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BTN is a Non Profit Public Charity under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to BTN are tax deductible under section 170 of the IR code as of February 13 2007.. We are now qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the IR Code.
Land Steward Peer Network, a project of BTN
The Land Steward Peer Network is a networking group for Land Steward professionals in Southern California. We meet the third Tuesday of each month from 2-4PM, at varioys locations throughout Southern California. :
March 18th, 2008. Santa Rosa Plateau hosted by Carole Belle, Reserve Manager for the Nature Conservancy. Co-hosted by Tom Chester, Vernal Pool Guru.
In Attendance:
Carole Belle, Reserve Manager, The Nature Conservancy; our host for the day
Tom Chester, Vernal Pool Guru
Trish Smith, The Nature Conservancy
Candice Hubert, OC Park Ranger, Caspers Wilderness Park
Lori Whalen, Director of Education for the ENC, volunteer Director of Education for Back to Natives
Amy Litton, City of Irvine Open Space Preserve
Matt Yurko, Upper Newport Bay California Coastal Commission project
Reginald Durant, Back to Natives
We met Carole and Tom at the Interpretive Center at 10AM. From there we caravanned out to the trail leading to the largest Vernal Pool, what Tom referred to as a Vernal Lake. Along the trail Tom gave us a geologic history of how the pools were formed, and how they continue to geologically degrade. I will be posting photos on our NEW Land Steward Page www.backtonatives.org/landstewards.htm of the fabulous wild flower show there this year. Along the trail were Red Maids, Ground Pinks, Popcorn Flower, Blue Dichs(School Bells), Yellow Carpet, Muilla, Purple Sanicle, Goldfields, Mouse-Eared Chickweed, Common Lomatium, Sharp-Toothed Sanicle, Johnny Jump-Up, Shooting Stars, California Poppy, Western Buttercup, California Burclover, Checkerbloom, and many Calochortus and other bulb species along with Clarkia were evident in foliage but not yet blooming. For a full list of flowers that can be found there see: http://tchester.org/srp/plants/blooms/id.html
At the Vernal Pool we saw many many Santa Rosa Fairy Shrimp, with many mating, numerous Cyclops and other water dwelling animals including plethora of tad poles. The usual presence of popcorn flower surrounding the pool was absent at this time, but there is still hope for the season. For a current status report on the Pools there see Tom Chester’s website:
http://tchester.org/srp/vp/status.html
The show stopper at the pool, even over seeing the Endangered Fairy Shrimp, was Carole describing how Garter Snakes find the tadpoles at this time of year making the tadpoles a bit more reclusive, and describing how these same snakes will come up onto the boardwalk to bask in the sun. No sooner had she said this a Garter Snake surfaced with a couple feet of her from under the board walk, swam about for a few seconds allowing many photos to be taken, then turned and swam over to the section of board walk where Carole was standing, and came up onto the board walk directly in front of the kneeling Carole and lay there in the sun for a couple of minutes! It did not move until she, having stayed stock still the entire time, had to move to adjust from the position. Very well trained wildlife at Santa Rosa Plateau! A must see this year.
From the Vernal Lake we headed out to an enormous display of Chocolate Lilies, many with 5-7 blossoms. A beautiful display of this gorgeous flower. Right near the stand of Lilies we also found many Fringe Pod, my first sighting in the wild.
We walked back to the road where Carole and Tom had a question and answer session about restoration obstacles, challenges from the inception of the Reserve to present with current projects and prospects for the future. Many of the same species plaguing all of us were originally in high numbers along disturbed sections of the Reserve, with many areas left relatively pristine thankfully. Pest Species: Artichoke Thistle, Filleree, Brome grass, Tacalote, Yellow Star Thistle (just appearing), Mustards, Eucalyptus, and Russian Olive. Other species were mentioned, but my memory fails me at this time. If you have notes on this please forward them to the list.
From there we broke for lunch and headed down to Charo Chicken near the freeway entrance. A great lunch with more table talk of current restoration concerns, including fire recovery projects and animal loss due to the many fires this year. Many species of concern plants along with sensitive species are under major threat from the wild fires as well as the weed seed imported accidentally during suppression activities.
Remember April’s meeting, April 15, will be with Jennifer Naegele at the Upper Newport Bay from 2-4PM to go over restoration challenges and obstacles for bluff restoration in the Ecological Preserve. Hopefully Jennifer will be posting some introductory information on the Yahoo List about her projects soon.Upcoming Meeting Dates
April 15th 2008, Upper Newport Bay, bluff and upland restoration sites, Jennifer Naegele, OC Parks hosting.
