On March 1, 2025, Earth Team Skyline students partnered with the Friends of Sausal Creek for a hands-on restoration event at Dimond Park in Oakland. As part of the Alameda County Clean Water Project and EEBLUE’s Watershed STEM Education Grant, students worked to remove invasive english and cape ivy from the Riparian Habitat surrounding Sausal Creek. This effort was a key step in restoring the native ecosystem and aligned with the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) framework by integrating issue investigation, outdoor fieldwork, analysis, and community action.
Originally introduced from South Africa as an ornamental plant, cape ivy has become one of California’s most aggressive invasive species. It spreads rapidly, forming dense mats that smother native plants, block sunlight, and reduce biodiversity. Unlike native vegetation, cape ivy does not provide the same food or habitat benefits for local wildlife. Its ability to take over riparian corridors like Sausal Creek threatens the health of the entire ecosystem, making removal a critical step in habitat restoration.
Following the MWEE framework, students engaged in each stage of environmental education:
- Issue Definition: Before heading into the field, students learned about the ecological role of riparian corridors and how invasive species disrupt these systems. They discussed the impact of cape ivy on native plant communities, soil stability, and water quality.
- Outdoor Field Experience: Equipped with gloves and tools, students worked together to carefully uproot cape ivy from the creekside. They learned to distinguish it from native species and discussed strategies for preventing its regrowth. By physically removing the ivy, students directly contributed to improving the health of the watershed.
- Synthesis and Reflection: After the removal, students examined the cleared areas and reflected on the impact of their work. They considered questions such as: How does removing invasive species improve water quality? What role do native plants play in stabilizing creek banks? How can community members prevent the spread of invasives?
- Environmental Action: Inspired by their efforts, students brainstormed ways to continue their involvement in restoration work. Some discussed future projects like planting native species, while others explored how they could educate their peers about invasive species management.
This restoration event was not just about removing invasive plants—it was about fostering a better environment for native species and the community to enjoy. By participating in hands-on restoration, Skyline students gained a deeper appreciation for their local watershed and the role they can play in protecting it.
Earth Team is grateful to Friends of Sausal Creek for their partnership and to the North American Association for Environmental Education‘s EEBLUE Watershed STEM education program as well as the Alameda County Clean Water Project for making this project possible. Stay tuned for more environmental adventures from Earth Team Skyline!
