Conservation and Restoration Report of 9/9/25
By Mike Kelly
Restoration work parties this summer have been well attended from a low of about 12 up to 22, much higher than past summers. We’re routinely putting out about 400 gallons of creek water each time (no more tap water from me!). Native seed is being collected for future seeding. The Youth Care Club from Del Norte HS has been a steady source of volunteers.
The YCC organized a Fun Run at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park to raise $5,000 for the survey by drone project Austin Zhang presented to our Board. I posted a few pictures from the event. It was a lot of fun and we were saluted as a partner with them and their adult non-profit the American Chinese Cultural and Education Foundation. Del, Cecile and I were in attendance. Del joined the racers. We met with the ACCEF leaders, who were very welcoming. I was asked to the closing ceremony to stand with the many YCC members to receive the giant $5,000 check for the Friends which I also posted. Del was there. A real check should come to us in a few weeks. And our local and name are on the beautiful event t-shirts given free to every participant and the volunteers.
The Restoration Project on the Del Mar Mesa led by Dave Hogan is coming under fire from some in the biking community because Phase I involves closing Tunnel #5, a very popular trail with the biking community. The project, which we cosponsor, has been fully vetted via EIRS for the MSCP by the City and regulatory agencies. I plan to intervene in the discussion, at Dave’s request, on the issue of deer and wildlife corridors. There’s a false narrative that Dave’s fencing will impede wildlife corridor movement. Dave was part of the team we put together in the 90s I think that mapped wildlife corridors on Carmel Mtn. and the Del Mar Mesa. A deer track is not a wildlife corridor.
City Rangers. We’re supporting BMOS Rangers with plants for their own restoration projects. Cindy and I cut up some Iva hayesiana to produce wood cuttings suitable for water submergence. In a few weeks we had good roots emerging and we potted up over 50 cuttings. Ranger Matt in particular wanted this plant. Surveying our sites he was struck by how successful the Iva was.
Work in Darkwood Canyon was paused due to the hot weather.
Harrier Hill/Fennel Forest was already stabilized for the summer/fall.
