Thea Gavin compiled this profile about our newest OCCNPS board member, Pamela Heiss. As a member of the Garden Tour and Outreach teams, Pamela works to share the beauty and importance of native plants with the greater Orange County community. 

When did you become a CNPS member and volunteer?

I joined CNPS in 2018 when I started working at Tree of Life Nursery because it went hand in hand with what I did for work. It also gave me an outlet to meet more people who were as passionate as I was.

While I can’t remember my first formal volunteer experience, during my second week working at Tree of Life Nursery, OCCNPS sponsored an event there that really wowed me—what a wonderful experience to see so many people getting excited to add biodiversity to their gardens.

What OCCNPS activities would like to encourage others to try?

I really enjoy chapter meetings. The committee that puts these meetings together does such a fantastic job of selecting interesting topics. I encourage anyone to go, no matter how much you know or don’t know. These meetings are a great way to educate people at any level. 

And the best part is you’re in a room FULL of other plant lovers.

Do you grow natives at home?

I have a tiny patio that is full of natives. I have even documented all the wildlife that finds its way up to it. While the number of plants I have goes up and down depending on the weather, I always make sure I have a buckwheat and milkweed.

What is your native plant area of interest/expertise?

Conservation is definitely an interest of mine. My expertise would be in horticulture.

How did you get your native plant training?

I have worked at nurseries or with plants since 1998. It’s been an ongoing process, always learning how to propagate, grow, and sell plants. 

My specific native plant knowledge has come from working with Mike Evans (co-owner of Tree of Life Nursery and my boss). 

I’m incredibly grateful to Mike; he’s been like my “West Coast dad.” Coming from the East Coast, I found Mike’s deep passion for the natural world and its history wonderfully familiar—reminding me of what I grew up with and something I rarely encounter these days. Thanks to Mike, I’ve not only learned about local native plants, but also discovered fascinating facts about each one. Mike has a remarkable gift for storytelling, for bringing to life how everything in nature has its own unique history and significance.

Do you have any native plant heroes?

Mike Evans, of course. Other heroes have emerged naturally through my growing interest and involvement in the field. I deeply admire the pioneering women who fearlessly pursued their passions despite societal constraints of their time. Women like Lester Rowntree, Ynés Mexía, Blanche Trask, and Alice Eastwood stand out for their determination to follow their scientific curiosity and botanical interests when such paths were rarely open to women. Their courage to challenge conventions and make significant contributions continues to inspire me.

Bob Allen, Cat Waters, Ron Vanderhoff, and Kevin Alison are heroes to me as well. Their unwavering passion and commitment to their work serves as a powerful reminder of what life is really about: passion for what you do. 

Witnessing their dedication keeps me inspired and motivated to pursue what I love with the same intensity. They don’t just excel at what they do—they embody the spirit of authentic purpose that pushes me to be a better human every day.

What kind of native plant legacy would you like to be remembered for? 

One thing I’d like to be remembered for is advocating for the use of native plants in local community gardens and public spaces.  I’ve worked to raise awareness about environmental benefits and the importance of supporting local ecosystems. I’ve helped people at schools, cities, and state agencies learn about native plants’ benefits—as well as how to select and install them. 

As far as future plans—I’d like to continue to develop wildlife-friendly garden projects, allowing people to see firsthand how native plants can restore biodiversity and sustain pollinators. These efforts are something I hope will inspire future generations to continue making environmentally conscious choices.

What inspires you about native plants?

Native plants inspire me because they are perfectly adapted to their environment, creating a deep connection between nature and the landscape. Not only do they display resilience as they survive different environmental conditions, they also offer a unique beauty that reflects the natural heritage of a region. The story they tell and their role in the ecosystem is just so amazing, it blows my mind.

What is one thing you have learned about native plants that you didn’t know when you started this journey?

The greatest thing I learned actually wasn’t about plants, but the community. I learned how dedicated people can be…just the amount of time and effort people will devote to something they love and believe in…it’s really quite outstanding.

Do you have any final words of encouragement?

In a busy, ever-changing world, native plants encourage us to slow down, listen to the quiet rhythms of nature, and nurture our own growth with patience and care.

Let their presence remind you that sometimes the most profound changes come from working in harmony with the natural world rather than trying to reshape it.