May 20th 2008, Coyote Landfill and Bonita Creek (Newport Coast) Margot Griswold, Earthworks Hosting
June 17th 2008 TBD
July 15th 2008 TBD
August 2008 TBD
September 2008 TBD
October 2008 TBD
November 2008 TBD
December 2008 Annual Dormancy
Photos from Meetings
Pomacha Fire Post-Fire Recovery Weed Survey and Assessment
Under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cleveland National Forest, Trabuco Ranger District, Back to Natives has been asked to provide a Post Fire Recovery Weed Survey and Assessment of the affected areas of the Cleveland National Forest from the Pomacha Fire. This assessment will encompass 49,000 acres within the Palomar Ranger District. We will be identifying and mapping possible non-native invasive plants within the fire area to help prevent the degradation of critical habitat and reduce the impact of Post Fire Recovery on rare species found in the area.
The expansive burn area will be monitored by Back to Natives staff and a consulting biologist/botanist. Ecosystem recovery and fire following natives will be recorded. Weed species will be documented, and in some cases removed with the help of community volunteers. This project is a great opportunity to educate the public about fire ecology, and give the community the opportunity to do something beneficial to assist in the recovery of the habitat burned in the fire.
Due to the rugged terrain and possible wash outs and landslides in the fire affected areas, we are seeking the donation of a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle. We hope you will consider donating a vehicle to Back to NativesRESTORATION a 501(c)3 Non Profit organization. If you would like to become involved restoration(at)backtonatives.org
Santiago Fire Weed Survey and AssessmentBack to Natives will be performing a Post-Fire Recovery Weed Survey and Assessment for the area affected by the Santiago Fire in the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. to this end we are recruiting volunteer botanists and biologist for our Survey Teams. We are also seeking donations and contributions to help fund this sorely under-funded project. We are in need of equipment such as Four Wheel drive vehicles, sighting scopes, Rite in the Rain material, GPS, GIS software and other material. For more information please contact us at restoration(at)backtonatives.org |
Habitat Restoration Consulting .Let Back to Natives assist your organization with habitat restoration with research and development of an historically accurate and location appropriate species list. BTN provides full research on locale specific species research and onsite survey and monitoring. Planting and seeding procedures will be finely documented. Remember, restoration is only successful when the community is involved and volunteerism is encouraged. |
Native Plant Propagation Program Back to Natives Restoration is dedicated to the appreciation and use of locally native plant species in every aspect of our lives. There is a great need for the understanding and proper training in the use of native plant species. People visiting a nursery to purchase plants are usually not there for a specific species. instead they are looking for what looks healthy, green and has flowers. Propagating natives for the public is one necessary step towards shifting the mind set from water hungry plants. |
USFS and Back to Natives Restoration Volunteer Restoration Training ProgramThe United States Forest Service & Back to NativesRESTORATION is presenting a Volunteer Restoration Training Program on 9 Saturdays in 2007 & 2008. Ecological restoration is a means of sustaining the diversity of life on Earth and reestablishing healthy ecosystems. This program is for those interested in the restoration and conservation of Orange County wildlands. Successful habitat restoration ensures that native species are protected while non-native species are removed efficiently, and with minimal human impact to the site. This program will acquaint participants with non-chemical, low impact weed removal methods. For more information or to RSVP call 949-509-4787 or restoration(at)backtonatives.org This training is free. This Season dates include: March 8, April 12, May 10, & June 14 Now Enrolling for the 2008-2009 Training Year! "If you don't know it, don't pull it " |
Pomacha Fire Weed Survey and AssessmentBack to Natives will be performing a Post-Fire Recovery Weed Survey and Assessment for the area affected by the Pomacha Fire in the Palomar Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. to this end we are recruiting volunteer botanists and biologist for our Survey Teams. We are also seeking donations and contributions to help fund this sorely under-funded project. We are in need of equipment such as Four Wheel drive vehicles, sighting scopes, Rite in the Rain material, GPS, GIS software and other material. For more information please contact us at restoration(at)backtonatives.org |
Native Plant Garden Consulting Water conservation and costs of garden maintenance are turning most people sour towards lawn and gardens. Let Back to Natives examine your yard and area to give you the tools and information necessary for a more successful landscape. BTN will visit your site and give you tips and information on how you can turn a water hungry lawn and traditional non-native landscape into a water saving, money saving beautiful native garden. Gardening should be enjoyable not a punishing labor, BTN will show you how to make it fun again while providing habitat for birds and butterflies!. |
