Native Plant Nursery: AIR-Certified

    The Accreditation to Improve Reforestation (AIR) Nursery is a critical component of our reforestation and habitat restoration efforts. Designed to produce high-quality, disease-free native plants, the nursery plays a vital role in restoring areas affected by wildfires, habitat loss, and erosion. By growing native tree and shrub species under controlled conditions, we ensure that reforestation projects are successful and contribute to long-term ecosystem health. The nursery supplies saplings for restoration efforts within the San Bernardino National Forest, including species like Jeffrey Pine, Sugar Pine, and Coulter Pine, which are essential for rebuilding resilient forest landscapes.

     Operating an AIR-certified nursery requires strict adherence to Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent the spread of pathogens such as Phytophthora, a soil-borne disease that can devastate native plant populations. To meet compliance standards, our nursery follows rigorous sanitation protocols, including sterilized soil mixes, clean water sources, and routine testing of plant stock. Additionally, Bench Test Baiting is conducted to verify that seedlings are disease-free before they are transplanted into the forest. These measures align with state and federal reforestation guidelines, ensuring that our nursery-grown plants meet the highest standards for environmental restoration.

     Beyond its role in reforestation, the AIR nursery serves as an educational hub for the community, providing hands-on learning opportunities about native plant cultivation, forest ecology, and habitat restoration. Volunteers and conservation partners actively participate in seed collection, propagation, and planting events, fostering a deeper connection to environmental stewardship. The nursery also collaborates with agencies like Cal Fire’s Reforestation Services and the U.S. Forest Service to expand restoration efforts across wildfire-impacted areas.

     By maintaining an AIR-certified nursery, we support the recovery of fire-damaged and degraded landscapes and ensure that our restoration projects are scientifically sound, ecologically responsible, and sustainable for generations to come.