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VOL. 34, NO. 3 • JULY 2006 FREMONTIA A JOURNAL OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY

JEPSON, MUIR, AND THE SIERRA CLUB OUTING OF 1909 LOCAL LAND-USE PLANNING AND VEGETATION MAPS WEEDS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA URBAN WETLANDS VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 A NATIVE PLANT GARDEN (PART 2) CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY FREMONTIA CNPS, 2707 K Street, Suite 1; Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 Phone: (916) 447-CNPS (2677) Fax: (916) 447-2727 VOL. 34, NO. 3, JULY 2006 Web site: www.cnps.org Email: [email protected] Copyright © 2006 MEMBERSHIP California Native Plant Society Membership form located on inside back cover; dues include subscriptions to Fremontia and the Bulletin Linda Ann Vorobik and Bart O’Brien, Co-Editors Mariposa Lily ...... $1,500 Family or Group ...... $75 Benefactor ...... $600 International ...... $75 Bob Hass, Copy Editor Patron ...... $300 Individual or Library ...... $45 Beth Hansen-Winter, Designer Plant Lover ...... $100 Student/Retired/Limited Income . $25 STAFF CHAPTER COUNCIL CALIFORNIA NATIVE Sacramento Office: Alta Peak (Tulare) . . . . Joan Stewart PLANT SOCIETY Executive Director . Amanda Jorgenson Bristlecone (Inyo-Mono) ...... Sherryl Taylor Development Director/Finance Channel Islands ...... Lynne Kada Dedicated to the Preservation of Manager ...... Cari Porter the California Native Flora Dorothy King Young (Mendocino/ Membership Assistant . . . . Christina Sonoma Coast) . . . . . Lori Hubbart The California Native Plant Society Neifer East Bay ...... Elaine P. Jackson (CNPS) is a statewide nonprofit orga- Bookkeeper ...... Anne Wood El Dorado ...... Amy Hoffman Kern County ...... Lucy Clark nization dedicated to increasing the At Large: Los Angeles/Santa Monica Mtns . . . understanding and appreciation of Betsey Landis Fremontia Co-Editors . . . . Linda Ann California’s native plants, and to pre- Marin County ...... Bob Soost Vorobik, PhD; Bart O’Brien serving them and their natural habi- Milo Baker (Sonoma County) . . . . . Senior Conservation Botanist ...... Liz Parsons tats for future generations. position open Mojave Desert ...... Tim Thomas CNPS carries out its mission through Monterey Bay . . . . Rosemary Foster Rare Plant Botanist . . . position open science, conservation advocacy, edu- Mount Lassen ...... Catie Bishop Senior Vegetation Ecologist . . . Julie cation, and horticulture at the local, Napa Valley ...... Marcie Danner Evens North Coast ...... Larry Levine state, and federal levels. It monitors Vegetation Ecologist . . . . Anne Klein North San Joaquin . . James Brugger rare and endangered plants and habi- East Bay Conservation Analyst . . . . . Orange County ...... Sarah Jayne tats; acts to save endangered areas Redbud (Grass Valley/Auburn) . . . . Lech Naumovich through publicity, persuasion, and on Marie Bain Legislative Advocate . Vern Goehring occasion, legal action; provides expert Riverside/San Bernardino counties . . Legal Advisor ...... Sandy McCoy Katie Barrows testimony to government bodies; sup- Website Coordinator ...... Sacramento Valley . . Diana Hickson ports the establishment of native plant San Diego ...... Dave Flietner John Donaghue preserves; sponsors workdays to re- San Gabriel Mtns . . . Gabi McLean CNPS Bulletin Editor ...... Bob Hass move invasive plants; and offers a range San Luis Obispo . . . Lauren Brown Sanhedrin (Ukiah) ...... Vishnu of educational activities including BOARD OF DIRECTORS Santa Clara Valley . . . Judy Fenerty speaker programs, field trips, native Santa Cruz County . Fred McPherson Brad Jenkins (President), Sandy McCoy plant sales, horticultural workshops, Sequoia (Fresno) . . . . . Peggy Jones (Vice President), Steve Hartman (Trea- and demonstration gardens. Shasta . . . . . Susan Libonati-Barnes surer), Lynn Houser (Secretary). At Sierra Foothills (Tuolumne, Cala- Since its founding in 1965, the tra- Large: Sue Britting, Charli Danielsen, veras, Mariposa) . . . Patrick Stone ditional strength of CNPS has been its Dave Flietner, Diana Hickson, David South Coast (Palos Verdes) ...... Barbara Sattler dedicated volunteers. CNPS activities Magney, Spence McIntyre are organized at the local chapter level Tahoe ...... Michael Hogan Willis L. Jepson (Solano) ...... where members’ varied interests influ- PROGRAM DIRECTORS position open ence what is done. Volunteers from CNPS Press ...... Holly Forbes Yerba Buena (San Francisco) . . . . . Mark Heath the 33 CNPS chapters annually con- and Gail Milliken tribute in excess of 87,000 hours Conservation ...... position open MATERIALS FOR PUBLICATION (equivalent to 42 full-time employees). Horticulture ...... Peigi Duvall CNPS members and others are wel- CNPS membership is open to all. Posters ...... Bertha McKinley come to contribute materials for publi- Members receive the quarterly jour- and Wilma Follette cation in Fremontia. See the inside back nal, Fremontia, the quarterly statewide Rare Plants ...... position open cover for manuscript submission in- Bulletin, and newsletters from their lo- Vegetation ...... Todd Keeler-Wolf structions.

cal CNPS chapter. Printed by Premier Graphics: www.premiergraphics.biz

FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 CONTENTS EDITORIAL: WELCOME BART O’BRIEN! ...... 2

BOTANY MAN JEPSON, NATURALIST MUIR, AND THE SIERRA CLUB OUTING OF 1909 by Richard G. Beidleman ...... 3 Most of Fremontia readers know the name Willis Linn Jepson as the first botanist at UC Berkeley and the namesake for one of our state floras: The Jepson Manual. In this article view Yosemite from Jepson’s perspective, as he travels through the area with John Muir and others in the early 1900s.

A WINNING COMBINATION: LOCAL LAND-USE PLANNING AND FINE- SCALE VEGETATION MAPS by Liz Chattin, Lorraine Rubin, and David Magney ...... 9 The authors tell the story of the under-appreciated power local governments have in the protection of biological resources, the important role vegetation maps can play in this protection, and the low-budget strategy Ventura County is initiating for acquiring stan- dardized vegetation data.

WHAT WEEDS DOMINATE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA URBAN WETLANDS AND WHY? by Brad Burkhart ...... 14 This article reviews the results of one of the first comprehensive attempts to map and quantify the acreage of dominant riparian weed species along the San Diego River and then explores the ecological mechanisms which allow these species to out-compete the native vegetation. Recommendations are made to improve future riparian restoration efforts in urban areas.

A NATIVE PLANT GARDEN IN THE BERKELEY HILLS, PART TWO by Jenny S. Fleming ...... 20 The second of a three-part series on one of the state’s foremost home gardens that is dedicated to native plants. The article continues with a detailed accounting of layout, architecture, and plants used within this lovely landscape. This exceptional garden, created by CNPS Fellows Jenny and Scott Fleming, continues to be a beacon for native plant enthusiasts.

BOTANICAL DELIGHTS OF THE SIERRA NEVADA Photographs by Linda Ann Vorobik ...... 22 As a good-bye to readers in her last issue as editor of Fremontia, Linda Ann Vorobik shares some of her photographic images collected from the Sierra Nevada: a page of insects and flowers, and a page of paintbrushes (Castilleja). These images were taken during her field work for her upcoming guidebook to Sierra Nevada plants.

BOOK REVIEW: CALIFORNIA’S FRONTIER NATURALISTS by Richard G. Beidleman. Reviewed by Dan Cheatham ...... 24

THE COVER: Mountain, subalpine, and meadow in the high Sierra, as would have been seen by W.L. Jepson and his companions on their 1909 journey (see page 3). Photograph by L. Vorobik.

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 1 EDITORIAL: WELCOME BART O’BRIEN! USEFUL WEBSITES AND CONTACT INFORMATION fter over five years of editing Fremontia, journal of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), I am very pleased to hand over the role of editor California Native Plant A Society (CNPS): to Bart O’Brien, long-time CNPS member, outstanding horticulturist and www.cnps.org, with links to botanist at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (RSABG), and co-author of conservation issues, chapters, the award-winning California Native Plants for the Garden with Carol Bornstein publications, policies, etc. and David Fross. This beautiful volume is reviewed in the January issue of For updates on Fremontia (Volume 34, No.1). conservation issues: Bart brings so much to this society as editor of its journal. He has Audubon Society www.audubon.org authored numerous publications including those in Fremontia, and was the Center for Biological Diversity convening editor for the special issue of Fremontia on growing native plants www.sw-center.org for the garden (Volume 29, No. 1). Native Plant Conservation His ongoing work with the Los Angeles River substantially contributed Campaign www.plantsocieties.org to the collaborative publication of the award-winning Los Angeles River Natural Resources Defense Master Plan Landscaping Guidelines and Plant Palettes for the Los Angeles Council www.nrdc.org County Department of Public Works in 2004. His latest book, co-authored Sierra Club with Betsey Landis of CNPS and Ellen Mackey of Theodore Payne Founda- www.sierraclub.org tion, is the bilingual Care & Maintenance of Southern California Native Plant Wilderness Society Gardens – Cuidado y mantenimiento de jardines de plantas nativas del sur de www.wilderness.org California to be published this summer by Metropolitan Water District of For voting information: Southern California. League of Women Voters Bart is best known for his knowledge as a horticulturist: he has intro- www.lwv.org, includes online voter guide with state-specific duced numerous different native plant cultivars including those from some nonpartisan election and of our favorite genera: Arctostaphylos, Ceanothus, Dendromecon, Heuchera, candidate information. Malacothamnus, Zauschneria (Epilobium), and section Audibertia of the ge- US Senate nus Salvia. He was named Horticulturist of the Year in 2005 by the Southern www.senate.gov California Horticultural Society. This year he was honored with a life mem- US House of Representatives www.house.gov bership from the California Garden Clubs, Inc. In addition, Bart is a fifth California State Senate generation Californian (born and raised in Hollister) and is an accomplished www.sen.ca.gov collector, grower, photographer, and lecturer. California State Assembly Bart also brings with him a thorough knowledge of Southern California www.assembly.ca.gov native plants, as he has done extensive field work in the southern inner To write letters: Coast Ranges (especially in San Benito County), the eastern Mojave ranges, President George W. Bush as well as in Baja California, primarily from the US border south to the The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Vizcaino Peninsula. Washington, DC 20500 I am particularly excited that Fremontia will now be seated in Southern Senator Barbara Boxer California at RSABG. Now we can strengthen the numbers and kinds of or Senator Dianne Feinstein contributions to our journal from that area. Thanks to RSABG for supporting US Senate Washington, DC 20510 Bart in his role as Fremontia editor, and to the University Herbarium, UC, Your CA Representative Berkeley for their support in kind of my editorship. US House of Representatives Linda Ann Vorobik Washington, DC 20515 Out-going Editor, Fremontia

