New Insights into the Ecology, Evolution & Conservation of Coyote Ceanothus

Presented by the California Native Plant Society

Anderson Reservoir lies within 2 km of the Calaveras Fault in Morgan Hill. Recent seismic stability studies determined that Anderson Dam is seismically unstable and in need of retrofitting. The dam bisects the largest population of the federally endangered Coyote ceanothus. In order to mitigate for impacts to Coyote ceanothus from the dam retrofit, a new population must be created. A series of collaborative research studies on the genetics, soil relationships, and water availability needs of known populations of Coyote ceanothus are currently underway to determine methods to create a successful, functioning population. 

Janell Hillman is a botanist at the Santa Clara Valley Water District. She graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies and from San Francisco State University with a master’s degree in Biology. She is a past co-president of the Santa Cruz Chapter of CNPS, and was on the state CNPS Executive Board for several years.