Riparian and Watershed Repair

A large portion of the Black Canyon restoration site consists of seasonal streams and riparian growth. Drought, erosion, and neglect have negatively impacted these areas.

The primary trees in the riparian area are Coast Live Oaks, and the larger ones are being negatively impacted by the invasive Gold Spotted Oak Borer. There are many dead trees and the undergrowth is at risk to losing the shade previously offered by the older Coast Live Oaks that are falling (January 2023 Oak Survey.)

We plan to apply TEK (Traditional Ecological Knowledge) and fire mimicry strategies in this area, in addition to adding vegetative dams (BDAs=Beaver Dam Analogs) to slow erosion and keep water on the land longer. We also will need to strategically replant highly damaged areas, remove dead trees, and take proactive measures to improve soil health.

One of our favorite inspirational videos comes from the USGS, called Re-greening a Dryland Watershed. It would not be difficult to do these same things at the Black Canyon site.