2 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 BOTANY MAN JEPSON, NATURALIST MUIR, AND THE SIERRA CLUB OUTING OF 1909 by Richard G. Beidleman

here’s nothing like a succinct keley professor of botany, were hav- “No, call it Sabine pine, after Dr. academic exchange to clear ing lunch. The topic was plant Sabine.” the mountain air. It happened names, and Muir was saying that he While the designated common along the bank of lower didn’t like the “folk names” of name for digger pine is now “foot- TRancheria Creek in Hetch Hetchy plants, even if they didn’t “misrep- hill pine” or “gray pine,” the scien- Valley, where naturalist John Muir resent botanically.” Citing the dig- tific name remains Pinus sabiniana, and Dr. Willis Linn Jepson, UC Ber- ger pine, he exclaimed emphatically honoring Joseph Sabine, the long- time secretary of the London Horti- Hetch Hetchy Falls, with maul oak (Quercus chrysolepis), incense cedar (Calocedrus cultural Society. Jepson did not decurrens), and big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). This and other black and white much care professionally for plant photographs by W. Jepson, 1909, courtesy of the Herbarium Archives, UC Berkeley. common names either, but during his botanical travels he always noted what names the locals used for dif- ferent plants. So his quick reply to John was, “If you go into the foot- hills and say Sabine pine to the set- tlers, no one would know what you mean. But the settlers know what I mean in plant names since I speak their language!” In truth, both Muir and Jepson spoke the same mother tongue, a love for the out-of-doors. While John was a major founder of the Sierra Club, Willis was among the select few who endorsed the Sierra Club incorporation papers in 1892. The two knew each other, of course, but the previous time they were together in the field was undoubtedly at the Aleutian island of Unalaska in 1899, when the Harriman Expedition’s natural scientists (including Muir) met with a four-man botanical ex- pedition from Berkeley that included Jepson. The present Rancheria Creek luncheon exchange took place on July 27, 1909, during what was Jepson’s first participation in a sum- mer Sierra Club outing, this one to Yosemite National Park.

AS CHANCE WOULD HAVE IT Jepson had anticipated being in Yosemite the summer of 1909, but not necessarily with the Sierra Club.

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 3 Some months earlier, he had prom- Two days later the excursion was marks of bear claws, “sometimes long ised to give a series of lectures on on its way up into Little Yosemite gashes where drawn down, some- California flowers for the newly Valley, past Happy Isles, Vernal and times sharp points like a driven nail.” formed Yosemite Valley Chautau- Nevada falls, and by July 7 climbing On the evening of July 13 the qua. When problems arose with the the Sunrise Trail (now part of the group camped at the base of Lembert lecture schedule and the stipend he Muir Trail) and then east towards Dome in Tuolumne Meadows. The was supposed to receive, and he Echo Creek. At an overnight camp- next morning they headed for a base was reminded that the Sierra Club site where snow bush (Ceanothus camp below Mt. Dana. On the trail, was having its summer outing in cordulatus) matted the ground, hik- Jepson and Muir discussed the dif- Yosemite, he wavered about the lec- ers simply put their bedrolls atop ferent forms of tamarac (lodgepole) tures. The deciding factor was the the bushes. Off to the south was a pines (Pinus contorta var. murrayana) controversy raging over the Hetch striking view of Mt. Clark, named in the west, noting that the ones Hetchy Valley dam building, and by Joseph Whitney of the early Cali- along the coast (P. c. var. contorta) Professor Jepson finally decided in fornia Geological Survey after Galen were usually dwarfed, while in other favor of the Sierra Club, “for this Clark, Yosemite State Park’s first places some held closed cones for summer I have missionary work to guardian. years until opened by fire. do . . . ” Thus it was that Willis Jepson REMINISCING AND TWO JOHNS: TORREY AND joined the Sierra Club party of some BOTANIZING LEMBERT 30 men and women for the start of the Yosemite outing at El Portal on Muir told the group that the year The next day, while scaling Dana, July 3. It was indeed a distinctive after he first came into Yosemite Muir conversed about guiding Asa field party, which included, among Valley he had gone to work for Gray in Yosemite Park back in 1872. others, William E. Colby, secretary Clark’s friend James Hutchings at He had shown Gray the unique of the Sierra Club, Allen Chamber- $70 a month, cutting up ponderosa torreya (Torreya californica), and the lain, former president of the Appala- pine with a straight saw for lumber two chatted about the botanist for chian Mountain Club, Professor Wil- which would be used to build a whom it had been named, John liam O. Crosby, geologist of M.I.T., sawmill. Muir also reminisced about Torrey of Columbia College. Muir geologist George D. Lauderback, his 1877 trip with Harvard botanist asked Gray if Torrey was planning George Schwarz who had worked Asa Gray and Sir Joseph Hooker of a California trip, to which Gray re- for the US Forest Service, C.W. Kew Gardens, London, toward Mt. plied “Oh, Torrey is an old man Pohlmann who would soon be serv- Shasta. One evening Gray had ex- now. If you want to see Torrey you ing on the Club’s Local Walks Com- pressed surprise that Linnaeus’s fa- will have to go to New York.” Gray mittee, Jepson’s personal friend vorite plant, twinflower (Linnaea bo- had no sooner departed from the Charlie Dutton, impresario Degrassi realis), had been found in Oregon Park by way of Coulterville Trail with his violin, and John Muir. but not in California. The next morn- than Muir received a message that ing Hooker, crossing a small gully, there was another botanist at the THE PARTY HEADS OUT discovered a plant sprawling over hotel who wanted to see him. He the slope which turned out to be the was tired of botanists by this time, Jepson was in his floral element very species. “It is Linnaea!,” Hooker but when Joseph LeConte said “You on the trip to Yosemite Valley from exclaimed. “Strange,” Muir reflected, must come up,” Muir acquiesced and El Portal, jotting down in his field “that it should have been found so met none other than the venerable book the variety of trees and shrubs soon after Gray’s remark.” John Torrey, who had just come into along the Merced River route, from Evening saw the Sierra Club party Yosemite Valley by the Big Oak Flat red bud (Cercis occidentalis) and on the shore of Lake Merced, where Trail! What a coincidence. mustang mint (Monardella lanceo- Jepson discovered the finest grove of In Tuolumne Meadows Jepson lata) to poison oak (Toxicodendron quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) delivered a stirring oration on the diversilobum) and the first Douglas- he had ever encountered in Califor- Sierran forest, from Sonoran foot- firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii). When nia. With the same diligence that hills to alpine summits, with palat- the distinctive California torreyas, went into gathering data for his forth- able but limited facts and a plethora with their shiny green fruit resem- coming Silva of California, Jepson of stirring emotions for the gath- bling unripe plums, began showing proceeded to measure height and cir- ered congregation, “garnering in this up in abundance, Jepson was de- cumference of eight aspens, the tall- July treasures of mountain delights lighted to inform the travelers that est 80 feet high. In the process, he to have the thrifty sweetness for De- these were definitely not plum trees. noted that many of the trunks bore cember.” Climaxing his talk was a

4 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 reciting of “The Campfires of the ling down. The alpine flower gar- collect a really good deal—not nearly Young Men.” This was indeed a day dens were disappointing, because the the amount one would have expected for lecturing, because at the evening season was too early at high alti- from four years in the field.” When campfire William Colby talked tude. But Jepson prostrated himself the quartet of climbers including about John Lembert, after whom to count petals, stamens, and styles Jepson made it back from the Lyell Lembert Dome had been named, of ten delightful alpine lewisia base camp to Tuolumne Meadows, noting that Professor Edward Lee Lewisia pygmaea, the tiny relative of they emulated Brewer by covering Greene, Jepson’s old mentor at UC the bitter root Lewisia rediviva, dis- the eight miles in two hours, led Berkeley, had named a composite covered by Meriwether Lewis over a nearly the entire way by flower lover flower (Senecio lemberti, now S. century earlier in Montana. Eloise Fife, who was as diminutive pauciflorus) after Lembert. Jepson’s collecting the cinque- as some of the subalpine vegetation. foil Potentilla brewerii (now P. drum- At Tuolumne Meadows several PICKING UP THE PACE mondii ssp. brewerii) here occasioned parties took off on a knapsack trip Muir to refer to William Brewer, down the Tuolumne River, the men Next morning, as a relief from whose surveying party in 1863 had carrying packs weighing 30 to 37 lectures, the hikers headed for named Dana and Lyell peaks after pounds while the women only toted Mountains Lyell and McClure, even- America’s and England’s foremost 9 to 15 pounds. Jepson vented his tually making their way across a win- geologists. “What legs he had be- disgust: “In other words, the men try landscape of snow fields and great neath him! He astonished even the are carrying food for the girls. Many rocky slopes with patches of soil natives!” Not to be outdone, Jepson of them are no mountaineers at all.” where snow-melt streams were trick- was quick to reply that “he did not But there was general merriment

McClure Fork toward Mt. Florence.

