March 1, 2023
From CNPS newsletter, March 2023)
New Conservation Project: Santa Fe Dam Natural Area Volunteers wanted!
by Gabi McLean
Photo by Gabi McLean
Longtime California Native Plant Society (CNPS) volunteer Gabi McLean is spearheading a new conservation and outreach program at the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area, including a Weed ID Workshop, which will be held on Saturday, March 18, from 10am to noon. Many other activities, including classes and walks, are on offer, and volunteers are welcome!
An L.A. County Park located in Irwindale, the area includes a large stretch of undeveloped alluvial scrub, which provides habitat to many bird and animal species. Its plant community is threatened by development, arson, invasive weeds, and influx of our homeless neighbors. The area is home to almost 300 plant species – CalFlora lists 227 different plant species for the area; in the iNaturalist database, 284 plant species are recorded in this area as well as 167 bird species, 150 insect species, and 11 reptile species.
The CNPS conservation and outreach program offers the following activities:
- Monthly plant walks, from February through June, to observe changes through the season and to explore various locations throughout the natural areas of the park
- Outings in partnership with Pasadena Audubon Society to provide the opportunity of learning about and appreciating the whole ecosystem.
- Plant ID class to identify and distinguish both native and invasive species for volunteers and staff of the managing agencies.
- Regular weed parties, on weekends and weekdays, from February through June, whenever weather is favorable
- Support for control of invasive plants that are too big to be manually pulled
A variety of agencies are responsible for various parts of the San Gabriel River creek bed and flood control area that comprise the natural area of alluvial scrub, including Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, Army Corps of Engineers, and San Gabriel Mountains Regional Conservancy.
This spring, we’d like to get the word out about the beauty and value of this natural resource, so important to our mental and physical wellbeing. This area provides the opportunity to enjoy nature nearby. It also provides habitat for wildlife and is part of a wildlife corridor from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Whittier Narrows area and beyond.
We are working in cooperation with the County park management, staff, and volunteers, as well as the leadership and volunteers of the San Gabriel Mountains Regional Conservancy. For activities open to the public, watch our email notices and website announcements at www.cnps-sgm.org.
If you are interested and motivated to join our efforts and can volunteer, please contact Gabi McLean at gabi.mclean@verizon.net. Visit the CNPS website HERE.