Maximizing Habitat Values and Habitat Function in Urban Landscapes

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Speaker: Pat Reynolds, California Native Grassland Association

Landscaping with native species and incorporation of habitat enhancement features within urban areas is a significant and underutilized conservation action that can effectively increase habitat values in the built environment. If designed properly, urban gardens can provide important habitat for beneficial insects including pollinators, improve water infiltration and retention, reduce irrigation requirements, help to combat climate change, and create resilient landscapes. Pat’s presentation will focus on the steps that go into the design, implementation and maintenance of habitat gardens dominated by native herbaceous vegetation including the incorporation of habitat features to maximize ecological values and habitat function. He will also discuss some of the findings of a U.C. Davis class study that looked at the social and ecological ramifications of a habitat enhancement project that he leads in his South Davis neighborhood with hopes of inspiring others to implement similar neighborhood projects.

Pat Reynolds is the Director of River Partner’s Native Seed and Nursery Program, the former General Manager of Hedgerow Farms and a past Associate Restoration Ecologist at H.T. Harvey & Associates. He is a restoration ecologist with more than 30 years of professional experience in the design, implementation and monitoring of restoration projects including the effective use of native seed. Pat sits on the Yolo County Planning Commission and is the Restoration Ecologist on the Science and Technical Advisory Committee for the Yolo County Habitat Agency and on the Board of Directors for the California Native Grassland Association (CNGA).

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