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 5 when Jepson’s loquacious friend A BEDAZZLING GRANITE they set up camp at 7,000 feet. The Charlie Dutton, in crossing Conness WILDERNESS following day the party took the trail Creek on a log, shrilly cried out for up the side of Rancheria Mountain help when he got half way over, and On July 20 the party was making overlooking Piute Creek, and con- had to be assisted the rest of the way. its way up Return Creek and across tinued into Pate Valley and the The main party hiked to the cas- to the northwest into Matterhorn Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, cades below Conness Creek where Canyon, where they encountered a with Hetch Hetchy Valley to the they got a beautiful view down the grove of mountain hemlock (Tsuga west. Muir was telling Jepson he Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. mertensiana), the finest Jepson had was aggravated that UC Berkeley After a lunch stop on a windy out- ever seen in California, with many President Benjamin Ide Wheeler crop, the trail dropped into a moist trunks five feet in diameter. The next could not make up his mind to take valley filled with wildflowers: waist- day they traversed Benson Pass, and a stand against damming Hetch high lupines, blue larkspurs, several from a rocky promontory had a Hetchy, despite Muir’s urging. In species of mariposa lilies, scattered superb view eastward towards the Muir’s opinion Wheeler did not want aspens and conifers, and a thicket of snowy peaks of Ritter, Banner, Dana, to “risk offending some rich man in huckleberry oak (Quercus vaccini- Lyell, Hoffman, and Conness, and San Francisco—it being his busi- folia) that was about 30 feet square of the wild, high granite wilder- ness “to ‘lay for money’ all the while.” but only a foot high. ness to the north. At the viewers’ Indeed, during his decade in office feet were beautiful rock gardens of President Wheeler had been an un- Junipers (Juniperus occidentalis) and tam- mountain pride (Penstemon new- usually successful fundraiser. arac pine (Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana) berryi), forming rose-red flower on granite at McClure Fork. clusters a foot across in the granite TREE CLIMBING FOR FIR crevices, with reclining mats of CONES whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) whose upright branchlets had been The track along Rancheria manicured by the wind. Mountain was hemmed in for a Now came the scenic series of ways by the reddish purple moun- tarns which today lie along the Pa- tain monardella (Monardella odora- cific Crest Tahoe-Yosemite Trail: tissima), and the minty scent of Smedberg, Rodgers, Neall. There crushed foliage was exceedingly were wonderful reflections just af- heavy and strong. Jepson was irked ter sundown in Rodgers Lake, right that some Sierra Club members, who before the afterglow began. Jepson actually knew better, insisted on call- wrote quickly in his field book, “It ing the mint pennyroyal. “People is the most wonderful scene of the will have common names,” Jepson sort that ever met my eye. A high muttered to himself. “If they can’t rock dominating the opposite shore, get the special name, they will trans- the snow-banked cliffs with a few fer one from a garden plant.” clusters of tamarac pines and hem- The day’s lunch site was beneath locks—the whole with the brilliance spreading limbs of an incense cedar, of the California atmosphere and beyond a little springy meadow across with that unusual softness seen in which were “thrown” two streamers the English lakes.” of strikingly beautiful shooting stars (Dodecatheon jeffreyi). In the after- POLITICS INTRUDES ON noon the trail began to drop down, THE SOLITUDE and rocky cliffs at the upper entrance to Hetch Hetchy were coming into On July 23 the Sierra Club hik- view. The trees of lower altitude were ers were in Pleasant Valley, having replacing the high-country vegeta- come down Rodgers Canyon, with tion, red firs giving way to white firs. a side trip to an overlook into And, because fir cones never fall to the narrow Muir Gorge of the the ground unless cut by squirrels, Tuolumne, and a steep rocky Jepson climbed 50 feet up a white fir scramble past Table Lake to Piute to collect the candle-like purplish Creek in the canyon bottom where cones for his hiking companions.

6 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 REACHING HETCH HETCHY On July 26 the Sierra Club group was down in Hetch Hetchy Valley, at its upper end near Pate Valley, where rose great rock walls studded with trees. The valley floor’s green fields were surrounded by scattered groves of pines and oaks, and along the Tuolumne River were stands of black cottonwoods, which despite the name were beautifully white- trunked in the moonlight of the first camping night in the valley. The next day as the group traveled farther west, the cliffs became like those of TOP: Tuolumne Meadows, in the Canadian Zone according to W.L. Jepson, with tamarac Yosemite, smooth towering granite pine (Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana), whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), and western white massifs with a dotting of maul oaks pine (Pinus monticola). • BOTTOM: Tuolumne Pass, with whitebark pine and tamarac pine in rifts of the wall. They passed nu- in foreground. Whitebark pines also on mountainside. merous midsummer waterfalls and a multitude of wildflowers. great oaks and pines, the woodpeck- fire, Allen Chamberlain of the Ap- The final camping spot in Hetch ers calling in the oaks just as they palachian Mountain Club talked Hetchy was at the west end, on July called when I was a boy and thought about the club’s outings in the 28. As Jepson wrote in his journal, then as I think now that there is no Northeast, where rain and wetness what “a delightful and lazy camping more alluring and gratifying wood- were often the order of the day and spot, the wind rustling through the land sound.” At the evening camp- night, and cooking had to be done

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 7 AN ENDURING Sad to say, the scenic wilderness LEGACY valley of Hetch Hetchy would in a few years become a reservoir, de- On July 30 the spite the many voices raised against outing made its the dam. On Christmas Eve of 1914 way out of Hetch John Muir passed away; but his bo- Hetchy down to Ha- tanical colleague of the 1909 outing zel Green and the would make many a return visit to Merced Grove of Yosemite, giving lectures, teaching big trees, where classes, leading hikes, and investi- Jepson energetically gating flora. During the last five counted all the se- years of his life, Willis Linn Jepson quoias and plotted would serve as honorary vice presi- them on a map in dent of the Sierra Club, which he his field book. Near had helped found almost 60 years Crocker Ridge the earlier. TOP: Benson Pass, with tamarac pine (Pinus contorta ssp. murray- ana) and mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana). • BOTTOM: group held the last In the year 2000, the 50th anni- Rodgers Lake, with tamarac pine and mountain hemlock. campfire of the versary of UC Berkeley’s Jepson Her- outing. There were barium was celebrated. Among its in the protection of a tent. What goodbye speeches, a violin solo by vast collection of plants are the many different memories there would be Degrassi, and finally the grand fi- Yosemite specimens which Jepson of the Sierra, with cloudless nights nale. The whole assemblage formed garnered in 1909, and in the Her- for almost a month now, and the a huge circle, joined hands; “and barium Archives is the field book in days brilliant, always cool, invigo- with the moon above the trees which The Botany Man described rating, bracing. The Californians throwing great shadows,” The his first Sierra Club outing. hoped that Chamberlain would use Botany Man recited with uplifted recollections of this beautiful west- hand the goodnight benediction of Richard G. Beidleman, The Jepson Her- ern setting to solicit his club’s sup- the fairies in Midsummer Night’s barium, 1001 Valley Life Sciences Build- port against the damming of Hetch Dream: “Weaving spiders come not ing #2465, University of California, Ber- Hetchy! here.” keley, CA 94720-2465.

8 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 In order to protect locally rare and significant plant communities, the Ventura County Planning Division evaluates the potential influence of human development on vegetation. Photograph by J. Evens. A WINNING COMBINATION: LOCAL LAND-USE PLANNING AND FINE-SCALE VEGETATION MAPS by Liz Chattin, Lorraine Rubin, and David Magney

This is the forth article of a series last article of the series will appear in otal role that local land-use plan- from the California Native Plant Fremontia Volume 34, No. 4 (the Oc- ning departments can play in fur- Society’s Vegetation Program, edited tober 2006 issue). thering habitat protection. Some by Julie Evens and Todd Keeler-Wolf. even perceive local agency staff as See Fremontia Volume 34, No. 1, pp. istorically, those involved “part of the problem.” But when lo- 3–16 for the first two articles, and in conservation work have cal California Native Plant Society Fremontia Volume 34, No. 2, pp. 11– either overlooked or have (CNPS) chapters take the time to 18 for the third article. The fifth and been unaware of the piv- cultivate good working relationships H with local planning staff, the preser- vation of rare plants and high-prior- he authors of this article, Liz Chattin, biologist, Lorraine Rubin, ity plant communities can be Tgrants administrator, and David Magney, botanist and environ- achieved. mental consultant, work for the Ventura County Planning Division. To do so first requires under- With grant funding from various sources, they are working to im- standing the role that local land-use prove the protection of wetlands and other sensitive biological re- planning departments play in pro- sources through the land-use planning process. tecting natural resources, and also the importance of having reliable

