Local Botanist Fights Extinction: Guerrilla Gardening to Save California's Endangered Hibiscus

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – A local horticulturalist is taking a proactive approach to environmental conservation by engaging in "guerrilla gardening" to save endangered native plants. The individual, who identifies as a botanist, recently highlighted efforts to plant the endangered California hibiscus (Hibiscus lasiocarpos) in Solano County, a region historically rich in biodiversity now impacted by agricultural expansion and water management issues. According to the horticulturalist, true ecological restoration involves planting native species that support local wildlife, rather than non-native food crops or ornamental plants often found in commercial nurseries. "Guerrilla gardening non-native plants isn't restoration," he stated in a recent video, emphasizing that many common garden plants offer minimal benefit to native ecosystems. The California hibiscus, once prevalent in the region, requires specific conditions, including fire, to germinate. The conservationist demonstrated a method of preparing the seeds using liquid smoke and hot water to encourage sprouting before planting them in suitable riparian habitats. Concerns were also raised regarding the Sacramento Delta's ecosystem, which has been significantly altered by dams and faces ongoing threats from proposed "delta tunnels" water projects. These projects, he argues, could further endanger species like the Chinook salmon and the California hibiscus by disrupting vital water flows. "Chinook salmon and the endangered hibiscus are going extinct," he warned, advocating for the protection of the delta's clean water and native habitats. The effort underscores a growing movement to restore native plant populations and address broader ecological challenges through community-led initiatives.