Pie Ranch and Amah Mutsun Land Trust are seeking volunteers to help to remove invasive eucalyptus saplings and other invasive plants from Cascade Creek near Año Nuevo Point, San Mateo County. Eucalyptus saplings have become established densely since the 2020 CZU wildfire, and without removal they will crowd out native streamside vegetation and create a significant fire hazard. We will also be planting and tending native plants to enhance the ecosystem and increase native vegetation.
Spend time outdoors, meet new people, learn about invasive plants and creek habitats, and help us to care for the ancestral lands of the Quiroste Tribe. This event will also be a great opportunity to learn about how Indigenous perspectives and approaches to land stewardship are being revitalized in open spaces today.
Riparian (streamside) restoration is more important than ever. Healthy riparian ecosystems promote ecological and climate resilience both within and beyond riparian zones, promoting the sequestration of carbon and accrual of nitrogen in soil, as well as buffering organisms against extreme temperatures.
Cascade Ranch, leased and operated by the nonprofit organic farm Pie Ranch, is within an area of high biological richness, surrounded by protected open space. The 1.2 miles of Cascade Creek within Cascade Ranch represents an important habitat connectivity area for a wide array of plants and animals and a potential traditional food source for people.
DETAILS
Agenda:
9:00 AM: Convene and circle for orientation and information session. When you arrive at Cascade Ranch, meet with staff in the visitor parking area (as you drive in to your left, next to the first white barn). Park in a way to allow large vehicles to pass through the parking lot.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Begin invasive species removal work.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch (provided by Pie Ranch, with vegan / vegetarian options) will be served in one of the barns.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Continue invasive species removal / planting and tending of native plants.
Important Notes:
Please BE ON TIME. Plan ahead and make an effort to arrive a few minutes before 9:00 AM, and not to arrive late! We will have an orientation and information sharing session at the beginning of the event, and if you are late you will miss part or all of this.
The work we will be doing is somewhat physically demanding.
The areas we will be working in will contain tripping hazards, uneven terrain, dense brush, and other obstacles. The areas may also contain poison oak, ticks, and yellow jackets.
Previous experience is not necessary. We will teach you how to identify the target species and how to remove and process them.
We will be providing tools for participants to use. Volunteers may bring their own gloves and tools, as long as the items are cleaned and sanitized with alcohol prior to bringing them on site. Useful tools to bring include loppers, weed wrenches and pruning saws.
This event is not well suited to those with limited mobility and to people under 16 years of age.
What to bring and wear:
Water bottle and water
A long sleeve shirt
Hat
Sunscreen
Backpack
Sturdy work boots or closed-toed shoes
Snacks or personal lunch if preferred
Lots of energy and a desire to weed out invasive species!
Your hard work and participation will help shape the future of this land! Thank you!