What we’re about
Want to learn how we can heal our earth to rebuild lost ecosystems from the ground up while improving our own lives? Welcome to biological restoration with native plants! I have created this group to connect people who want to learn how we can improve the ecological health of our community (and our backyards) while getting some exercise and meeting other inspired people. I will be hosting volunteer events, plant giveaways, seed sharing, native plant hikes, and ecological gardening demonstrations and tips. There is so much to learn and so much to do! Lets make this the beginning of a new movement towards sustainability and a more engaged community.
Many people don't know that we live in a biological hot spot which means that our local ecology is among the rarest and most threatened in the world. The reason that habitat restoration is necessary in this biome is that humans have introduced a plethora of weedy non-native plants that quickly take over an area, convert the soil microbiology, and outcompete baby native plants that are struggling to get a foothold. Without some form of intervention, the landscape becomes permanently "locked" in a very low-successional state consisting of annual grasses and annual herbs that grow fast in wet months, quickly die and dry out in hotter months-leaving the land a barren place with very high fire hazard, low biodiversity, and high rate of soil erosion.
The process of restoration involves growing native plants in clean conditions (so as to avoid introducing soil pathogens into the environment) and then in the fall (when it is cooler and more rain is available) the plants need to be properly installed in the field to give them the best start possible. After being planted, the plants need regular waterings and regular weeding to prevent those pesky invasives from overrunning them. Additional tasks involve planting seeds and cuttings (such as cactus and willows) directly into the soil so they can take root, and various techniques to encourage the natural colonizing of native plants into the remaining spaces.
I have been involved in public, private, and nonprofit organizations and have borne witness to many people falling in love with this type of work. It really nourishes the soul to restore our lost connection with our land and is also a great way to get exercise (without paying gym membership fees) and to give back to our planet which has given so much of itself to us. It also does result in a marketable skill to obtain jobs in places such as the National Park Service, State Parks, non profits, etc.
In addition to my organizational involvement and landscape design work, I have pioneered my own habitat restoration projects with permission from the applicable land-owning agencies. This is a 5-year project that was recently featured on the front page of the Moorpark Acorn. I would love to share this experience with others.
Whether you want to come volunteer, or just go on a hike to learn about native plants, discuss drought-tolerant gardening, or pick up some milkweed seeds-this group has the potential to be life-changing. I know this has changed my life. Even if you do not see any events scheduled, please feel free to direct message me with questions. I am always active. I'm looking forward to meeting you!