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 9 baseline data that can guide plan- the long-term success of mitigation VALUE OF VEGETATION ning decisions. It also requires that projects; and 4) maintaining lands DATA we reshuffle our own conservation donated for mitigation. Public agen- goals, so that obtaining fine-scale cies have to be pretty clever or lucky CEQA Analysis vegetation maps becomes one of the to find grantors who will fund these When applicants come into our highest priorities of local and other sorts of efforts. county government center wanting agencies. Meanwhile, pressures for devel- a permit for a new land use, the The truth is that many of our opment continue unabated. The Planning Division acts as “lead best environmental policies, from population continues to grow, ris- agency” under CEQA. The Planning the California Environmental Qual- ing real estate values encourage new Division is responsible for coordi- ity Act (CEQA) to the local General development, applications for new nating the CEQA review of these Plan, are often only as good as the land-use permits continue to be sub- projects for potentially significant procedures and resources of the lo- mitted to the County, grading per- impacts to the environment. cal land-use planning department. mits are issued without adequate Planning staff decide whether a This is where many of these policies project may have a potentially sig- are implemented. Those of us in the nificant impact on biological re- trenches of the Ventura County sources, and whether an assessment “If your goal is habitat Planning Division are often sur- by a professional biologist is war- prised at how few people in the protection, one of the ranted. This decision is made easier, business of resource protection un- and the resources are ultimately bet- derstand this. biggest bangs for your ter protected, when planners have Lengthy watershed plans are buck is to give local land- information regarding the nature of sometimes written by special-inter- the biology onsite. In our jurisdic- est groups and can cost millions of use planning agencies the tion and in others throughout the dollars and several years to com- state, determining significant im- plete. Frequently, the local planning resources they need to pacts to biological resources from a agencies are not actively involved in implement the policies they project is often based on two things: drafting the plan. Consequently, 1) a review of coarse maps, if avail- these watershed plans generally have already have in place.” able; and 2) a single site visit con- no teeth of their own. Implement- ducted by a planner who typically ing the recommendations of a wa- does not have biological expertise. tershed plan is largely dependent on knowledge of the resources, and vio- On the other hand, when veg- a local jurisdiction modifying exist- lators are rarely penalized (due to etation maps are drawn at a fine- ing policies and programs, such as lack of coordination or communi- scale (e.g., at the Alliance or Asso- carrying out riparian buffer setbacks, cation between departments and ciation level), they can provide use- smart growth policies, and low-im- lack of funding or political will) for ful information regarding the loca- pact development strategies. This is bulldozing local streams and wet- tion, percent, and total area of com- often why many of the recommen- lands and stripping the hills of natu- mon, rare, and invasive plant com- dations in these noble plans are ig- ral vegetation. munities—something the coarse nored or fail to have key elements If our goal is to protect habitat, maps do not provide. Such coarse converted to policy. one of the wisest uses of funds is to maps rarely include scarce or rare As planners, we have seen mil- provide local land-use planning habitats, many of which support rare lions of dollars in habitat protection agencies with the resources they plant species. If local planning agen- grants issued every year for “res- need to implement the policies (of- cies had such comprehensive, fine- toration” work. But where is the ten quite powerful) they already scale vegetation maps, it is likely money for prevention and imple- have in place. And, in today’s world this would not only improve the mentation of the policies that pro- of computer mapping or Geographic accuracy of CEQA determinations, tect these resources in the first place? Information Systems (GIS), one of but also improve the efficiency of There are many other critical areas the greatest needs of local govern- the process, which could translate related to restoration that are rarely ments is finer scale GIS maps of the into lower costs to the applicant. funded. These include: 1) mapping resources we are charged with pro- CEQA also requires that we as- the resources at a useful scale; 2) tecting. We can do a much better sess the cumulative impacts of developing guidelines for impact job of resource protection when we projects when added to the overall analysis and mitigation strategies have baseline data that we can eas- effect of all other projects (those that actually work; 3) monitoring ily visualize and use. from the past, present, and in the

10 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 foreseeable future). Without a de- is ideally planned for and agreed allow agencies to better communi- tailed vegetation map of the county, upon in advance. cate and coordinate the management which would provide a baseline Fine-scale vegetation maps are of biological resources. inventory of existing biological re- extremely useful in helping to lo- sources, determining an individual cate areas for offsite mitigation, such NOT JUST ANY DATA project’s cumulative impact on bio- as habitat restoration. For example, WILL DO logical resources becomes very dif- in Los Angeles County, vegetation ficult. maps developed according to the Very coarse vegetation maps, of- Manual have been used to find ap- ten derived from satellite imagery Regional Planning propriate restoration sites for the and classified into a handful of cat- Standardized vegetation maps Lyons Canyon Ranch Environmen- egories (such as chaparral, mixed are also important for developing tal Impact Report. conifer forest, or grassland), are regional and general plans. For in- In land-use violation cases in- available for many areas. While stance, western Riverside County volving illegal grading and vegeta- these are better than the absence of recently completed a standardized tion removal, it can be extremely mapped data, fine-scale maps are vegetation classification system and helpful to know what plant com- needed for these data to be truly map based on the CNPS Manual of munities were present prior to the useful for making decisions about California Vegetation, which was in- violation in order to properly re- land-use planning, policy, permit- strumental in developing their Mul- store the site. Many land-use viola- ting, and restoration. tiple Species Habitat Conservation tions in Ventura County involve Ventura County’s Planning Di- Plan (MSHCP). The MSHCP is part damage to wetland and stream habi- vision does receive fine-scale veg- of the Riverside County Integrated tats. While most wetland maps do etation maps on a fairly regular ba- Project and is intended to stream- not identify the plant communities sis, but for relatively small areas of line the environmental process, re- present within a wetland, vegeta- the County. These maps come in duce regulatory agency involvement tion maps (mapped to the Alliance biology reports submitted as part of with future projects, and conserve or Association level) would identify the CEQA review process. But the important habitat areas for multiple the native plant communities that number of different ways vegetation species. were present prior to the violation. communities can be classified ap- In addition, these maps make it pears to be equal to the number of Mitigation is easier to identify Land-use planners must balance and track infesta- The Holland system would map this entire area as bigpod many issues, two of which are re- tions of non-native ceanothus (Ceanothus megacarpus). The International Vegetation source protection and property invasive species in Classification system (IVC) at the Association, or finest, level shows two distinct vegetation communities, thus providing much rights. This balancing means com- these habitats. Se- more useful information about the habitat and the potential for promises must be made; thus, we lecting a stream associated sensitive status species. Photograph by J. Christian, have mitigation measures recom- bank restoration National Park Service. mended and implemented (hope- project may be fully successfully) for all significant more straightfor- impacts to the environment result- ward if relative ing from the project. Depending on plant communities the resource impacted, mitigation are already known. may occur onsite or offsite, and in- Fine-scale vegeta- kind (like-for-like). For example, if tion maps would a project would destroy a rare plant also improve fire population, mitigation for that sig- management by nificant impact could include avoid- providing the nec- ing the population onsite, trans- essary data to un- planting it or planting new plants derstand burn pat- in an appropriate place onsite, or terns and risks. establishing a new population or expanding an existing one offsite. Agency (Note: CNPS recommends avoidance Coordination of the impact as the preferred miti- Finally, use of gation measure, as it has the highest standardized veg- likelihood of success.) Mitigation etation maps would

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 11 different consulting firms doing the challenges, including the fact that The unincorporated area of mapping. not all vegetation classes have been Ventura County (our jurisdiction) All of the benefits listed above developed for Ventura County, and covers approximately 82,650 acres assume that local governments have the cost of developing statistically (excluding the Los Padres National consistent and standardized vegeta- accurate classes is quite high. In ad- Forest). One estimate for mapping tion data. A project-by-project patch- dition, many biologists are reluctant our area according to the IVC sys- work of maps prepared by consult- to use this classification system since tem to the Association level was ing firms using different classifica- it does not always convey wildlife $2.50/acre, or $206,625. This esti- tion schemes and different scales is associations (such as “conifer for- mate does not include the cost of not very helpful. This method offers est,” “chaparral,” and “freshwater the imagery (both stereo and color no easy way to combine data, and marsh”) directly. And many also pre- infrared) needed for a project of this therefore no way to consistently ana- fer the familiarity and simplicity of scale, which makes it prohibitively lyze them. With the explosion of the Holland system. expensive: stereo coverage for an GIS data development at all levels of area the size of Ventura County government, adherence to data con- OUR APPROACH could easily be $500,000, with suffi- sistency standards becomes impera- cient vertical accuracy and high tive so that data can be widely used, Funding for the development of enough resolution to adequately shared, and understood across agen- comprehensive fine-scale vegetation identify dominant species of the dif- cies. With the adoption of the Inter- maps is not in most local govern- ferent plant communities. As much national Vegetation Classification ment budgets these days. Grant fund- as we need it, the costs of collected system (IVC) by federal (US Forest ing is sometimes an option; how- comprehensive fine-scale vegetation Service) and state resource agencies ever, those funds are typically for a data according to the IVC are out of (California Department of Fish and focused geographical area and task the question for us at this time. Game), and global and national con- (such as removal of the noxious weed, servation organizations (e.g., The Arundo donax) and usually cannot be Step 1: Compile, Cobble, and Nature Conservancy), it became used to map an entire county. Crosswalk Old Data clear that as a unit of The obvious thing to do is to local government, our start with the data and resources we planning department have. So far, we have researched also needed to align and compiled the digital vegetation with this standard. In data that already exist for Ventura California, the CNPS County. We have found six data sets Manual of California worthy of integrating into a baseline Vegetation uses the map. All the datasets use different IVC system. classification schemes and are at dif- While we plan to ferent resolutions, based on the needs use the IVC, we have of the original mapping projects. We some reservations have one data set from each of our about doing so. This three main watersheds—the Ventura relatively new system River, the Santa Clara River, and the brings with it some Calleguas Creek watershed. We also have three additional data sets from two other sources: the US Forest Service’s California Vegetation Map- ping database or CalVeg, and the US Geological Survey’s National GAP Analysis Program. In GIS, we cobbled these dispar- ate data sets together, always giving Ventura County has combined existing preference to the finest scale data mapping datasets into a countywide vegeta- when the datasets overlapped. Then, tion map using one classification system. using David Magney’s botanical ex- A section of the map is provided above, showing the juxtaposition of a fine-scale pertise and knowledge of local plant dataset (left) and a coarse-scale data set communities, we determined how (above). Maps by D. Magney. each dataset corresponded to the

12 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 Teaching local biologists how to map and classify vegetation according to the International Vegetation Classification (IVC) system at a recent workshop in Ventura County. Photograph by L. Chattin.

