Theodore Payne Foundation
We inspire, educate, and equip Southern Californians to create biodiverse native landscapes that renew the connection between people and the natural world.
Financials
Programs
Nursery
Devoted exclusively to California native plants, our retail nursery distributes over 100,000 plants annually, helping to make our region more adaptable to climate extremes like heat, drought, fire and erosion while providing critical habitat for local wildlife.
Community Outreach
We bring native plants directly to communities across Los Angeles County through tabling at local events, talks at libraries and community centers, free seed giveaways, and planting projects.
Conservation
Since 1962, our Seed Program has collected, grown, and preserved native plant seed to support home gardeners, restoration projects, and researchers alike. Through initiatives like our regional seed bank and Local Source Initiative, we're working to protect the genetic diversity of Los Angeles County's native flora for generations to come.
Demonstration Gardens
Explore over 1,000 native plant species across our two acres of demonstration gardens, a living, growing showcase of what's possible with California native landscaping.
Volunteering + Events
Annual Native Plant Garden Tour
Since 2004, the Theodore Payne Foundation's Annual Native Plant Garden Tour has been a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of California native plants. Volunteers serve as docents on the tour, helping visitors understand how native plants can transform their gardens, schools, and neighborhoods.
Seed Processing Volunteers
Volunteers work with our Seed Team to learn to process seeds of California native plants. These seeds will get grown out into beautiful plants by our talented horticulture staff.
Grounds Maintenance Volunteering
Volunteers learn practical skills in native plant horticulture while helping to revegetate a hillside on the TPF grounds.