Global Oak Conservation in Southern California & Northern Baja
Oak trees are iconic. They’re also threatened with extinction. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) is committed to protecting these keystone species. California is home to approximately 20 species of native oak trees, and San Diego County is the primary oak hotspot in the state. With at least 10 species, plus several natural hybrids and varieties, San Diego County has more oak taxa than any other county in California.
The oak conservation program at SDZWA is focused on six species of conservation concern that are found in San Diego and in the broader region of Southern California and Baja California (Mexico). These efforts are close collaborations with multiple partners, including the Global Conservation Consortium for Oak, The Nature Conservancy, and the San Diego Botanic Garden.
The six focal species are:
Nuttall’s scrub oak (Quercus dumosa)
Island scrub oak (Quercus pacifica)
Cedros Island oak (Quercus cedrosensis)
Island oak (Quercus tomentella)
Santa Cruz Island oak (Quercus parvula var. parvula)
Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii)
Our speaker of the evening is Dario Berrini, a Senior Horticulturist at SDZWA, specializing in oak conservation. His research, conducted in collaboration with fellow Senior Horticulturist Greg Bluffin, has been instrumental in advancing conservation strategies for threatened oak species.
Explore their work through these publications:
Exceptional Trees Need Exceptional Conservation – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Conservation Efforts for Quercus cedrosensis – International Oak Society
We look forward to seeing you there!
Chapter Meeting Details
Event Timeline:
6:30 PM – Browsing & Socializing
7:00 PM – Meeting Announcements
7:15-7:30 PM – Presentation (May begin a little early)
8:30 PM – Wrap-up and Thanks (event closes at 9:00 PM)
Location Details:
Casa del Prado, Room 101, Balboa Park
Located across Village Place from the San Diego Natural History Museum (NAT), in the Casa Del Prado Inner Courtyard.
Chapter meetings are free and open to the public. Everyone with a love for wild places, biodiversity, and community is welcome!
Event Highlights:
Merchandise & Seeds: Browse books, merchandise, and even purchase seeds and bulbs (availability not guaranteed).
Connect & Volunteer: Meet knowledgeable members, discover volunteer opportunities, enjoy snacks and drinks, and connect with others who share a passion for conserving San Diego’s unique landscapes and habitats.