The growth spurt created by extended rainfall and cloudiness that moderates temperature continues. After spending several days earlier this year treating invasive Carnation spurge (Euphorbia terracina) and Artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus) at Lusardi Creek, we returned to the job.  We also continued to pull non-native Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) from natives at Lusardi Creek.  Here are photos of a White sage (Salvia apiana) before and after removing vetch.  The Coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis) growing behind the sage is now visible. This week I have Wednesday through Satur ..read more

We pulled non-native Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) from native vegetation.  Below are before (top) and after photos of a California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). Photos by Bob Byrnes This week I have every day Monday through Saturday with the exception of Wednesday to work with Committee members.  Email me (the earlier in the week the better) if you can help. Robert Byrnes Co-chair Habitat Restoration Committee CNPS-San Diego ..read more

The restoration site is on the right. Last month, CNPS-SD teamed up with Audubon Society to do a quick clean-up of invasive plants around a patch of rare and endangered Acmispon prostratus, or Nuttall’s Lotus, at Hospitality Point on Mission Bay. This was speedily coordinated by CNPS-SD member Bonnie and Andrew from SD Audubon Society. Within a few days, State Parks gave permission for a group to weed there for a couple hours one Wednesday. Can you spot the Acmispon in this photo? It’s not the yellow Beach Primrose (Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia) on the top right! The sandy soil was thick w ..read more

On one of our all-too-common rain days, it was too wet and muddy to work.  Instead we visited the nearby Lusardi Creek County Preserve to survey for weeds that had come up since we restored the area.  We didn't see many because of all the natives in the way.  They included very large Elderberry (Sambucus nigra, not shown) and Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis, sometimes called Conyza canadensis).  Though appearing much like what you might expect a weed to look like, Horseweed is native according to Calflora and is found throughout North and Central America. Erigeron canadensi ..read more

Last week, we treated invasives Artichoke thistle and Carnation spurge at Lusardi Creek.  We saw considerable numbers of probable native Valley lupine (Lupinus microcarpus) mixed with Artichoke on a north facing slope, lending encouragement to the idea that this year's removal efforts have a beneficial effect over the short term as well as the long term. Attached is a photo of native Blue dips (Dipterostemon capitatus or Dichelostemma capitatum) in Rancho Santa Fe (photo credit: Caitlin Kreutz).  Blue dips are appearing everywhere along with many other beautiful flowering natives, no ..read more

Last week, we conducted tours of our restoration site at Lusardi Creek.  Below are some photos from the tours. We also treated Artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus) for the first time this year after weeks of delay due to rain and muddy roads. This week I have Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday to work with Committee members.  Email me if you can come out. Robert Byrnes Co-chair Habitat Restoration Committee CNPS-San Diego Arne explains the Bradley Method to tour-goers. Photo: Bob Byrnes Arne leads a tour over the Lusardi Creek Photo: Kendra Saad A view of the restoration site looking ..read more

Last week, we met with the Audubon Society and boated to the FAA island (the Bowling Pin Island) in Mission Bay to treat weeds in preparation for nesting of Least terns.  While there we saw an example of rare Nuttall's lotus (Acmispon prostratus), a species that has been the topic of recent emails from the CNPSSD discussion group.  It's possible that the island might become something of a haven for this native as invasives are removed regularly. We also met with working partners to plan fall and winter work in the San Dieguito River Valley.  And we visited the San Dieguito trail ..read more

Arne and Ben worked at Artesian Creek on Carrotwood trees and Castor bean.  The San Dieguito River and Lusardi Creek are still very high.  Weeds and non-native grasses are phenomenal this year.  I can truthfully say I have never seen so many. This week we have a little more time but not as much as we would like.  I can guide volunteers on Friday and Saturday.  Arne (email arne_kj@yahoo.com) has Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday open.  Most of these days of course are tentative as more midweek rain, which always leads to mud, is in the forecast.  Email Ar ..read more

Last week we continued to remove mustard at Lusardi Creek. Below is a photograph of one of our most invasive and persistent pests at Lusardi Creek, perennial Carnation spurge (Euphorbia terracina).  It was taken last month.  As can be seen, some of these plants were already flowering.  We haven't been able to take care of it this year as the road has been too muddy to drive on.  We should get to it soon. Euphorbia terracina. Photo by Robert Byrnes We won't perform any restoration this week due to untimely commitments and to what is forecast to be a strong midweek storm.&nb ..read more

Last week:  We coninued removal of Black mustard (Brassica nigra) and Tamarisk species at Lusardi Creek. Below is a photo of flowering Calfornia adolphia (Adophia californica) at Lusardi Creek.  California adolphia is a CNPS rare species and is seriously threatened.  There are a number scattered throughout the creek area.  Adophia californica Photo credit: Arne Johanson. Next week Arne and I have every day, Monday through Saturday with the exception of Wednesday, available to work with Committee members.  Email me if you want to come. --Robert Byrnes Co-chair Habitat ..read more