RESTORATION PLANTING--A GREAT PARADE TO RAIN ON

   

Bob and Lech laying out the planting beds

Though we scheduled the planting of our hillside restoration project for Saturday, Feb. 19, in fact we started on the 18th because there was so much to do.   It was freezing cold and wet on Friday; the weather folks promised a mostly dry day on Saturday, but of course, the chilly, wet low pressure system outlived its welcome and made Saturday pretty miserable also.  None of us could show up for the bright sunny Sunday that followed, but seven of us did appear on Monday, Feb. 21, President's Day and we did finish the layout and planting.  Most important, we all had fun and finished each day with a great sense of satisfaction at a job well done.

Waiting to be planted

Stand at the Evergreen Entrance and you will see five separate restoration areas in which about 140 appropriately chosen native grasses, reeds, and shrubs have been planted to maximize their chances of survival and establishment.  We will watch them and document them throughout the year to observe which ones are the most comfortable and which ones do not particularly thrive. 

Our goal at the entrance hillside is to maximize the opportunity of increased sunlight on the 90 degree slope (made possible by the felling of the eucalyptus) to enhance the California Buckeye forest which occupies that area. As we have noted before, the Buckeyes are fast becoming a rarity in California and thoughtful conservation here in Garber Park might contribute substantially to their survival.  Attempting to restore a grassy, sunny hillside at the entrance has a long term function and a greater goal. 

Teamwork 

Our challenge of course is maintenance based on consistent documented observation – a challenge we are looking forward to as we continue with our twice a month stewardship days. 

Our next workday is Tuesday, March 1 @ 10AM.  We hope you will join us and watch our plants flourish.


For more on our restoration efforts see our January 30 blog entry-Restoration Begins

Special thanks to Lech Naumovich, Botanical, Conservation, and Restoration Consultant,
who worked with the Garber Park Stewards to develop the restoration plan.
His knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm as Team Leader was the primary reason
for our success.