Conejo Open Space Foundation

Read the synopsis, then watch the recording of the “Native Plants Demystified” Speaker Series event from October 14, 2021

Native-plant experts Laura Pasetta, Jenn Rodriguez, Antonio Sanchez and COSCA Administrator Brian Stark spoke from their extensive knowledge and experience of developing a garden of native Southern California plants. The video recording and a photo gallery can be found below this brief synopsis of their presentations. Laura Pasetta (Clinical herbalist, Read more

By Steve Clark, 4 years10/16/2021 ago

Plants Native Where in the Conejo Wildlife

We Have a ‘Where in the Conejo’ Winner: Wendy Zimmerman!

The August 1 Where in the Conejo Contest photo was of a Milde’s tarantula hawk. Of the correct entrants (which was most everyone!), Wendy was selected at random as the winner of a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations Wendy and thanks to all who entered the contest! Milde’s tarantula hawk (Pepsis Read more

By Anne Russell, 4 years08/08/2021 ago

Plants Native Where in the Conejo

The April 9th Where in the Conejo contest photo was of a fire poppy

Congratulations to Elise Wilson of Canoga Park who provided the correct answer and was selected as the winner. Thanks to all who entered the contest! Fire poppies (Papaver californicum) are one of Southern California’s most lovely “fire followers,” plants that flourish when wildfire releases nutrients into the soil and burns Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years04/17/2021 ago

Environment Plants Native Wildlife

Spring Wildflowers: Bloom or Bust?

You’ve probably noticed that we haven’t had much rain so far this year. Rainfall in most of Ventura County has totaled less than 3 inches, which is less than a third of what we normally would have gotten. That doesn’t bode well for the spring wildflower bloom, says Anna Huber, Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years03/24/2021 ago

Plants Native Where in the Conejo

The February 12th Where in the Conejo contest photo was of White Nightshade

Congratulations to Kristine McCardle of Newbury Park who provided the correct answer and was selected as the winner. Thanks to all who entered the contest! White nightshade (Solanum douglasii) is also known as greenspot or Douglas nightshade. You’ll see this common perennial plant blooming now—and throughout the year—along the trails. Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years02/19/2021 ago

Plants Native Video Plants Wildlife

The Amazing, Versatile Coast Live Oak

While hiking over our local hills and through canyons, you’ve undoubtedly been awed by a canopy of coast live oaks or seen one perched majestically on a hillside. They’re tough, hardy drought resistant trees that can live for 250 years. You may have seen branches growing out of burned trunks Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years02/02/2021 ago

Plants Native Video Plants Wildlife

How Well Do You Know and Appreciate Prickly Pear Cactus?

We’ve all seen prickly pear cactus on sunny, rocky slopes and, hopefully, you haven’t accidentally fallen or backed into their spiny pads. Did you know those sharp spines are not only for defense, but also act as modified leaves? The fruit of the prickly pear cactus is nutritious and good Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years12/16/2020 ago

Accomplishments Plants Native Wildlife

COSF contributes to the fennel eradication effort

Fennel is an invasive non-native plant that can grow in grasslands, chaparral and alongside creeks. It can grow so dense that it complete excludes native plants and the animals and insects that rely on them. In normal years COSCA organizes groups of volunteers to remove fennel from the open space Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years11/30/2020 ago

Environment Plants Native Video Animals Video Plants Wildlife

Milkweed and the beautiful Monarch Butterflies are inextricably linked but endangered

This is the time of year we can spot the monarch butterflies migrating to their winter homes and also a good time to learn more about why the narrow leaf milkweed is the most important plant for monarchs. We often see milkweed in sunny areas near our trails, but do Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years11/16/2020 ago

Plants Native Video Plants Wildlife

Beautiful, aromatic white sage is now endangered with its trendy use in burning smudge sticks

White sage is considered sacred and still used by indigenous peoples for medical and ceremonial purposes, but did you know it’s now becoming endangered? While hiking along a local trail, it’s likely we’ve stopped and enjoyed the wonderful aroma of white sage that’s common on sunny hillsides and in chaparral Read more

By Steve Clark, 5 years10/16/2020 ago