"Waterways across Contra Costa County are increasingly threatened by invasive plant species that engulf canals and drains, decreasing biodiversity and reducing safe habitats for wildlife. In an effort to address and restore the environment, the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is working to reverse that trend. The district hosted its recent 12th annual Giving Natives a Chance event at the Clayton Valley Drain near Concord's Hillcrest Community Park, inviting volunteers from across the county to plant native species around waterways"
"Lisa Damerel, a watershed conservation manager with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, said planting native grass and plant species is crucial to the environment. Some of the insects that live in our area actually need these plants to be able to go through their cycles, Damerel said. If they don't have those plants, they can't do that. It's a very complex relationship."
Waterways across Contra Costa County face increasing threats from invasive plants that engulf canals and drains, reducing biodiversity and wildlife habitat. The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District leads restoration efforts, hosting annual Giving Natives a Chance events to plant native species around drains and waterways such as Clayton Valley Drain. Native grasses like creeping wild rye and valley sedge provide erosion control, fire prevention, and support insect life cycles. Since 2013 volunteers have planted over 50,000 grass plugs, removed invasive weeds, and cleaned creeks. Volunteer engagement increased native cover at Clayton Valley Drain from 5% in 2013 to 100% in 2024.
Read at www.eastbaytimes.com
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