Alliance level. What we ended up biologists will make use of the veg- tation. Stay tuned for a later report with is one countywide vegetation etation classes that do exist, and on our success. We feel confident map that uses a single classification where the existing classes do not that our push for standardized data, system. work, they will create new ones ac- as well as the fine-scale data that tell cording to IVC protocols. We will us so much more about our habitats Step 2: Plan to Add New Data then work with CNPS so these new and their biodiversity, will help us Project-by-Project classes contribute to the develop- to make more informed planning While we do not have funding ment of official, statistically deter- decisions in the future. With more for a comprehensive countywide mined classes. precise vegetation mapping data, we mapping effort, what we do have in Before implementing the new will soon be able to implement more our favor is that vegetation maps mapping protocols, however, we effectively the many biological re- associated with CEQA documents had to address a potential hurdle— source protection policies that land- come through our office on a regu- the fact that most local biologists use planners play such a central role lar basis. Applicants are already pay- are not very familiar with the IVC in, from the General Plan, to CEQA, ing for development of these maps. system. So the Ventura County Plan- to watershed management plans, and If they are classified according to ning Division, with assistance from much more. the IVC, we can begin getting the CNPS (Julie Evens) and the Depart- consistency and detail that we want. ment of Fish and Game (Todd Elizabeth Chattin and Lorraine Rubin, Therefore, this has become our plan. Keeler-Wolf), led a two-day IVC Ventura County Planning Division, 800 These project-by-project data, vegetation mapping and classifica- S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009- along with other sources of new IVC tion workshop for area consulting 1740. [email protected]; data, will be combined with our cur- biologists. The workshop was well- [email protected]. David rent vegetation base map to con- received, with many attendees ask- Magney Environmental Consulting, P.O. tinually expand and refine the story ing for additional training. Box 1346, Ojai, California 93024-1346. of Ventura County’s flora. For now, The next step will be implemen- [email protected]

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 13 WHAT WEEDS DOMINATE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA URBAN WETLANDS AND WHY? by Brad Burkhart

ince the late 1960s there has due to irrigation runoff from land- nocultures displace a native habitat been a turnaround in na- scaped areas, both residential and of far greater diversity and quality tional and state attitudes commercial. Many new wetlands (Ohmart 1982). towards urban wetlands, have sprouted up in finger canyons Additionally, some species such Sespecially in California. We have and arroyos where none existed de- as giant reed (Arundo donax) or tama- moved from a philosophy that used cades ago. For example, data taken risk (Tamarix spp.) transpire water to view urban freshwater drainages from a US Geological Survey water at such high rates that they can drive as water sources (for drinking, wash- flow station on Peñasquitos Creek the water table below the surface, ing, and processing) or sewage/storm in the north city area of San Diego eliminating surface flow (Sudbrock water conveyance systems, to one shows this once episodic creek be- 1993; Johnson 1986; Hoddenbach that recognizes the importance of came a permanent year-round creek 1987) and the associated native wetland habitats in maintaining wa- in 1982, and has remained so even cover it supports. Unlike surplus ter purity and healthy habitat for through several bouts of severe runoff that often benefits wetland wildlife. drought. This change, due to the habitat expansion, invasions by ex- We have also come to recog- intense urbanization of this water- otic plant species usually decrease nize the role our own activities play shed, began in the 1970s and con- habitat values and the amount of in degrading wetlands. These in- tinues today (White and Greer native wetlands. clude physical impacts (such as 2002). There is little doubt that this For these reasons, the eradica- bridge or drainage improvements), increase in urban wetlands has ex- tion of highly invasive exotic spe- chemical runoff, increased flood- panded nesting and foraging oppor- cies, such as giant reed and tama- ing (due to paving over watersheds tunities for many riparian animal risk, and the replanting of areas with nonpermeable surfaces like species beyond what existed previ- occupied by these species with na- asphalt), and the introduction of ously. tive wetland species has become a non-native plant species that out- high priority in many urban areas. compete the natives. Is it any won- THE INVASION OF EXOTIC To the best of our knowledge, few der that riparian habitat restoration SPECIES comprehensive, quantitative surveys and preservation have become high of urban wetland systems have been priorities? However, urbanization of the carried out. Therefore, many land landscape in Southern California has managers and regulatory personnel MANY SOUTHERN also introduced many non-native have tended to focus on the most CALIFORNIA WETLANDS plant species for ornamental and obvious invasive species, such as gi- ARE A RECENT functional purposes. Some of these ant reed, and forget there are other plants are able to invade and ex- species waiting in the wings to fill PHENOMENON clude native wetland vegetation their ecological niche once the domi- Even though we frequently hear cover because their ecological needs nant species is eradicated. In addi- the figure that 90-95% of California’s are broader than those of native spe- tion, because most programs ori- original wetlands have been filled or cies and they do not have pests from ented towards invasive wetland weed drained, the fact is that almost no their countries of origin to slow their eradication are funded by the need perennial streams existed in south- spread. What has resulted are large for wetland mitigation credits, they ern California before the onset of monocultures of single non-native tend to focus on the acreage needed urban development (Ellis and Lee species where formerly many na- for credit, rather than choosing sites 1919). Most drainages were origi- tive species coexisted. Although that are defensible against reinva- nally episodic, flowing only a few some invasive plant species provide sion after required maintenance ac- months of the year during and after at least minimal habitat for a few tivities cease. A lack of funds for the storm events. species, including roosting loca- long-term maintenance of restora- Today the situation is greatly tions, nesting sites, and forage or tion sites is the biggest barrier to changed. Former episodic rivers and pollen and nectar, studies have preventing the reinvasion of weed creeks now carry water year-round shown that these non-native mo- species.

14 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 SAN DIEGO RIVER developed a proposal for the Friends project was funded in early 2001 by WETLAND WEED SURVEY of the Mission Valley Preserve to the City of San Diego using sewer map 11.5 miles of the most domi- spill fines imposed by the California It was with this problem in mind nant invasive weed species in wet- Water Regional Quality Control that Burkhart Environmental Con- lands along the San Diego River and Board. The study area runs from sulting and Kelly and Associates within the city limits (Table 1). The Interstate 5 on the west (starting about one mile from the ocean) to the Santee City border on the east, TABLE 1. SAN DIEGO RIVER WETLAND WEED SURVEY but excludes Mission Trails Regional Acres % Weed Cover Nos. Park which has already largely elimi- WEED SPECIES nated invasive species within its bor- ders. Giant Reed 37.95 57.8% * Mapping data was collected uti- (Arundo donax) lizing specially flown low-elevation, Pampas Grass 0.55 0.8% 1970 50-scale aerial photos that were later (Cortaderia selloana) verified on foot after initial hand EXOTIC BROADLEAF TREES drafting from the aerials. This scale of mapping was selected because it Brazilian Pepper 6.85 10.4% 649 can be easily translated into the land- (Schinus terebinthifolius) scape construction documents used Eucalyptus 6.27 9.6% 975 to guide contractors in implement- (Eucalyptus spp.) ing habitat restoration projects when Evergreen Ash 0.63 1.0% 91 funds become available for restora- (Fraxinus uhdei ) tion. To make the translation of fi- Other Exotic Trees** 2.48 3.8% 358 nal weed maps easy to use by groups TOTAL BROADLEAF TREES: 16.23 24.7% 2073 seeking mitigation credits, the PALM TREES*** square footage of each polygon of weed cover was also noted on the Large Palms 0.4 0.6% 37 maps, making it easy to assemble Medium Palms 1.37 2.1% 194 the mitigation credit required for Small Palms 0.68 1.0% 392 specific projects. From these maps, TOTAL NON-SEEDLING PALMS: 2.45 3.7% 623 acreage of cover for each weed were TOTAL SEEDLING PALMS: 0.07 0.1% 538 also assembled and analyzed for the entire study area. Castor Bean 2.42 3.7% * A second purpose of the project (Ricinus communis) was to provide a plan for the even- Tamarisk 0.98 1.5% 91 tual eradication of the invasive weed (Tamarix spp.) species from the river’s wetland habi- Ludwigia 4.97 7.6% * tats and their replacement with ap- (Ludwigia spp.)**** propriate native species. Therefore TOTALS: 65.62 100% a second task funded under the grant was to develop a master weed eradi- * Numbers not counted for these clonal species. ** Including: lemon bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus), Peruvian pepper (Schinus cation and habitat restoration plan molle), carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), that could be used by the city and common fig (Ficus carica), myoporum (Myoporum laetum), oleander (Nerium private developers, as monies be- oleander), other minor species. came available, to restore the river’s *** Including mainly Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) and Canary Island wetlands. This plan, called the San Palm (Phoenix canariensis). **** Both native and non-native species of Ludwigia are found in California and Diego River Invasive Exotic Weed create wetland weed problems. The Ludwigia mapped in Table 1 likely includes Eradication Master Plan, was com- several taxa. pleted in September 2002. The city NOTE: In addition to the above listed species, minor populations of the following is currently incorporating it into the invasive weed species were documented in the study area: Cape ivy (Delairea San Diego River Resource Manage- odorata), cruel vine (Araujia sericofera), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), sticky eupatorium (Ageratina adenophora), tall whitetop (Lepidium latifolium), and ment Plan being developed by its Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). Parks and Recreation Department and due to be approved by the San

