COSF Speaker Series to Demystify Native Plants on October 14

Published by Steve Clark on 10/11/2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thousand Oaks, California –October 4, 2021

On October 14 at 7:00 p.m., three native-plant experts will share their knowledge with attendees of the quarterly COSF Speaker Series. Still being held virtually via Zoom, the fall event, “Native Plants Demystified,” will feature botanical educators Laura Pasetta, Jenn Rodriguez, and Antonio Sanchez. Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) Administrator Brian Stark will close the presenters’ remarks and talk about problems with unauthorized harvesting of native plants and the devastation of flora caused by hikers/bikers carving new trails.

Laura Pasetta, founder and owner of Wild Rootz Outdoor Adventures, is a trained clinical herbalist, California naturalist, organic gardener, and nature photographer. Her presentation will cover how to identify native plants for food and medicine and tips on native-plant gardening.

Jenn Rodriguez, who holds a BS degree in Horticulture from UC Davis, will speak about native plants and pollinators. Rodriguez manages the Camarillo wholesale nursery Growing Works, which provides supported employment for adults with mental-health challenges.

Antonio Sanchez is the nursery manager and restoration volunteer coordinator for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. He will speak live about native plants in the garden and join Pasetta, Rodriguez, and Stark in answering attendee questions at the program’s conclusion.

Held quarterly since 2019, the COSF Speaker Series has included Hollywood historian Harry Medved, wildlife experts Dr. Seth Riley and Dr. Jessica Sanchez, and National Park Service fire ecologist Marti Witter.

Participants can register for the program at COSF’s website: https://www.cosf-test.org/events/register/. Although this is a free event, COSF encourages a $10 donation to support future Speaker Series presentations. Attendees who do give at least $10 donation when they register will receive a voucher for a free 4-inch plant from Growing Works and a discount code for participating in a Wild Rootz adventure.