-D. Lopez
Matt Marshall is only 25 years old, but there is something about his outlook that may save the world. Are there more of him out there? There are people dismayed about the state of the world, greenhouse gasses, carbon footprints, extinction of species, reduction of natural spaces. Yes, we need all the help we can get. When we need a solution, living by example might be the solid road towards change.
When asked how he became the Nursery Manager at Central Coast Wilds, the answer was unexpected. Central Coast Wilds, located in Santa Cruz, a division of Ecological Concerns Incorporated, specializes in ecological landscapes, habitat restoration and native plants. Its protocols for caring for plants includes the sanitation of soil and proper plant handling to prevent the spread of pathogens. Only a special background would connect him to this team of ecologists and botanists.
Graduating with a double major in Environmental Studies and Politics from UC Santa Cruz, Matt worked leading groups in a six-week natural history program from the Sierras to the coast. These experiences brought him plant and wildlife identification skills and firsthand knowledge of natural landscapes. His initial interest in birds and their habitats led him to Point Blue Conservation Science in Petaluma. It was here that the intersection of birds to plants became clear.
After spending his life in this focused way, he had many optimistic responses to the environmental concerns of the day. My original question to him was, “You work for a native plant nursery, what’s the big deal with native plants?” His answer is in agreement with scientific concerns: “The loss of native plants and landscapes has lead to: greenhouse gasses, climate change and the loss of biodiversity.” He insisted that there are fewer and fewer natural habitats due to development, however in his opinion this is not irreparable. Restoration work is the exact business of Central Coast Wilds.
What can we do? “Even if you only had a 10’x10’ space to garden, you could be a hotspot for a species.” Birds have a difficult time in winter and one’s garden can be of support even with a few plants. Any kind of garden is a start, he insisted. A conventional garden nursery might sell us plants from South Africa, Europe or Australia, but if this is of interest to a gardener, why not a native plant? He was adamant that a native plant would be less work and is already acclimated to handling the area. When mentioning my native golden currant plant, he became enthused and was excited to tell me that the ‘ribes’ species (berry producers) were having a boom year. Personally, I was glad to hear this as my ribes collection is not only pretty with flowers in springtime, but they feed birds, people, are deer resistant and are drought-tolerant. This conversation was helpful.
What if you live in a rental with a small deck or limited place to garden? Matt says we can always grow our own food in pots. Practice connecting with plants in a way that makes sense to you. “No matter where you are, there is a plant for you, whether it’s for beauty, food or habitat.” Based on our talk, regardless of availability of space, this did not seem like the real hurdle.
We talked about plant blindness and what impedes our attention and knowledge of plants. “It’s funny how we can identify company logos, but not be able to identify a plant.” This seemed true, given our early ancestors had plants as their main medicine. Plant identification was more commonplace before the arrival of the industrial world. Matt did not seem to be chastising modern culture, but in an educators tone, suggesting it can be done. We can successfully learn to identify and hold knowledge about plants as everyday information.
Despite the ongoing grim news, or the pathogens killing oak and redwoods, Matt Marshall says that he is neither pessimistic nor negative about our environmental crisis. When he gets overwhelmed about the issues, he remembers that as an individual he has the one potent thing that changes everything: action. Action shifts the world around us, and as the number of people taking restorative actions increases, there can only be a powerful outcome.
Researching Matt’s past, it was not difficult to be impressed with his exposure to environmental science, his appreciation of birds, plants and like-minded people. Even more impressive, is his dedication to be of service to future generations. My generation did not listen, but became more ambitious about their “assets.” Like him, I want to lean on my ability to act, to feed and shelter birds, to re-wild a world that loves freeways and plastic. Like him, I want the ability to identify many plants that brand a terrain, not a company.
Photo: Matt Marshall with a Prickly Poppy, Argemone munita, In the Big Sur area
Contributed by Matt Marshall info@centralcoastwilds.com