Restoring Habitats and Protecting Biodiversity: A Look Inside the Native Plant Greenhouse at Cabrillo National Monument
Written by Adriana Wolf, CNMF Outreach Coordinator
Seedlings beginning to sprout in the greenhouse
Cabrillo National Monument is a living ecosystem shaped by conservation efforts, scientific research, and passionate individuals dedicated to protecting its precious biodiversity. One of the most vital restoration efforts happens behind the scenes at the Native Plant Greenhouse, where park staff, interns, and volunteers work tirelessly to grow and reintroduce hundreds of native species throughout the park.
Every plant grown in the greenhouse plays a critical role in restoring habitats, combating erosion, and preserving the delicate balance of the park’s environment. The species cultivated in the greenhouse are carefully propagated from seeds and cuttings from existing park plants to preserve the genetic makeup of the native species that have thrived on the Point Loma peninsula for centuries. With the help of innovative techniques, dedicated staff and volunteers, and direct financial support from CNMF, the greenhouse provides an array of native plants for re-vegetation across the park, reinforcing the resilience of the park’s ecosystem over time.
The Greenhouse: A Hub of Innovation and Conservation
Seedlings growing at the greenhouse
The Native Plant Greenhouse at Cabrillo National Monument is a hub of ecological innovation and calculated propagation. Keith Lombardo, the current Director of the Southern California Research Learning Center (SCRLC), previously served as the Chief of Natural Resource Management & Science at Cabrillo National Monument, where he spearheaded the initial growth phase of the park’s native plant greenhouse. With financial support from CNMF, Lombardo hired interns to take on new roles, significantly expanding the greenhouse’s capacity. Initially, greenhouse-grown plants were supplemented with purchases from Native West Nursery. However, as the greenhouse team grew, it became apparent that the next step forward would be growing their own with hyper-local plants with the specific genetic makeup to thrive.
“The genetics of the plants in our park are probably different than the genetics of even the same species of plant in Mission Trails or elsewhere in San Diego County. We really want to ensure that the plants we are putting into Cabrillo National Monument are from the Point Loma Peninsula,” Lombardo explained at a CNMF Members Only Greenhouse Tour.
Seedlings growing inside the greenhouse
A major turning point came when Keith Lombardo brought greenhouse manager, Lorraine Kelly, onto the team. Kelly led the transition to propagating all native plants exclusively from existing specimens within the park. From common species like black sage (Salvia mellifera) to rare plants like Shaw’s agave (Agave shawii), Kelly mastered the art of growing native species from seeds and cuttings. Thanks to her efforts, 100% of the plants used in the park’s restoration projects are now grown in-house. This shift ensures that every plant is not only the correct native species but also has the genetic adaptations necessary to thrive in Cabrillo’s unique climate and terrain—from steep hillsides to high-fog conditions.
Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). Photo Credit: NPS/P. Simpson
Many species require specialized germination techniques. Some, like Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) depend on fire cues to sprout, meaning their seeds must be exposed to smoke or heat. To replicate this process, volunteers use culinary liquid smoke to trigger germination, mimicking the natural role wildfires once played in shaping this landscape. Without these techniques, certain plant species might struggle to regenerate naturally.
A Calculated Approach to Restoration: Maintaining the Plant Pallet
“Plant genetics are incredibly dialed in to moisture and sun exposure,” Lombardo stated at a CNMF member’s only greenhouse tour. Even within Cabrillo, species have genetic differences based on their location within the park. To guide restoration efforts, the greenhouse team refers to historic journals and photos from the 1800s to determine the plant composition of specific areas. This specific arrangement of plants in an area is known as the ‘plant palette.’
Volunteers re-vegetating along the Oceanside Trail with plants that were removed from the trail construction area. Photo Credit: NPS/P. Simpson
The precision with which the greenhouse team maintains this balance was evident during the construction of the Oceanside Trail. Before work began, biologists and technicians carefully removed plants from the area slated for development. These plants were then nurtured in the greenhouse for months until the trail was completed. Once construction was finished, they were reintroduced along the trail’s edges, stabilizing the soil and restoring the habitat with the exact same plants that originally grew there. This achievement in ecosystem conservation would not have been possible without the Native Plant Greenhouse, which ensured the plant palette remained intact and minimized habitat disruption.
Restoring the Spur Trail: One Planting Cycle at a Time
One of the most striking examples of the park’s restoration work is the spur trail project, a site off the coastal trail near the second parking lot. After heavy rains in 2023 caused erosion and safety hazards, the trail was closed to prevent further damage. However, rather than leaving the disturbed land to recover on its own, park staff and volunteers took action.
Spur Trail restoration project. Photo Credit: NPS/P. Simpson
In a single restoration effort, 350 native plants were planted to stabilize the soil and encourage natural regrowth. Using greenhouse-grown plants to complete this project had many benefits, including cost efficiency and higher survival rates. At any given time, the greenhouse houses over 2,000 native plants, which would cost approximately $20,000 to purchase from outside sources. Plants grown in the greenhouse also have a greater likelihood of thriving long-term, as their genetics are adapted to survive in the conditions of the park. Had the restoration team used plants from an off-site nursery, they might have survived, but they wouldn’t have had time to adapt to Cabrillo’s microclimate. A high-fog year or a low-rain winter could have been enough to kill non-local plants.
The project is far from over—ongoing monitoring and additional plantings will continue for the next three to four years to increase diversity and ensure long-term success. Even as the landscape begins to heal, restoration teams understand that patience is key. Science Technician, Patricia Simpson, who oversees daily Greenhouse operations notes that if just 10% of plants survive, it is considered a success. The key is persistence—staff and volunteers will revisit restoration sites over several years, adding more plants and increasing biodiversity until the ecosystem reaches a stable balance. Nature works on its own timeline, and restoring an ecosystem is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment.
How You Can Support this Work
Protecting native habitats is a community effort, and there are many ways you can get involved:
Donate to Support Conservation Efforts – your contribution to CNMF will help fund the essential tool and supplies for the greenhouse.
Volunteer – Cabrillo National Monument offers opportunities to assist with seed collection, planting, and habitat restoration projects.
Stay on Trails – When visiting Cabrillo, sticking to designated trails helps protect fragile plant communities.
The work being done at Cabrillo National Monument today will determine what kind of natural spaces future generations inherit. Thanks to the Native Plant Greenhouse and the people who care for it, this remarkable ecosystem has a chance to thrive for years to come.
Next time you walk through Cabrillo’s trails and see native plants flourishing, remember the care, patience, and dedication it took to restore that landscape. Every seed planted is a commitment to ensuring that this special place remains wild, beautiful, and ecologically vibrant.
Cabrillo National Monument Foundation (CNMF) is the official philanthropic partner to Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego’s only National Park. With your help, we support programs and initiatives that preserve the rich cultural and natural treasures and enhance the visitor experience at Cabrillo National Monument. Join our work by becoming a monthly member to give-back all year, or make a one-time donation to support one of our ongoing projects that inspires you.