PCSS About Us

Welcome to Palomar Cactus and Succulent Society

An affiliate of Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA)

PCSS is a non-profit organization founded in 1957 to encourage the study, enjoyment and conservation of succulent plants from around the world. San Diego County is a perfect place to grow these endlessly fascinating plants and is the native habitat of many fine examples. It is the jumping-off point for exploration into the Anza-Borrego Desert, and to Baja, Mexico as well.

We seek to provide our members access to a wide variety of speakers and programs that suit all levels of enthusiasts – from the very beginning to the dedicated collector, and possibly researcher. Our monthly meetings allow us to share the passion we have for succulent plants of all kinds with our fellow members and the public.

Each October we host a Show and Sale held at San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly Quail Gardens) in Encinitas. We also have a yearly Spring Member Festival. These are in lieu of our regular meetings and allow us to spotlight our members’ exceptional skill in raising beautiful specimens, and to purchase new additions to our collections.

From 1962 through 2011, Club members designed, funded, and maintained the Cactus and Succulent Garden located on the grounds of Palomar College in San Marcos, California. In 2011, the club donated the garden with its thousands of plants to the College Arboretum. A few club members still volunteer there today, helping as needed.

COME JOIN US at a meeting and enjoy our presentations, plant sales, mini-shows, drawings, trading, workshops, and other activities!

See the Meetings tab for information about next month’s meeting, and a basic meeting schedule and a description of the highlights.


MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Palomar Cactus and Succulent Society is to provide education, appreciation, and enjoyment of cactus and succulent plants to members and visitors. At meetings, we provide programs on a wide range of related subjects, a Brag Table (mini exhibition show), and a lending library of over 200 books. In addition, members have opportunities to buy, sell and exchange plants, to share their experiences and develop camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts. We have an annual Spring Member Festival and a large Fall Show and Sale, open to the public where we have approximately 300 show plants on display. The goal of our fundraising efforts is to raise money to donate to San Diego Botanic Garden.


Board Members & Officers

David Buffington – President
Kevin Smith – Vice President
Teri Shusterman – Treasurer
Moni Waiblinger – Secretary
Lorie Johansen – Director at Large
Brita Miller – Director at Large
Charlyne Barad – Director at Large
Robert Kopfstein – Immediate Past President

Volunteers – Meeting & Behind-the-Scene

Benefit Drawing – Annie Morgan
Brag Table Photographer – Lorie Johansen, Annie Morgan
Brag Table Records – David Buffington
Brag Table Setup – Kevin Smith, Libbi Salvo
Event Coordinator – Charlyne Barad, Brita Miller
Event Photographer – Lorie Johansen
Exchange Table – Brian Magone
Facebook Admin – Annie Morgan
Annual Show & Sale Chair – Charlyne Barad
Name Tag Drawing Plants – Julie Kort
Librarian – Barbara Raab
Library Assistant – open
Meeting Sales – Teri Shusterman
Meeting Setup/Takedown – Brita Miller, Kevin Smith

Membership – Richard Miller
New Member & Guest Ambassadors – Lorie Johansen
Newsletter –
Palomar Garden Rep – May Fong Ho
Plant Expert –
Program Coordinator – Robert Kopfstein
Publicity (print) –
Publicity (online) –
Refreshments – Sandy Wetzel-Smith, Bruce Barry
SDCSS Liaison – Brita Miller
Spring Festival Coordinator – Charlyne Barad
Website – Annie Morgan, Russel Ray