DEVELOPING THE SAN DIEGO NATIVE LANDSCAPE PROGRAM TO FOSTER ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The County of San Diego developed an initiative centered around focused collaboration with the San Diego Regional Biodiversity Working Group, comprised of over 40 experts in landscape ecology and design, habitat conservation, and native plants from prominent local advocacy organizations. The collaboration was formed to develop the San Diego County Native Landscape Program which encourages and incentivizes the use of native plants in publicly- and privately-managed landscaped areas across the San Diego region. Working closely with County staff, the Working Group identified best practices and strategies for prioritizing native plant landscaping to inform program development. County staff collaborated with the Working Group by providing strategic guidance and facilitating large and small group meetings. To broaden support, staff conducted broad outreach and engagement with over 30 stakeholder groups using virtual public workshops, focused stakeholder meetings and presentations, and social media to receive and address community feedback. Stakeholder outreach focused on transparent, frequent, and accessible public communication so outcomes would reflect community input. This collaborative process led to a program that uses policy, education, and incentives to promote environmental stewardship and climate resiliency, complement regional conservation efforts, support San Diego County’s unique biodiversity, and be equitably applied throughout the region.