Theodore Payne Foundation

The Theodore Payne Foundation, named after the wildflower conservationist, was founded in 1960 in Southern California. The mission of the Foundation is to preserve the wildflowers located within the region as a way to preserve California's past and natural beauty. Theodore Payne was a horticulture student and came to the Los Angeles area in the late 1800's. Once there, he became enamored with the area's natural beauty and dedicated his life to the conservation of the natural landscapes and wildflowers. Mr. Payne opened his own nursery and seed business and ended up establishing several native wildflower gardens all over the state of California. By the time he retired in 1958 he had made over 400 species of wildflower available to the public.

The foundation's physical address is 10459 Tuxford Street Sun Valley, CA. at the foundation visitors can partake in gardening and nature classes as well as purchase supplies and flowers at the gift shop. There is also an educational native gardening library which includes some of Mr. Payne's very own literature. The foundation is completely supported through giving and volunteerism so people are encouraged to make donations and volunteer their time at the nursery or spreading the word.