Meet the island oak (Quercus tomentella), a rare beauty found only on California’s Channel Islands. These majestic trees are a vital part of our coastal ecosystems, offering food and shelter to countless species while telling the story of California’s unique natural history. But their future is uncertain. Habitat loss and climate change threaten these oaks, which is why the Garden’s Living Collections Curator Christina Varnava is helping protect and study them. By planting native trees, supporti