Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS App + Monday, May 13 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS 2
California has the largest number of rare plants and animals of any state in the nation. In California, San Diego is a hot spot of biodiversity. There are more species of plants here than almost anywhere else in the world. Or at least there were more species of plants than almost anywhere else in the world. As the region has developed, shopping malls, schools, roadways, office buildings, and homes cover what was once vernal pools, and other rare habitat areas. As a result, San Diego County is also on the hot list for endangered species.
On this episode, we meet Dr. John Clark, the charismatic scientist who is executive director of the Center for Plant Conservation, which recently relocated from the Missouri Botanical Garden to join forces with the San Diego Zoological Society.
Dr. Clark takes us to see examples of endangered plants, many of which are all around us — we simply don't recognize them. We talk with Dr. Clark about why these plants are important, what exactly it means to be an "endangered" plant, and what, if anything, we can do to slow the rate of plant extinction both locally and worldwide.
Watch On Your Schedule: Episodes of A GROWING PASSION are available to stream now with the PBS App. Watch the best of PBS anytime, anywhere on the free PBS app. Stream your favorite PBS shows on-demand and livestream shows from your local station, all from your favorite device.
Join The Conversation: A GROWING PASSION is on Facebook. Share photos and follow the series on Instagram. Center for Plant Conservation is on Facebook, Instagram
About The Series: A GROWING PASSION is an Emmy-winning lifestyle program that explores San Diego County's agriculture and horticulture activities as an expression of this growing earth-friendly movement. From backyard food production to major horticultural growers, from low-water landscapes to sustainable practices around the home and in the garden, we tell stories about the natural and manmade landscapes that shape the social, cultural, environmental and economic interests of our community. We celebrate how San Diego grows.
