For this week’s after-school meeting, Earth Team at Pinole Valley High switched it up and got outside to help Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) and Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed refresh the native plant garden at the Pinole library! Our site was the local native plant garden, right up against Pinole creek behind the Pinole library.
Interns arrived eager to help out, and Evan Green, Watershed Conservation Coordinator of CCRCD, explained the plan for the afternoon.
First, interns were instructed to help with weeding. There were numerous native plants that had been planted previously (including my Earth Team interns!), that were being overrun by non-native grasses. Being able to remove these grasses allows the native plants a better opportunity to thrive. Some interns were also able to remove invasive English ivy near the creek as well.
Intern Mia removing a large, non-native grass.
After checking on previous plants, interns prepared to plant our next round of native plants. Interns Avery and Khloe went around with Evan and picked the best spots. Evan explained that it is difficult for some plants to grow near redwood trees, because of the abundance of roots these trees have, as well as the large amount of shade and their unique water absorption style. Evan has specifically selected plants that were adapted to living near redwoods, with the hope they would thrive in this area.
Then, Evan gave interns a tutorial on how to plant. First, we would remove all the mulch (it was very deep at this site) because the plants’ roots would dry out as they were exposed to too much air by being planted in mulch. Then, we dug a hole for the plant, putting all soil in a bucket to keep it separated from mulch. Then interns placed the plant in their hole, filled it in with soil, placed mulch on top, and watered their plant. Meanwhile, some interns were building exclusion cages to protect the plants from predation. So at the end, the plants were covered with a special cage, and the planting was complete!
The final products of our planting!
This event was a great opportunity to switch it up, and get interns outside after a school day. Thanks to Evan Green and the other CCRCD fellows, as well as Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed for helping with this event!
