By Jessica Yost:
Restoring the Laguna
Nestled in the countryside of western Sonoma County is a 22-mile-long wetland that drains a 254-square-mile watershed and includes most of the Santa Rosa Plain. Nearby is a two mile trail and an abundance of birds and wildlife. The non-profit Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation is working to protect and restore this Laguna, and California, by reestablishing native wildlife, removing invasive species, and educating the public about restoration. I was fortunate to be apart of a workday with the restoration ecology class at Sonoma State University on December 7, 2018 to learn about the foundation, and assist in a phase of the Laguna’s restoration.
A nursery to restore California
Our class toured the nursery that was established in 2017 to grow native plants such as sedges, wild rose, oaks, and snowberry. There is also a new greenhouse where seeds are being germinated before moving into the nursery. Some of the plants are planted directly on the Laguna to cut out the middleman, and others are sold to other restoration projects in California to further fund the restoration efforts by the foundation.
Following the devastating Sonoma County Tubbs fire in October 2017, the foundation has been collecting and recording seeds from burned sites in hopes of restoring a similar landscape to before the fire. People whom lost their homes in the Tubbs fire can contact the foundation to receive germinated plants that came from seeds located near their burned homes. Restoring native vegetation following a fire can help prevent the arrival of invasive species including fire-fueling grasses.
A phase of the Laguna’s restoration
The work day at the Laguna consisted of ripping out tarps nailed to the ground underneath young oak trees, taking out marker flags and sticks used to prop up the baby trees. Over the course of a couple years, the tarps were used to prevent invasive plants from growing because they would outcompete the trees for nutrients and water. Most of the trees successfully grew to a couple feet and are now left to grow unassisted.
After a couple of hours of intensive labor, we filled an entire trailer with tarps, flags, and sticks to be hauled away. What used to be an open field is now blooming with many new oak trees. Eventually, these trees will stand tall and create new habitat and food sources for wildlife.
Life in the Laguna
During the workday we found critters like a sharp-tailed snake and a garter snake, and signs of animals like scat and field mouse homes in the Laguna. Many birds including starlings, hawks, and turkey vultures were spotted soaring around the site. Wildlife cameras at the Laguna have captured photos of bobcats, otters, and minxes. This evidence of wildlife abundance shows the success of the site, as well as the importance of restoration and conservation efforts.
Final thoughts
The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation is working hard to restore California’s natural landscapes following fires, invasive species, and human-driven influences that have degraded ecosystems and natural processes. The community can be involved by checking out the Laguna, trail, or the foundation to be a part of a workday. Thank you, Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation for protecting our beautiful state, and letting us be a part of the restoration!
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