Our Official California State Grass opus 936
| 10 September 2026 1524 Hours | | California, Biology, Botany, Education, Environment, Law, Science, Youth |
I wrote the legislation which designated
Stipa pulchra as the official state grass of California.
Purple needlegrass had languished for thirty years,
As our possible official grass, when I recognized its pending status.
I had founded the Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy, a land trust,
And, as a New Englander, commenced studying California flora.
I wrote the legislation for this grass and with the help
Of Representative Lois Wolk and Senator Michael (Mike) Machado,
It passed 22 years ago unanimously in both the Assembly and Senate.
This was a wonderful accomplishment because of
Its long 'gestation,' as well as its usefulness
In our California school farming program, Ag in the Classroom.
I personally continued to help with designated state grasses
For several other states that also finally designated official state grasses.
This small accomplishment is one more step
Towards educating our children (and others) concerning
The importance of understanding our natural heritages.