Pictured is a trail in the Upper Canyon
We are grateful for the many volunteers who joined this past summer and fall on our 4th Saturday stewardship workdays. Our collective efforts are tremendously instrumental in providing reinforcement to the Gwin Canyon trail and the rest of the trail system. This fun and challenging work will continue: to keep our trails safe and accessible, there are several areas throughout the upper canyon which require attention.
While not everything may be as fun or challenging as trail work, many of our other tasks are equally important for beautification and improving the health of the ecosystem – which includes human beings! During the pandemic, there has been a considerable amount of illegally dumped litter throughout parts of the upper canyon, especially along Claremont Avenue. We will incorporate some amount of trash removal into our upcoming workday tasks. Although this side of stewardship can be tough work, we are excited to undertake this rewarding task. Doing so contributes to cleaner water, safer recreation, and a more beautiful canyon for all to cherish.
High School students after a successful day of broom removal!
As a final note, we made some effective strides in our invasive plant management initiatives. Special thanks go to a small group of diligent high schoolers from Fremont. We have especially focused on removal of highly invasive French Broom (Genista) and have plenty more to tackle! Just as when we remove litter, this task can be daunting, but is visually rewarding and impactful in allowing space and sunlight for native plants to thrive. Don’t forget – the canyon is critical habitat for federally endangered species, and home to California endemics.
Volunteers pulling out invasive broom in the upper canyon.
Our upcoming 4th Saturday stewardship event will be April 23rd, where we will meet at signpost 29 and work from 10 a.m. -12 noon. We plan to focus on invasive broom removal and litter collection. As always, check the weather as it can start to heat up this time of year. Poison oak grows along all trails, so please wear sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves, a hat, and work gloves if you have them. We provide gloves and tools. If you can’t make it to our workday this month, you can join us in the upcoming months every 4th Saturday of the month.
Thanks to everyone for your support in keeping Claremont Canyon a special place. We look forward to seeing you out in the field!
