Overview
Carden Academy is a private, non-profit Kindergarten through 8th grade school located on a 2.8 acre site in Mission Viejo, California. Approximately one acre of the site consists of the school building, parking lot, and playground. The remainder of the property is 15-20 feet down slope and has a natural drainage creek traversing the site in an east-west direction. The creek is mapped by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory as a Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland and is located in an urban area of the San Juan Creek Watershed. This northern portion of the property is designated as a floodplain (La Paz Channel) and is referred to by the students as “Pioneer Park.” It is accessible by foot from the school parking lot/playground, or by vehicle on a County gated access road located along the northern edge of the property.
The Challenge
Reclaiming a small school side creek overgrown with nonnative plants and weeds into a native riparian habitat that could be used as an educational forum for introducing students to native California habitat was a unique opportunity. Funding was provided by a small grant so the most effective use of the funds was a priority.
Pioneer Park had both native and non-native trees and shrubs. There were a few Salix and Baccharis salicifolia in the project area. However, non-native invasive plants were dominant, especially in the immediate wetlands area. The project site was also experiencing the rapid growth and spread of Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana), Mexican Fan Palms (Washingtonia robusta), Brazilian Pepper Trees (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Ash Trees (Fraxinus uhedi) which had grown uncontrolled and created a very dense canopy. These trees were preventing the normal growth of the native plants and in some places obstructing the natural flow of the creek. Branches and debris from the trees, as well as some litter and trash, also interfered with the flow of water. There were varying degrees of erosion along the banks of the creek and the slopes of the floodplain.
The Solution
Natures Image worked closely with the grant writer, agencies that funded the grant, and the volunteers to balance the goals of restoration and education.
As part of the Physical Education Program, students in all grades at Carden Academy participated in composting, spreading mulch and removing trash from Pioneer Park. The team utilized the unique natural setting more fully by incorporating a hands-on Environmental Education program into the Science curriculum, while restoring the creek/wetland area and its natural ecosystems. Participation in this environmental program not only included Natures Image, but also the students, parents, friends and neighbors in the community.
The Environmental Education Program was based on the two main components of this project: Control/removal of non-native invasive plants and installation of native plants (and temporary irrigation) with the objective of improving the ecological value of wetlands area. This project was implemented staying consistent with the goals and objectives of the 2002 San Juan Creek Watershed Management Plan adopted by the County of Orange, and fulfilling the applicable U.S. EPA’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements.
Work involving machinery and power tools was done by the contractor while lighter, volunteer-friendly tasks such as weeding and planting were done by the students, school staff and parents. Natures Image removed some trees and non-native plants in the summer before the grants were funded in the interest of safety.
The first step was removal of the non-native palms and invasive plants. The canopy needed to be opened up by removal of some non-native trees and thinning of others. Eventually as the newly planted native trees mature and begin to provide a light shade canopy, the rest of the non-native trees will be removed.
The most sensitive area was done first, a 40 foot wide corridor using the creek as a center line. Installation of a temporary irrigation system, container plants, cuttings, transplants of existing native plants, and hand seeding native seeds was cost effective and also an unique educational opportunity.
Natures Image removed non-native palms, trees, shrubs, and weeds. Some of the Schinus and Fraxinus were left in place but trimmed and opened up to allow some shade to remain. A temporary irrigation system was installed by Natures Image on both sides of the creek. Container plants including Baccharis salicifolia, Juncus Mexicana, Mimulus guttatus, Platanus racemosa, Salix species, and Scirpus californicus, were installed. Parent and student volunteers helped to install some container plants, cuttings, and transplants. The site, including the stream itself, was cleaned and debris and branches that restricted water flow were removed.
The existing Typha (cattail) was thinned out and transplanted along the edges of the stream to increase water movement and create more habitat for the amphibians and birds. A native riparian seed mix was then hand broadcast and raked in.
The Results
The project was a success due to the understanding that a combination of hiring expert contractors such as Natures Image and involving the community volunteers is by far the most effective way to accomplish the restoration and educational goals put forth in the grant proposal.
Opening up the tree canopy allowed more sunlight in; not only encouraging growth of the new plantings but also increasing the amount of natural recruitment of existing native species. The removal of the exotic trees and shrubs, plus the additional sunlight made the area more accessible to students. The students then had the opportunity to observe the new plants mature and more wildlife utilize the area.
Natures Image was able to provide equipment and services that were not practical for a volunteer group to accomplish the restoration goals. Natures Image also provided advice and guidance to help the community achieve it’s goals and become stewards of Pioneer Park.
