On Sunday, Nov. 3, Malibu residents were given the opportunity to receive free native plants and seeds from the City of Malibu and the Fire Department’s Forestry Division at Legacy Park.
Chris Orosz, Malibu’s Recreation Supervisor, guided attendees on a tour of the park, explaining the significance of each native plant and the role of the park’s pond. “Our goal is to provide the community with native plants that support local pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while also offering drought-tolerant plants that enhance home landscapes,” Orosz said.
In addition to the plant giveaway, the event aimed to promote fire safety. Orosz explained that the city partnered with the Fire and Forestry Department to help residents better protect their homes from wildfires. “We wanted to work with an agency we value, providing residents with fire mitigation resources,” he said.
Fire Department Forestry Division staff, including Aaron Williams and Rob Walton, were present to distribute plants and offer fire safety advice. Williams explained that the Forestry Division grows these plants at their Malibu Canyon nursery, including varieties like toyon, sage, manzanita, and island snapdragon, to distribute to the public.
Orosz emphasized the importance of educating residents about native plants. “We want people to know what resources are available in their community, such as the Fire and Forestry Department’s free plant program,” he said.
The event was a success, with very few plants remaining by the end of the day. Orosz noted that residents showed a strong interest in creating landscapes that support local wildlife and pollinators. “It’s encouraging to see how engaged the community is in preserving native plants,” he said.
Malibu resident Tom Molloy, who attended for the free plants, stayed for the tour. He expressed interest in learning about the park’s pond and its role in maintaining clean water in Malibu. “I enjoyed learning about the pond’s challenges and its impact on local wildlife,” Molloy said. He encouraged others to take the tour and learn about the park’s unique ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Orosz is excited for the city’s next event: an Audubon Bird walk on Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. “It’s another free program, and we encourage people to register online to help us manage attendance,” he said.
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