Mt. Burdell Habitat Restoration - Bowman Canyon Milkweed
Details
Mt. Burdell Habitat Restoration – Bowman Canyon Milkweed
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9am-12pm
Leader: Aja Wylder, Marin County Parks Nursery Manager
Marin CNPS Coordinator: Caroline Christman
Location: Mt. Burdell Open Space Preserve, Novato
Join a community of habitat restorers! Marin CNPS is partnering with Marin County Open Space District (OSD) staff to remove invasive species and improve native habitat at Mt. Burdell. On this special volunteer day we will be working in Bowman Canyon, a new addition on the western side of the preserve. Bowman Canyon has tremendous diversity packed into a small area- with shady oak and bay woodlands, sunny serpentine grasslands, and a riparian corridor along Bowman Creek.
As part of an on-going program to improve Monarch butterfly habitat, Marin County OSD and One Tam have planted hundreds of narrow-leaf milkweed plants (Asclepias fascicularis) along Bowman Creek. As the host plant for Monarch butterflies, milkweed is essential for breeding habitat. At this volunteer workday we will focus on removing non-native invasive species which crowd out the milkweed, including thistles, curly dock, and a suite of annual, European grasses. Removing the invasive species gives the milkweed a chance to thrive and expand along the stream bank, providing more habitat for Monarchs and food for many other pollinator species as well.
While our focus will be on removing invasives, we will also take some time to walk into the serpentine grassland area and see which spring wildflowers are blooming. We may see tuberous sanicle (Sanicula tuberosa), blue dicks (Dipterostemon capitatus), and owl’s clover (Castilleja densiflora ssp. densiflora ) amongst the rock-strewn hillsides*.*
We will meet at the San Andreas Drive entrance to Mt. Burdell. From there, we will have a 20-minute walk (uphill) to the work area along Bowman Creek. Expect some uneven ground while working along the creek, as well as an adventurous approach to the site including ducking under a barbed-wire fence (which we’ll hold up with a pool noodle!). We will be working along the wet margins of Bowman Creek, so wear heavier shoes or hiking boots.
Marin County staff will provide tools. Bring a reusable water bottle, sun and wind protection, long pants, sturdy close-toed shoes, and work/garden gloves (gloves provided if you don’t have them). We will work in light rain, please bring rain gear if it’s a wet day**.**
Heavy rain will cancel. (Cancellations will be posted on Meetup).
Limit: 15 attendees
Directions: Meet at the San Andreas Drive entrance to Mt. Burdell Open Space Preserve. There is plenty of parking along San Andreas Drive.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bx3pLWiQy8hA1DEo7
Please:
- Sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2026, if you have not done so already.
- Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
- Email marincnpsvolunteers@gmail.org with questions.
Sorry, no dogs on this trip.