Project Update: May

Working on the removal of tamarisk, eucalyptus, pampas grass and other noxious weeds in the“bathtub ring” of the Lake with the new lower water level. The addition of acres of willows around seasonal watercourses to create high quality Southwestern Willow Flycatcher habitat.

Land cleared of eucalyptus is now growing oaks, willow and sycamores. Dozens of native species have volunteered from the existing seed banks and are being nurtured and the floral display is exceptional. We are planting the more natives and removing the rain generated weeds. Most of the restoration area west of Del Dios Park is now planted, with both pole and potted plants. We are watering our native plantings, so the public staying out of the areas keeps the damage to a minimum.

April & May Work Parties

Planting parties included the Eco rotarians (4/30) and Girl Scout Troop 4016 (5/15).

We hosted a successful Creek to Bay Cleanup where 40 volunteers picked up trash on 4 miles of trails and shoreline, and spread mulch around oak trees in Del Dios Park. 

The latest report on the numbers show that the Creek to Bay Cleanup was a huge success! During the 3-hour event, more than 6,400 volunteers removed 170,000 lbs. of litter from the 110 cleanup sites. WOW! A big thanks goes out to ILACSD for organizing the event.

Project Update: April

This spring our focus is on planting more natives and managing weeds. Our planted natives are coming in strong and growing fast, and loving the March rains. Most of the restoration area directly west of Del Dios Park is planted, with upwards of 300 native plantings. To complement our efforts, seedlings are emerging from the soil seedbank, including oaks, mugwort, deer weed, dove weed, lupines, poppies and 3 different kinds of heliotrope and many more. Del Dios Park is also sprouting volunteer native grasses. Salt grass and purple needle grass are volunteering to cover the ground in the open areas. 
 

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The purple needle grass grows in "tufts". This photo shows 4-5, with a few close together in the center and two smaller ones toward the left. The purple coloring is in the seed (see next image).

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Seeds of the purple needle grass.

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A volunteer oak seedling.

Oak Tree Health: A Project in Progress

Loading up the compost tea. Thanks, Stan!

A regimen of a vermiculture compost probiotic brew has been applied to the soil for a few of the oak trees as an experiment to improve oak tree health.

Compost tea made from worm castings ("worm tea") is loaded with micro-organisms and nutrients. Typical results from applying this tea include enhanced plant growth and imporovement in root growth and structure. Oak trees were selected for this project based on signs of visible stress (thinning canopy, beetle damage, etc.) and marked with a blue tag.

By May, we may be seeing results, as compared to the untreated trees in the vicinity. We will post more information and photos as the project progresses.