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 15 Diego City Council in 2006. Thus as additional local habitat restoration TABLE 2: PILOT PROJECT TREE REMOVALS funding becomes available through public or private sources, the city Large Medium Small intends to use the project Master 12”+ DBH 6-12” DBH 1-6” DBH TOTALS Plan as a template for developing Unmapped: 26 24 10 60 and permitting new projects. Sig- Total Trees Mapped: 9 44 35 88 nificantly, these maps constitute the majority of urbanized areas along Total Trees Removed: 35 68 45 148 the river that would be generating % of Total Trees Mapped: 26% 65% 78% 59% projects requiring wetland mitiga- % Increase During Install: 289% 55% 29% 68% tion credits to implement. Finally, the project included funding for an initial eight-acre res- acteristics. All of these species were for. Ludwigia, an aquatic plant that toration of a demonstration site to part of the original project design can form large monocultures on be implemented after the manage- except castor bean (Ricinis commu- slow moving open water, consti- ment plan was completed. Regula- nis), which was added after it be- tuted the third largest category of tory permits were secured in the fall came apparent during the data col- cover at about 8%. The pampas of 2002 for this pilot project and lection that it dominated large areas grass, castor bean, and tamarisk cat- weed eradication began at that time. along the river corridor. egories combined add only an addi- Pilot project planting was completed Approximately 438 acres of wet- tional 6% of cover. in the spring of 2003. land habitat were surveyed. Of this The lower cover categories are This article summarizes the re- total, 65.6 acres or 15% constituted somewhat deceptive since the num- sults of the Master Plan study. It weed species cover. In addition to bers of pampas grass, palms, and also discusses some of the ecologi- mapping weed cover, we also count- tamarisk (3,221) are nearly one-third cal reasons why the species mapped ed numbers of tree species and esti- more than the number of broad- are currently the most dominant in- mated numbers of individual pam- leaf trees counted and therefore vasive species in Southern Califor- pas grass. With palm trees, the num- probably have a higher expansion nia riparian systems and will con- bers of plants were further divided potential than their current cover- tinue to expand their coverage with- into large (6%), medium (37%), age would suggest. Similarly the out active human intervention to small (63%), and seedling palms. number of palms and palm seed- prevent their spread. Although no attempt was made to lings (which were probably under- assess the size of broadleaf tree spe- counted) is over half as great as all SELECTION OF TARGET cies, some preliminary data on this broadleaf trees (1,160 compared to WEEDS FOR MAPPING subject was obtained from the pilot 2,073) and if these seedlings survive project and is shown in Table 2. to maturity they will account for a The target species selected for Pilot project implementation also much greater acreage of cover. Nev- mapping account for almost all non- allowed us to discern the amount of ertheless, giant reed and evergreen native canopy cover in the wetlands error in the mapping methods used trees are clearly the top two weed under study, and have the highest by comparing actual numbers of types in need of control. potential for expanding their cover- trees eradicated to those originally A later result of site data col- age. We start by reviewing the seven mapped. lected during implementation of the categories of invasive weed species Two categories of weed cover pilot project was that greater acre- selected for mapping under the account for the majority of weed age and numbers of plants were study (see Table 1). Later we will acreage. Giant reed, a non-native found to occur on site when restora- discuss more about why the par- grass species, comprised the great- tion work was implemented. This ticular ecological characteristics as- est percentage of cover, or 58% of occurred despite conscientious aerial sociated with these species make all exotic weed acreage mapped. mapping and ground-truthing that riparian wetlands especially prone Broadleaf evergreen tree species ac- was hampered in areas by impen- to their invasion. Each category de- counted for another 25% with the etrable vegetation and where other lineates a single weed species ex- highest amounts for Brazilian pep- species had spread under the native cept those for broadleaf trees and per (10.4%) and eucalyptus (9.6%). canopy. For instance, approximately palms, where several species were If the palm category is included with 20% greater acreage of giant reed lumped under one mapping cat- these first two categories over 86% was encountered during removals egory due to similar ecological char- of weed cover mapped is accounted at the pilot project site than was

16 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 shown on Master Plan maps. Table going weed management programs 2 also shows that the numbers of usually showed substantial reinva- broadleaf trees were underestimated sion of weed species. Over 14 major by 68% overall, while trees over a and minor wetland restoration/miti- 12-inch diameter at breast height gation projects have taken place were underestimated by almost within the area over the last 15 years. 300%. This was particularly surpris- However, the only one which con- ing, since it was expected that the sistently resisted reinvasion by the larger trees would be the most ap- most pernicious species was the city- parent on aerial photos. As it turned managed First San Diego River Im- out, the single largest canopy exotic provement Project (FSDRIP), which tree, eucalyptus, had no distinct sig- includes funding for long-term weed nature on the aerials unless its management. shadow could be detected falling Finally, the study’s initial field outside the riparian area. By com- surveys revealed small infestations parison, giant reed, Brazilian pep- of two well-known, highly invasive per, and even castor bean had more species, Cape ivy (Delairea odorata), or less distinct signatures. formerly known as German ivy Although the quantities shown (Senecio mikanioides), and tall in Table 1 are probably underesti- whitetop (Lepidium latifolium), also mated, they do give a fair assess- known as perennial peppercress. ment of the degree to which these Although their numbers were too species are able to invade urban wet- small to make the acreage tables, lands. And although the amount of their recognition has already led to weed infestations will vary by spe- efforts to eradicate both before they cies and extent in other Southern spread. California wetland systems, we an- ticipate these same species will con- MECHANISMS ALLOWING tinue to be the dominant invasive INVASIVES TO DOMINATE weeds in urban wetlands because of TOP: Removing giant reed (Arundo donax) at San Diego River Pilot Project site. BOTTOM: their special ecological characteris- To better understand why cer- Replanting eradication areas with riparian tics. Our previous work in many tain weed species can out-compete woodland species. All photographs by other drainages in Southern Califor- native riparian woodland species author. nia supports this conclusion. Later while other introduced species can- in this article we will discuss why not, let us look at some of the major nation characteristics also give these species are particularly suc- ecological characteristics of plant highly invasive weed species a clear cessful in invading urban wetlands. species which allow for non-native advantage in out-competing native Another major finding of the invasions. trees and shrubs for a place in the study is that exotic broadleaf and Lack of Pests and Diseases. We riparian woodland canopy and open palm tree species are the second most have already provided a partial an- water. dominant category of riparian weeds swer to this question in noting these Plant Form. Generally the most after giant reed. This is significant, are imported species without their important physical characteristic since relatively few if any riparian original native pests. Pests become that allows a species to dominate habitat restoration projects along the most important over the long-term vegetative cover is its growth form. river have targeted non-native tree as the lives of older native plants are The taller a plant is at maturity, the species for removal, nor have most shortened or their structure weak- more likely it is to out-compete other other riparian mitigation/restoration ened by insect, bird, or mammal species. This means a species must projects in Southern California. foraging and fungal, bacterial, or vi- reach a mature height tall enough to Also, as anticipated, it was found rus infections. Non-native species be a component of the vegetation that where funding was in place for live longer in most cases because canopy cover. In the riparian wood- long-term weed management of they are much less likely to be im- lands that constitute most urban former mitigation sites, there was a pacted by such vectors. wetlands, this means a species must low reoccurrence of invasive weed In addition to being more resis- reach the mature heights of mule species. In contrast, previous miti- tant to pests and diseases, a num- fat, sycamore, willow, and cotton- gation projects that did not have on- ber of plant growth and seed germi- wood trees and shrubs that natu-

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 17 rally dominate these woodlands, producing copious amounts of wind loose during flooding and being typically from 6 to 40 feet or more. born seed. While some Table 1 spe- washed downstream, where they All the species noted as dominant in cies reproduce in this manner (tama- reroot through either soil or water. Table 1 reach such heights except risk and pampas grass), the most Seedling Shade Tolerance. One for ludwigia, which dominates open dominant either do not reproduce of the single most important charac- water areas because there are no well from seed (giant reed and teristics allowing the Table 1 weed other significant floating aquatics in ludwigia) or rely on water or animal species to dominate riparian wood- the Southern California native flora. distributed seed for dispersal. Ex- land canopies is the shade tolerance More Effective Reproduction. cept for pampas grass and tamarisk, of their seedlings. Only coast live Dominance of a plant species in a even the amount of seed produced oak (a marginal wetland species) and vegetative cover begins with the es- by these species is considerably less to a lesser degree western sycamore tablishment of the species on a site. than that of the natives. In this case have any seedling shade tolerance Those species which have the most the flexibility derived from longer- among the natives. On the other flexible strategies for getting seed or lived seed, combined with dispersal hand, all of the evergreen weed tree propagules to a site and then getting mechanisms that favor seed deposi- species (including palms) as well as them established have a clear ad- tion under existing native canopy giant reed and pampas grass (which vantage in dominating the cover. In rather than on sites without cover, are also evergreen) have highly shade one or more of three key areas, the provides the clear advantage to weed tolerant seedlings. Many of these weed species that dominate urban species for expanding into areas of species eventually reach heights wetlands possess clear reproductive existing native cover. greater than the surrounding native advantages over native species. A final highly effective mode of canopy, which they gradually shade First, of the wetland weed spe- dispersal is through vegetative re- out. Once these species come to cies in Table 1 that spread by seed production where parts of existing dominate wetland canopies, natives (all except giant reed), their seed plants are either able to break off are unable to re-establish until the has a broader tolerance of accept- and wash down stream to new inva- weed canopy cover is damaged, dies, able germination sites than native sion sites, or where a species is able or is eradicated. Since the weed spe- canopy species. Almost all native to gradually expand its patch cover- cies are generally long-lived com- canopy species have short-lived seed age by clonal spread. Several native pared to natives the opportunity for (the seed of willows survives no more willow species possess both of these native re-establishment is low. Shade than 24 hours) which must be de- characteristics, although their po- tolerance is also the chief reason posited on moist sites of bare earth tential for spread through flood dis- why animal vector and flood spread in full sun to effectively germinate. persion is relatively low. of weed species seed into existing However, Table 1 seed reproducing In contrast, giant reed, the most riparian woodlands is such an effec- species can successfully germinate pernicious of the Table 1 weed spe- tive invasion strategy, since shade on a variety of sites ranging from cies, is highly effective at both these tolerant seedlings germinate in the wet to dry, full sun to partial shade, means of spread. Clonally it will riparian understory and then later and acidic to highly alkaline. Many gradually increase patch size. Its root shade out shade intolerant natives. can germinate on the surface or even structure is much denser then wil- Growth Rate and Continuity. when buried by flood debris, mak- low clones, which allows these One of the best-known ways weed ing them much more likely to estab- patches to effectively exclude any species use to out-compete natives lish than the natives which require other canopy species from the area after disturbance is by their fast more specific ecological conditions occupied by the patch (unless the growth rate. All the species listed in for their seed to germinate. Finally, species is already established before Table 1 share this common trait and unlike native riparian trees and the spread takes place). Similarly, in most cases can reach mature shrubs, the seed of the most domi- while giant reed can be spread by canopy height in one to five years in nant weed species often remain vi- broken-off canes rerooting, its most unshaded areas. Giant reed is espe- able for long periods of time—for effective way of invading new ripar- cially known for its growth rate. The palms sometimes more than a year. ian sites is by means of large root author has personally measured gi- This allows them to germinate when- mats uprooted during major flood ant reed rhizomes growing at greater ever conditions are right no matter events. The root mats are then than six inches per day. Pampas grass the season. washed downstream to new entrap- and tamarisk are also known for their Second, seed amounts and dis- ment sites where local sediment rapid maturation rates. However, fast persal mechanisms can be crucial to covers them, allowing regrowth. growth rate is less of a competitive plant invasions. Native canopy cover Ludwigia is also most commonly advantage in wetland areas because species rely for the most part on spread by floating mats breaking all native riparian species also pos-

