Events › Summer 2026 Plant a Seed, Read: Gardening for Biodiversity

Native plants provide an abundance of resources for insects, bird, and animal life. The beneficial relationship between native plants and the wildlife that relies on them has been well-established. Come to this talk by naturalist John Kehoe, to learn how selecting even a few California native plants for a garden or restoration plot can make a significant difference in the overall populations of beneficial insects and animals. Gardeners with little experience can add to a local pollinator pathway to support these critters as they browse our neighborhoods. You may even find success in potted plants on patios or balconies. These scattered oases can become pollinator hubs of sorts, further boosting populations of insects, lizards, birds, and other animals.

The talk will be accompanied by a slideshow that includes numerous high-resolution photos revealing the many relationships between California native plants and the insects and animals that rely on them.

John Kehoe is a longtime member of CNPS and sees himself as a California Naturalist, a citizen scientist, and occasional docent, and environmental advocate. He frequently volunteers at Grassroots Ecology habitat restoration events and various CNPS functions. You might see him at BioBlitz events as well. His research interests include studying insects, plants, and ecosystems with a passion for our native bees. He shares these interests by way of his photography on Flickr and iNaturalist.

For accessibility accommodations (ex. ASL), please fill out the online form at sccld.org/accessibility 7+days prior to the event. If you need assistance with the form, speak with a staff member at your local library, call (408) 540-3945, or email us at ask@lib.sccgov.org.

Sign up for Summer Reading 2026: Plant a Seed, Read, June 1st – July 31st and earn a reward for reading 5 books and completing 1 activity!

Sign up and track your books with Beanstack online: https://sccl.beanstack.org/reader365 or download the free Beanstack App.

Pick up your finishing reward at your local SCCLD library August 1st – 31st while supplies last.

All Summer Reading Program information available here: www.sccld.org/summer