WILDLIFE

NPL Wildlife

Native plants in urban landscapes are crucial for maintaining San Diego County's unique biodiversity and supporting local wildlife. Native plants offer essential food sources, shelter and breeding habitats, supporting the life cycles of various insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. By incorporating native plants into urban environments and focusing landscape design on creating habitat for local wildlife, we contribute to the preservation and well-being of diverse species that call San Diego County home.

As urbanization continues to fragment natural habitats, integrating native landscapes into our urban environments becomes increasingly important for preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems. By incorporating indigenous flora into our cities and suburbs, we contribute to the creation of green corridors that facilitate wildlife movement, promote species interactions, and foster a more resilient and interconnected urban ecosystem.

The County of San Diego's Native Landscape Program aims to equip residents and landscape professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to create thriving habitats for local wildlife. By fostering a deeper understanding of the connection between native flora and fauna, the program empowers residents to actively contribute to the preservation and well-being of San Diego's diverse wildlife populations.

Butterflies and Moths

Illustration of butterflies on milkweed

As an integral component of our ecosystem, butterflies and moths rely on native plants for food, shelter, and reproduction. By selecting the appropriate plants and cultivating a hospitable environment, residents can play a significant role in supporting local butterfly and wildlife species and promoting biodiversity. Together, we can create a network of thriving butterfly habitats throughout San Diego County, contributing to the long-term health and resilience of our local ecosystems.

The County of San Diego is in the process of creating the Butterflies Habitat Conservation Plan and the Native Landscape Program. Both of these pursuits are regional scale and go hand in hand with creating diverse conservation within the San Diego County region.

The Butterfly Habitat Guide provides information on host species that can be planted to create habitat for several butterfly species found in San Diego County. Additional species and their host plants can be found using the California Butterflies and Native Host Plants database provided by the California Native Plant Society. For more information, email MSCP@sdcounty.ca.gov or visit the Butterflies Habitat Conservation Plan webpage.