The area, located south of Shady Canyon Drive, has been overrun with non-native grasses and weeds, which dry up and can readily ignite, posing a fire hazard to neighboring communities and wildlife. The goal of this project is to replace highly flammable non-native vegetation with less flammable native vegetation. The project design will include natural fuel breaks of native riparian vegetation along drainageways interspersed with upland scrub habitat. Although native scrub can also ignite, this vegetation stays green later in the year. This could mean a shortened fire season that starts in September instead of as early as April. An added benefit is that native oak and elderberry trees will also be added to provide shade to the exposed sections of Bommer Meadow Trail.
To learn more about IRC’s ongoing restoration efforts, visit IRConservancy.org, LetsGoOutside.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.