Development of Options for the San Diego County Native Landscape Program

Program Contact: Magen Shaw  |  Magen.shaw@sdcounty.ca.gov  |  619-613-0851

 

The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services department is developing the San Diego County Native Landscape Program to increase the use of native plants in landscaping across the region. The voluntary program will use education and incentives to increase the use of native plants in landscaped areas at private development and will showcase the use of native plant landscaping at County facilities.

Native Plants Landscaping

Landscaping with native plants supports biodiversity and helps the natural environment be more adaptive and resilient to climate change impacts by increasing habitat for native animals, birds, and insects and improving water conservation. By encouraging the use of native plants in landscaping, the County can support local demand for native plant products and professional services.

Following Board of Supervisors direction, staff coordinated with the San Diego Regional Biodiversity Working Group as they developed recommendations for increasing the use of native plants in landscaping across the region. These recommendations, along with best practice research and input from internal and external stakeholders, were used to develop a framework for the San Diego County Native Landscape Program that includes long-term outcomes, ten County-initiated actions, and an implementation timeline.

On December 14, 2022 (11), the Board approved the multi-year Program and implementation of Phase I through Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

Program Overview

The Program contains ten County-initiated actions that will be developed over the next five years. View the December 14, 2022, Board Letter and Public Hearing presentation, or the Native Landscape Program website for additional information on the Program’s objectives, actions, and implementation timeline.

Public Participation

In addition to broad community outreach, a Technical Working Group of regional native plant experts, landscaping professionals, and Tribal representatives will be formed to guide the Program’s development and implementation. The goal of the group is to identify important resources, examples, and lessons learned from the field to ensure that the Program is informed by stakeholders and is centered on equity.

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Past Public Workshops on Program Development

August 29, 2022

A virtual public workshop was held on August 29, 2022, where staff presented an overview of the project and solicited input on draft options for Board consideration.

November 3, 2021

A virtual public workshop was held on November 3, 2021, where staff presented an overview of the project and solicited input on the process for developing options for Board consideration.