The San Geronimo Golf Course Bank Stabilization Project kicked off this month with the help of contractors, 15 volunteers, and SPAWN interns and staff. First, contractors widened the steep banks that lined the incised creek channel to promote a more natural floodplain environment and better transport sediment including important spawning gravel for native endangered coho salmon. Then, several large woody debris structures (tree logs and root balls) were set into the creek to act as “speed bumps” that will deflect the flow of water away from eroding banks while creating cool, shady hiding spots for the endangered fish.
Next, the volunteer crew removed over a dozen invasive Himalayan blackberry plants, installed 600 square feet of erosion control fabric, planted over 60 individual riparian plants, installed 50 feet of a straw log at the base of the slope for erosion control, and installed a drip irrigation system to all the plants on Saturday August 9th. This impressive progress could only have been accomplished with the help of hardworking volunteers and interns. To those who came out this past weekend, thank you for your incredible work ethic and energy that helped transform this landscape into a more salmon-friendly habitat.
As this large-scale restoration project moves forward SPAWN will be working to remove roughly 300 more square feet of Himalayan blackberry plants, re-plant three areas along the creek with over 350 riparian plants, install a drip irrigation system, and hold a workshop on how to build a willow wall fence to protect a bank from erosion.
Our next volunteer days at the golf course will be on September 6th and September 20th from 10am to 2pm. Weekly volunteer events at the golf course will also take place on Friday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm through the end of September. Visit our event page here to find upcoming volunteer opportunities and RSVP by emailing Preston Brown at Preston@tirn.net.
If you are able to come out and volunteer with us, please be sure to wear sturdy shoes or boots, dress appropriately for the weather (i.e. sun protection, hats, layers, rain jacket), and be sure to bring a water bottle, snacks and a lunch. SPAWN will provide gloves, tools, and any other needed equipment. We welcome your help and look forward to working together to restore salmon habitat!
