Restoration Horizons

One of the greatest threats to California’s unique native landscapes is infestation from non-native invasive plants, often referred to as weeds. These weeds, such as highly flammable non-native grass-es, put our neighborhoods and wild areas at risk of devastation due to catastrophic wildfires. We were thrilled to hear the Conservancy won a grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for $552,097 to reduce weeds and prevent fires in the heart of the Escondido Creek water-shed! The project area spans an approximately 8-mile stretch of Escondido Creek—from Harmony Grove to Olivenhain—and aims to treat at least 70 acres of public and private lands.

In addition to these restoration efforts, we’ll also be working on our two most recent land acquisitions—Mountain Meadow Preserve and George Sardina, MD Preserve. 225-acres of Mountain Meadow are a former avocado grove, filled with dead avocado trees and invasive, non-native grasses. Here, the removal of non-native grass and thatch is essential to the successful restoration of native habitats. Meanwhile, the Sardina Preserve contains approximately 50-acres of land that is either denuded or covered by a thick forest of blue gum eucalyptus—an invasive species. Both restorations will require substantial planning, a big seed collection effort, and our dedicated team!