Friends of Sausal Creek
Get Phased In

by Karen Paulsell

It's almost a year since Friends of Sausal Creek volunteers began planting 20,000 plants on the slopes in the restoration area of Dimond Canyon, after clearing invasive ivy, blackberry, and other plants. The lushness and variety of plants have been a delight, especially near the creek. The alders have grown several feet, and the dogwoods and willows are already promising small thickets. We've had a good show of wildflowers too, from the early blue-eyed grass to the yarrows and sneezeweed, with the glowing red California fuchsias taking us into fall.

As this winter's rainy season begins, we're getting ready for phase two: Keep the invasive plants from reinvading, and plant another 2,000 plants in the canyon. Please consider stopping by some Saturday soon to help. To halt the invasion, we'll be filling in the blanks where some plants didn't survive and increasing the diversity with new species of plants. These work sessions are held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet in Dimond Park where El Centro crosses the stream. And at the nursery, we'll be working hard to get the plants ready, transplanting small seedlings (a pleasant "sit-down" chore) in a spot with a stunning view. Nursery work sessions happen every Saturday, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Joaquin Miller Park, next to the Woodminster Amphitheater.

In addition to help from individual volunteers, we're happy to have large groups such as middle-school (and older-aged) classes and scouting groups. Please contact Kristen Hopper at 387-9744 or field\@sausalcreek.org to schedule a date when work can be planned to match your group's abilities, or for directions and more information.

Peralta Creek Restoration Public Meeting

Everyone is invited to the Peralta Creek restoration meeting, Wednesday, December 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at 1900 Fruitvale Avenue, Suite 2A, upstairs from the César Chávez Branch Library. The final design for the restoration project on Peralta Creek in César Chávez Park will be presented. Don't miss your chance to comment on the designs for the restoration.