This project is a long-term activity of the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation. We are trying to increase the number of seedlings, saplings and young oak trees that survive in Walnut Creek's open spaces. The poor success rate of new oaks is a serious problem throughout California's millions of acres of oak woodlands.

The project began in 1991 with work originally concentrated in the 1425 acre Shell Ridge Open Space unit until the 1997-98 season, when planting began in Lime Ridge Open Space, about 967 acres. Much of the project's effort in past years has been in the 450 acres of the Shell Ridge Open Space from which cattle are excluded. In 1997 a newly-designated wildlife area in Lime Ridge was planted for the first time. Planting in grazed areas requires that we add a fence enclosure that increases site costs by about 80% and labor by a similar amount. Unfortunately, that additional protection is often unsuccessful.

Harvesting acorns

In late August and September, volunteers collect acorns from oak trees in our open space. They use only acorns from local open space trees to maintain genetic integrity because these trees have adaptated to local conditions.  The acorns are stored under cool, dry conditions until they are planted.

Planting acorns

From late November through January each year volunteers plant the acorns collected a few months earlier. The acorns are planted in screen cylinders (6 inch diameter, 24 inches long) buried to about 8 inches deep to protect the acorns and resulting seedlings from depredation by ground squirrels, other rodents and insects. At each planting site the volunteers scrape grass and weeds from a three foot square area, dig an eight to ten inch deep hole in the center of the cleared area, place a small fertilizer packet in the bottom, install the screen cylinder, refill to about one inch from the surface, place three acorns inside, and add soil to fill the hole. We also install a three foot square plastic mulch mat pinned down with a large metal staple at each corner. The mat stops competitive growth near the planting but tiny perforations allow rain penetration.

Installing tubex

In late March and April we install a four foot plastic tube (Tubex brand) on each successful planting site. The Tubex is stabilized with a five foot x 3/8 inch rebar stake. A red flag is installed to let us know that this is a first-year site so that we know which sites need watering.

Watering the seedlings

From May to September we water every four weeks with pre-filled plastic jugs which volunteers carry to the seedlings from water drops along the service roads. Watering is done only for the first summer after the oaks are planted. Most seedlings then have sufficiently strong root systems for long term survival.

Experience has shown that tubes should be left on the plantings as long as possible for protection from rodent and deer damage to the tender bark. When Tubex deteriorates (in seven or more years), we have replaced the Tubex with a unit recovered from sites that have died.  We have also used screen or fence material for longer term protection of still tender bark.

Funding is provided by the sponsoring Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation as well as by grants and direct gifts. The City of Walnut Creek provides storage space, some materials, and much cooperation.

The Project is an entirely volunteer program. About 45 to 60 volunteers participate in at least two of about 18 activity dates each year, many at six to 12, and a few at 15 or more activities. The Project is managed by three coordinators; one is the Walnut Creek Open Space Manager, the other two are retired. Volunteers come from many sources including members of the Foundation, those who see kiosk signs at open space entrances, the Volunteer Bureau, display tables at environmental and City gatherings, high school groups, the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation "Newsletter," this web site, and not least important, word-of-mouth from current volunteers. All are welcome to join in!

Email Ralph for more information or to volunteer at contact@wcosf.org. Or call Ralph at (925) 939-6610. Ralph publishes a periodic Oak News newsletter with news about upcoming oak restoration events and short articles about oaks and other open space topics.  Leave your name and mailing address and Ralph will see that you receive Oak News.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

   With pictures (1.5 megabytes)

   Without pictures (107,000 bytes)