A number of people from federal, state and local agencies, environmental organizations, individuals, seed growers and suppliers, and the University of California, expressed interest in forming a native grass development group specific to California. After an initial meeting in February 1990 and several well-attended subsequent meetings, the group organized the California Native Grass Association (CNGA). Membership is is open to all persons interested in the development, cultivation, application and marketing of California native grasses and associated species.

The goals of the association are: 1) To develop the technology to restore ecosystems using native grasses and associated species for the purpose of soil stabilization and improvement, sustained productivity, conservation of biodiversity, and exotic weed control; 2) To coordinate and support the production and marketing of commercial qualities of native seed and other plant materials; and 3) To educate people on the values of native grasses and associated species.

Through committees and workgroups, CNGA is coordinating statewide efforts to collect seed, conduct testing and field evaluations, develop technical material and inform others. CNGA members receive "Grasslands", a newsletter that includes discoveries, trends, historical articles, a featured native grass, calendar of events, marketing information and much more. In addition, CNGA will be sponsoring field trips, special meetings and annual conferences, and plans to develop an information-sharing database for its membership. For membership information write CNGA, P.O. Box 566, Dixon, CA 95620, or call 916-678-6282.