Native Plant Nursery

The Native Plant Nursery at the Back Bay Science Center is a collaborative undertaking of the California Coastal Commission, Newport Bay Conservancy, and UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County. What started in 2000 as a single greenhouse and a small potting area has grown to include an irrigated, shade-covered area with potting tables to accommodate up to 3,600 one-gallon pots at one time. Plants such as mulefat, buckwheat and sunflower are grown from seeds collected at the Bay. These local plants are then used by community volunteers to restore native habitat.

We are extremely grateful to the many groups and individuals that visit us and help us.  Every Wednesday from 9-11 a group of “Stewards” work in the nursery.  If you have a group interested in helping at the Native Plant Nursery, feel free to contact Matt Yurko, myurko@coastal.ca.gov.