18 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 sess this characteristic. Where it be- comes an advantage ecologically is by its lack of interruption. All native riparian species (except coast live oak, which is a marginal wetland spe- cies) go deciduous for brief periods during each winter. The only Table 1 species to experience dormancy is tamarisk. All others continue to grow year-round, although their growth slows during the short-day portions of the year when the natives go de- ciduous and stop growth altogether. Resilience After Flood Distur- bance or Fire. Table 1 weed species are also considerably more resistant Brazilian pepper and palm tree infestation mapped on the lower San Diego River for future to flood and fire disturbance than are eradication. native canopy species. Of the native canopy species, only coast live oak characteristic that favors the inva- practice persists, active and continu- and to a lesser degree western sy- sion of the weeds in Table 1 into ous weed management programs camore dependably resprout after wetland canopies is their tolerance will be required to prevent the even- fire. In contrast, all Table 1 species of a higher level of alkalinity than tual dominance of these species in except ludwigia dependably resprout native canopy species. Some spe- urban wetlands. The San Diego River immediately after fire damage either cies such as pampas grass and tama- Master Plan represents an essential from their trunks or crowns. risk are particularly competitive in first step in assessing the extent of In addition, while Table 1 spe- highly salty soils and will take over the invasive weed problem in the cies are tolerant of temporary flood- in such areas because native seed- urban wetland areas of San Diego, ing in ways similar to riparian lings cannot survive. This charac- as well as in providing strategies for canopy species, they are generally teristic is particularly important its future management. The result more resistant to disturbance by where there are high evaporation of this mapping effort provides an flood erosion since their root sys- rates, as in Southern California, be- important and first quantitative as- tems are either deeper (tamarisk, cause salt remains on the soil sur- sessment of the amount and extent broadleaf trees) or more extensive face as water tables recede during to which highly invasive exotic weed (e.g., palms, pampas grass, giant the hot summer months. species have established in South- reed) than the natives. ern California urban wetlands based These weed species are also more CONCLUSIONS on the San Diego River example, tolerant than most native canopy which we believe to be typical. In species of drier conditions and thus In conclusion, it is the combina- addition, we hope to have made a variations in water table depth dur- tion of these ecological growth char- strong case for the comprehensive ing droughts. Tamarisk, in particu- acteristics which the Table 1 species planning of watershed habitat res- lar, uses its deeper root system dur- share that appear to provide them toration including the design of ing desert droughts to out-compete with superior competitive abilities defensible restoration sites (usually native desert wash trees and shrubs. in wetlands over native species. They from the top of the watershed down), But most of the Table 1 species can remain a problem in urban wetlands eradication of all major invasive be equally happy growing on drier because they are continually being weed species present, and finally, upland sites as within high water used for ornamental or commercial the importance of continuing weed table areas, whereas willows—a ma- purposes, sometimes despite local management funding after initial jor dominant in most riparian wood- ordinances against such practices. restoration. lands—would die under such con- In addition, once established in a For references and more information ditions. Even the floating aquatic watershed they are easily spread by please contact the author. ludwigia is equally happy establish- water and animal vectors into ripar- ing in drier canopy understories ian canopy areas where their com- along the shoreline. petitive ecological characteristics al- Brad Burkhart, Burkhart Environmental Broader Tolerance of Poor Soil low them to take over. Consulting, 4709 Biona Drive, San Diego, Conditions. The final ecological It is clear that as long as this CA 92116. [email protected]

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 19 Douglas irises (Iris douglasiana) and California thrift (Armeria maritima ssp. californica) nestle between lava-rock boulders and a narrow stairway in the rockery at the Fleming garden in Berkeley, California. All photographs by B. O’Brien. A NATIVE PLANT GARDEN IN THE BERKELEY HILLS, PART TWO by Jenny S. Fleming

The following is a continuation of the article reprinted with permission from as our rock fill does not support Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. The original publication is: Fleming, Jenny plant roots. S. 1997. A Native Plant Garden in the Berkeley Hills. In Out of the Wild and Into Near the street at the top of the the Garden II: California’s Horticulturally Significant Plants. 1995 Symposium wall I placed a western leatherwood Proceedings. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Occasional Publications #2. (Dirca occidentalis) a rare San Fran- Pages 218-225. cisco Bay endemic shrub, hoping it would be appreciated by knowledge- n a period of exceptionally heavy able passers-by. I admit that few rain in the spring of 1958, a large people notice this jewel; for us its section of the concrete rail drive- early blooms announce the coming way wall collapsed in a muddy of spring. Iooze. We found that Scott’s well- At the top of the driveway be- engineered wall would not resist the yond the rail wall is the poured opening of an old, hidden, generally concrete stairway that constitutes inactive creek bed. We decided to the main entry to our house. We have the heavy clay trucked away have faced the concrete with lava and we rebuilt the wall with back- fieldstone set in mortar, now cov- fill of large angular “quarry run” ered with moss and lichen, and crushed rock for better drainage. I planted with California polypody waded into the mud to rescue my (Polypodium californicum), mist prized dogwood tree and planted it maidens (Romanzoffia californica), on the lower, stable bank. To plant and live-forever (Dudleya caespi- The Fleming meadow and rock garden, as this wall I spent many hours appli- tosa). As I had no tools to press soil seen in 1993. quéing clay mud between the rails, into the tiny, rough crevices, I

20 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 pushed the mud with fingers and pardalinum). My prize area. This has been attempted to persuade the plants to in this area, a gift from highly successful and cling in the vertical wall. It is not Jim Roof, is an unusu- we have used the same easy to water this area, so I pur- ally beautiful Trillium method in other plant- posely used summer dry plants. chloropetalum—claret ings up the hill. Fiber- From the landing halfway up the red with white throat. glass insulation scraps front stairs, you can step through a Because its color is so from construction pro- redwood gate to a path along the top clear and strong, I have jects serve the same pur- of the driveway wall or climb a rock twice raised and divided pose—“gopher food,” stairway to the living level—house, it to spread in my gar- as we call it. Although patio, and meadow. On the slope den and to share with the little buggers occa- above the rail wall are three large friends. I plan to dig a Dutchman’s pipevine (Ari- sionally probe the trees: a coast redwood (Sequoia sem- bulb once again to give stolochia californica). meadow and similarly pervirens), an incense cedar (Calo- to a qualified and inter- protected areas, they cedrus decurrens), and a beautiful ested nurseryman for propagation quickly decide to pursue their for- tree long gone from California. The and dissemination. tunes elsewhere and do virtually no latter is the dawn redwood (Metase- About 1958 we planted a gallon- damage. quoia glyptostroboides) which thrived sized giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron From a plant sale at Strybing Ar- in what is now California over ten giganteum) near the northwest cor- boretum, I obtained a Marin County million years ago, and I thought it ner of the patio level in deep fill form of red fescue (Festuca rubra) would be interesting to plant one retained by another concrete rail and spent one year growing a large near its two relatives. The fall color wall. This has become a garden gi- patch elsewhere on the property un- of this ancient deciduous redwood ant, which we estimated was over til I had enough to plant the small— is a bright rusty brown and adds 13 feet around and 80 feet tall. It is a about 350 square feet—meadow. In interest to a green landscape. beautiful specimen with classical the fall, David Bigham, a friend and I am fond of vine maple (Acer conic shape and silvery green foli- landscape architect with a strong circinatum), an elegant small tree age. Scott trained a Dutchman’s interest in natives and especially with gold or red autumn leaves and pipevine (Aristolochia californica) up grasses, divided the fescue into tiny in good scale for small gardens. I and around the trunk of the sequoia rooted sprigs and planted them in have planted two in this bank, one to display the unique flowers. Beau- the prepared meadow area. At this in deep shade and one in part sun. tiful but thirsty, the sequoia root time I also planted about 100 bulbs Also in half-day sun on a steep por- network confounds my efforts to of Ithuriel’s spear (Triteleia laxa) and tion of this bank is a young dog- maintain a mountain meadow a few a few dozen each of golden brodiaea wood (Cornus nuttallii), a difficult feet to the southwest. (T. ixioides) and camas (Camassia tree to keep alive in captivity. It may Originally our meadow was a di- quamash). I continue to add spring thrive for a few or many years, then chondra lawn, which worked well color using buttercup (Ranunculus suddenly collapse in early summer. for the swing set. When the time californicus) and meadowfoam (Lim- The cause of early death is probably came that our girls no longer used nanthes douglasii). As the roots of root crown rot. The root crown of the apparatus, we decided a plain the giant sequoia have invaded the dogwood should be checked often lawn of grass or dichondra would be meadow and used much of the mois- for any soil or mulch buildup and uninteresting. We undertook to es- ture, I now must irrigate the area gently cleared, pref- tablish a mountain through the summer. We mow the erably with a stream The Fleming mailbox, sur- meadow, using low- meadow with grass shears in early of water. rounded by lush native wood- land plants. We tilled October, every year. Under the trees land plants. the soil as deeply grow western bleed- as we could, put in [See the next issue of Fremontia (Vol- ing heart (Dicentra irrigation lines, and ume 34, No. 4) for the final install- formosa), false lily-of- added a huge amount ment of this delightful and informa- the-valley (Maian- of good topsoil and tive journey through the Fleming gar- themum dilatatum), a mulch so we could den.] white Trillium chloro- mound and contour. petalum, native iris We mixed in about Contact the author through Bart O’Brien, hybrids and, on the twenty percent by Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden,1500 sunny edge, a clump volume of rock wool N. College Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711. of leopard lily (Lilium to gopher-proof the [email protected]

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 21 An impressive subalpine field of mountain bistort (Polygonum bistortoides) with flower-visiting sawfly. BOTANICAL DELIGHTS OF THE SIERRA NEVADA Photographs by Linda Ann Vorobik

very day in the field I have a moment that assures me it is a gift to be alive and in the Sierra Nevada. Many of these moments come from animal sightings of the smallest, but not insignificant, kind. This should be another excellent year in the mountains, worthy of revelry Ein plants, insects, and ecosystems until late in the season.

