In December, members of the North County Group volunteered for a Habitat Restoration project at the San Dieguito River Park, planting tree saplings along Sycamore Creek. Park rangers had recently cleared a decades old stand of Giant Reed (Arundo donax) from this riparian area. This plant is native to Asia and was introduced in the U.S. in the 1800’s for erosion control along creeks and rivers. It is now recognized as an invasive species as it crowds out native plants and reduces wildlife habitat.
That morning, volunteers planted 230 trees native to the River Park. The Sycamore, Cottonwood, Willow and Mugwort will provide the needed erosion control along the creek as well as shelter and food for native wildlife and birds.
