THE ENDANGERED ENGLEMANN OAK CONSERVATION PROJECT

To conserve and propagate the Endangered Engelmann Oaks at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Oaks as a genus (Quercus) deliver more ecosystem services than many other trees. In addition to their capacity to sequester carbon their massive root systems prevent soil erosion and encourage rainwater infiltration instead of runoff and oaks support hundreds of caterpillar species. Once common in Southern California, Engelmann oaks (Quercus Engelmann) are now classified as an endangered species. On-going residential and commercial pressures, fires, and now consistent, extreme drought are the main pressures threatening their existence. The Engelmann oak population at Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is the largest cohesive population in Los Angeles County. It is the Pasadena Garden Clubs' mission to help preserve these magnificent trees.