiego/bird-park/