California Botanic Garden

Research, library and herbarium - the organization maintains a comprehensive living collection of California native plants, an extensive dried specimen collection in the herbarium, and a wide-ranging collection of botany volumes held in its library. No cost has been capitalized for these collections as it is impractical to determine their value due to the large number of items and the long span of years it has taken to create the collections. In addition, capitalizing collections contradicts standards of collections stewardship and is counter to the ethical standards set forth by the museum field. Library and archive - the research library contains approximately 48,000 volumes and 750 current journals and periodicals. Acquisitions increase yearly and include bound journals and periodicals. The library also houses the archives which include the marcus jones archives and collection, as well as the samuel parish collections; both men were local botanists in the late 19th century. Herbarium - the combined herbarium of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic gardens is about the tenth largest in the united states and the third largest in the western united states, with current holdings totaling over 1,100,000 specimens representing plant diversity worldwide and with superlative strengths in holding of plants from California and other mediterranean climate regions.

Horticulture - living plant collections: living collection - the living collection contributes to the research and conservation mission of the Garden. Through public horticulture, the living collection also promotes the thoughtful utilization of our natural heritage. The living collection covers 86 acres housing over 2,500 accessions of plants native to California and baja. Those accessions represent 1,400 taxa, different kinds of plants, including 900 species. Seed conservation program - the primary function of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden's seed program is the curation and management of the Garden's extensive seed collection. The collection is comprised of over 4,000 accessions representing more than 1,600 California native plant species and cultivars.

Conservation - we are working to conserve California flora through inventory, monitoring, research, horticulture, restoration and seed bank programs. Plant conservation at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (rsabg) is central to our mission and is a natural extension of our rich history in research and horticulture. Conserving biodiversity is challenging as we face catastrophic drought, wildfires, invasion of exotic species, and expanding urbanization and development. Rsabg has been a cornerstone in the world of California native plant conservation and, as our challenges grow, rsabg will continue to work at the front lines. Rsabg has active programs in floristic research, rare plant research and monitoring, population genetics, seed collection and preservation, plant propagation, restoration, and invasive species management to advance conservation of California's native plants and habitats.

Graduate education, community education, visitor and nursery services in promotion of the organization's mission.