Contra Costa's ecosystem being restored, one indigenous plant at a time

"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 and drains."

"So far, efforts have been placed on Clayton Valley Drain, which connects drains to the Walnut Creek Watershed, Carquinez Strait and ultimately the Pacific Ocean. Each type of native plant species provides different environmental benefits. For example, native grass species can provide erosion control and fire prevention while working well with the flood control management goals. 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."

"Since the project began in 2013, the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has planted more than 50,000 creeping wild rye grass plugs and valley sedge, pulled invasive weeds and cleaned up creeks in the county every year. Volunteers spent a crisp recent Saturday planting creeping wild rye grass, removing invasive plant species and educating new participants."

Waterways in Contra Costa County face growing threats from invasive plants that overrun canals and drains, reducing biodiversity and safe wildlife habitat. The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District leads volunteer-driven restoration efforts to reestablish native vegetation along drains and waterways, including events at Clayton Valley Drain. Clayton Valley Drain connects to the Walnut Creek Watershed, Carquinez Strait and the Pacific Ocean, and native grasses offer erosion control, fire prevention and compatibility with flood management goals. Since 2013 the district has planted over 50,000 native plugs, removed invasive weeds and cleaned creeks annually, with volunteers helping achieve 100% native cover at the site in 2024.

Read at The Mercury News