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Three New Projects

In July 2008 the Foundation received a $10,000 Civic Pride Grant from the City of Walnut Creek that will partially defray the expense of three new projects:  deepening Bayberry Pond in Lime Ridge North, removing old ranch equipment from the Bob Wisecarver Quail Habitat at Borges Ranch, and extending the Habitat toward Twin Ponds.  The remainder of the cost was covered by membership dues.

In preparation for these projects, we gathered seeds of appropriate native plant species from local sources.  Local seeds are best adapted to local conditions and using them preserves biodiversity.  We have already propagated some species for use in this winter's planting season.  Also, for Bayberry, we researched what new animals might be attracted to the new habitat, what their requirements were, and what local plants might meet those requirements.  We were especially interested in Species of Concern we could help.

Infrastructure for all three projects was put in place during October and November.  At the Quail Habitat, the contractor constructed a string of enclosures which will be planted with chaparral plants to provide cover for the quail and encourage them to move between Borges Ranch and Twin Ponds.  Since the original Habitat has developed good cover, we will probably concentrate on food plants in the area freed up by the equipment removal.

At Bayberry, the equipment operator deepened the pond the week before Thanksgiving.  The area inside the fence (roughly an acre) will be restored primarily as riparian habitat.  Some elements are already in place.  We had planted oaks in prior years and mowed some of the mustard and thistles.  We will take advantage of the July 4 fire at the top of the fenced area to try to start some fire-dependent chaparral species.  We have developed a comprehensive planting plan.  Now that the rain has softened the soil, we will plant other tree species, native grasses and flowers, and shrubs.

These new projects join our ongoing projects at Rock Oak, Heather Farm, Sutherland, and oak planting in various locations.

December 28, 2008

The newly deepened pond holds water well.

Photo credits:  Quail enclosure, Brian Murphy.  Borges Ranch, Lesley Hunt. Bayberry work, Brad Heckman.  Bayberry Pond, Bob Brittain.

De la Salle biology students plant a quail enclosure.

Ranch equipment was removed from the Quail Habitat

Compacting weeds prior to bagging, October 2008

Trying out the path alignment at Bayberry