This web-based plant guide was initiated and authored by David Varner and Elizabeth Venrick. It is managed by Nature Collective. We welcome use of content and photos for non-commercial purposes. These should be cited as:
Nature Collective © 2019
Guide to Plants of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
All photographs are courtesy Elizabeth Venrick, unless otherwise noted.
The authors are grateful for the creative work of several contributors to this project. We thank all Nature Collective volunteers and staff, county rangers, and volunteers who test-drove our first draft of seven species. Their corrections and suggestions substantially improved the quality of this work.
In addition to plant profiles prepared by the authors, Lea Corkidi developed profiles for common phacelia, Hooker’s evening primrose, and our three species of sea lavender; Linda Jones provided much of the material for pride of Madeira and fennel. Wonderful photographs were contributed by Denise Stillinger, Barbara Wallach, Mark Jenne, Margaret Fillius, Doug Gibson, Al Butler, David Checkley, Janie DeCelles, Janine Free, Tom Manders, Jayne Leslie, George Bredehoft; Kristin Markell, Paul Worthington, Joe DeWolf, Jo Quinn, Jennifer Bright and Herb Knufken; credits for specific images are given on the photo pages.
Finally, we acknowledge the contribution of Susan Welker, who served for 30 years as Supervising Park Ranger at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Elizabeth Venrick writes: Susan was the person who reawakened my early interest in botany and plant ecology. She encouraged me to create a series of “Plant of the Week” profiles for the Nature Center. The 150 plant summaries provided stimulus and framework for this web site, and Susan’s personal list of nearly 400 plants in the reserve is a constant reminder of the work (and enjoyment) we have ahead of us.”
We encourage you to share this plant resource with your students, peers, friends and family as part of your exploration of San Elijo Lagoon.
Thank you.