ABOVE RIGHT: Long-horned beetle visiting corn lily (Veratrum californicum). • ABOVE LEFT: Long-horned beetle drinking from desert buckwheat (Erio- gonum nudum). • BELOW RIGHT: Painted lady enjoying a patch of wild onions (Allium sp.). • LEFT: Cuckoo wasp visiting the flowers of California buck- wheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). Although this buckwheat may not be the most attractive plant, it is extremely common in California and is an important food plant for insects.

22 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 t is only fitting that I, as a watercolorist and more especially, a I lover of puns as well as plants, present images of a variety of paintbrushes (species of the genus Castilleja). Only a few out of the approximately 20 plus species of the Sierra are shown here.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Castilleja lemmonii, from Little Lakes Valley. Named for the collector Lemmon, and not its color! • C. minor. A relatively uncommon annual species that grows in moist areas. Seen at Mono Lake in saline soils; this image taken from the southern Sierra near Kennedy Meadows. • C. miniata from near Carson Pass. This species is very common in subalpine wet meadows and along streams. • C. angustifolia, from near Bodie. This species is common within the lower sagebrush zone of the eastern Sierra, and is part of a large and quite variable complex. Some know it as C. chromosa, a name which better describes the awesome red color of flowers and bracts. • C. applegatei, from Sonora Pass. Note the wavy leaf margins, a distinguishing feature of this paintbrush. • C. linearifolia from Rock Creek, Inyo Co. Usually with salmon-pink inflorescences.

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA 23 BOOK REVIEW

California’s Frontier Naturalists, collected during Captain George As is typical throughout the book, Richard G. Beidleman. University of Vancouver’s explorations of the Amer- Beidleman provides us with interest- California Press, 2006. 484 Pages, 41 ican west coast in the mid 1790s. ing insights into the interactions be- illustrations. Hard cover price $39.95. Among the type specimens he gath- tween the various groups of explorers, Many members of the California ered (original specimens used to de- such as the English and their Spanish Native Plant Society may be familiar fine a newly discovered species) were hosts. Surely there is no other single with the names Fremontodendron, those of the California quail, Califor- geographic area with such a rich his- douglasiana, or Eschscholzia. But who nia condor, and California redwood. tory of its natural history. were the taxonomic namesakes and He also collected what is now known California’s Frontier Naturalists is what were their contributions? as the Monterey pine. The journals of easy and fascinating reading. It will Here is your chance to learn an- Menzies filled five volumes, resulting enhance the reader’s existing appre- swers to these and many other ques- in, among other things, 14 California ciation for favorite plants as they dis- tions from a newly published book by taxa—according to the index of plant cover the who, what, and where of Richard Beidleman. In a work that names—bearing the species epithet many of their discoveries. surely qualifies as a labor of love, he menziesii. If you throw in synonyms For example, did you know that chronicles California history from and subspecies, the total comes to 50 Darlingtonia was collected as a quick- naturalist to naturalist, starting with taxa. grab by botanist William Brackenridge La Pérouse’s visit to Monterey in 1786. California’s Frontier Naturalists while he and other members of the Along the way we refresh our knowl- continues with a recount of the days of Wilkes expedition were fleeing an- edge of the state’s natural history within the overland expeditions such as those gry Native Americans? Or did you the context of world events involving of John Charles Frémont, the railroad know the decades-long story of how England, Spain, Russia, Mexico, and surveys, and the closing days of the Eschscholzia californica became our the brash newcomer, the United States American frontier. These chapters in- state flower by signature of Governor of America. troduce us to the names of David Dou- George Pardee? In spite of valiant lead- I was particularly drawn to the glas, Thomas Nuttall, Thomas Coulter, ership by botanist Sarah Lemmon, chapter on Archibald Menzies, who Karl Hartweg, and others. Pardee’s predecessor, Governor Henry Gage, had refused the request, stating, “I do not think the adoption of a state flower is a proper subject for legisla- ADVERTISE IN FREMONTIA! tion.” Gage’s view appears to have run Color ads for book stores, publishers, nurseries, against popular opinion, considering the March 3, 1903 front-page head- or others selling items of interest to line in the Oakland Evening Enquirer California Native Plant Society members which stated: Golden Poppy Is Our Emblem. Beidleman then explains that it was Senator Smith who introduced Rates available from the CNPS office the legislation. The news article goes on to tell how Oakland resident Mrs. (916) 447-2677 G.L. Lemmon was “the one largely [email protected] / www.cnps.org responsible” for the statewide cam- paign and that Senator Smith presented her with the bald eagle quill-feather pen used by the governor in signing the bill. NOTECARDS, PRINTS, AND ORIGINALS Oncidium hybrid The late 1890s saw the end of our by Linda Ann Vorobik nation’s frontier adventures and the free delivery on orders over $20 advent of our own home-grown natu- ralists and their supporting institu- tions, such as the University of Cali- Check out Linda’s website, fornia, Leland Stanford Jr. University, www.VorobikBotanicalArt.com, for illustration and the California Academy of Sci- and botanical workshops, including: ences. These and other greatly infor- mative stories are covered in the latter “Painting Orchids on the Big Island of Hawaii” chapters of this book. October 2006 Dan Cheatham East Bay Chapter

24 FREMONTIA VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 Please Join Today! CNPS member gifts allow us to promote and protect California’s native plants and their habitats. Gifts are tax-deductible minus the $12 of the total gift which goes toward publication of Fremontia and the CNPS Bulletin.

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS MATERIALS FOR PUBLICATION Brad Burkhart. See contributors list, back cover. Liz Chattin. See contributors list, back cover. Members and others are invited to submit material for publica- Julie Christian is a botanist with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recre- ation Area. tion in Fremontia. Instructions for contributors can be found Julie Evens is the lead vegetation ecologist for the California Native Plant Society. She manages a variety of projects to characterize vegetation statewide. on the CNPS website, www.cnps. org, or can be requested from Willis Linn Jepson was the first botanist at the University of California, Berke- ley, and the namesake for The Jepson Manual, and the Jepson Herbarium. His the next Fremontia Editor, Bart photographs were presented for use in Fremontia by Richard Beidleman from O’Brien at [email protected] or the archives of the Jepson and University Herbaria, University of California, c/o Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Berkeley. Garden, 1500 N. College Ave., Bart O’Brien is the incoming Fremontia editor and is co-editor of this issue, Se- Claremont, CA 91711. nior Staff Research Associate at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, and co-author of the recently released, award-winning book, Native Plants for the Garden, pub- lished by Cachuma Press. FREMONTIA EDITORIAL Linda Ann Vorobik edited Fremontia for the past six years, is co-editor of this issue ADVISORY BOARD of Fremontia, and is a professional botanist and botanical illustrator. The Fremonto- Susan D’Alcamo, Ellen Dean, dendron californicum artwork that graced Fremontia’s masthead from 2001 through 2005 was created by Linda and first appeared in 1993 in The Kathleen Dickey, Phyllis M. Jepson Manual, J. Hickman, Editor (used here with permis- Faber, Holly Forbes, Pam Muick, sion from the Jepson Herbarium, UC. © Regents of the Univer- Bart O’Brien, John Sawyer, Jim sity of California). We are deeply indebted to Linda for her Shevock, Linda Ann Vorobik, many years of service to CNPS, and look forward to her future contributions to Fremontia in her new capacity as a member Carol W. Witham of the Editorial Advisory Board.

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006 FREMONTIA FROM THE EDITOR

o you notice a change in this National Park, not by current-day trav- than has previously been done. Next, mailing? The California Na- elers, but rather by Willis Linn Jepson, Brad Burkhart presents his successful Dtive Plant Society is using its John Muir, and others, in 1909. The revegetation project on the San Diego funds in the most cost-effective man- article includes a selection of photo- River. It is inspiring to see how an ner by mailing the CNPS Bulletin and graphs taken by Jepson. The journey urban landscape can be transformed Fremontia as a combined unit. This is related by archivist Beidleman, from a site full of weeds to one full of change also allows the society to print whose excellent new book, California’s native plants, thus welcoming both the CNPS Bulletin in color. Frontier Naturalists, is reviewed on wildlife and people. This is my farewell issue as editor page 24. Also, look on pages 22–23 for The last article continues the three- and the issue to welcome Bart O’Brien a selection of plant images from the part series describing Scott and Jenny as co-editor of Fremontia. I introduce Sierra by Vorobik. Fleming’s home garden, a lovely land- him, his expertise as a horticulturist, Our series of articles assembled scape full of beautiful native plants. I and his latest award-winning book on and edited by the Vegetation Program’s hope that you are out enjoying your page 2. Bart will begin as sole editor Julie Evens and Todd Keeler-Wolf con- native plant garden, or hiking the with the next issue of Fremontia. Wel- tinues with an article by Chattin, Sierra, or working on a revegetation come Bart! Rubin, and Magney, describing their project. But if not, enjoy reading. To As appropriate to the season, the project in Ventura County, highlight- you, readers, my fond farewell as Fre- first article of this issue recreates a ing the importance and utility of map- montia editor. journey through what is now Yosemite ping vegetation at a more detailed level Linda Ann Vorobik

CONTRIBUTORS

Richard G. Beidleman, PhD, is emeritus professor of ecol- ogy at Colorado College, Colorado Springs, research associ- ate at the Jepson Herbarium, instructor for the Jepson work-

shops, UC Berkeley, and author of California’s Frontier Natu-

Address Service Requested Service Address

Sacramento, CA 95816-5113 CA Sacramento, 2707 K Street, Suite 1 Suite Street, K 2707 ralists, recently published by UC Press. Society Plant Native California Brad Burkhart is principal of Burkhart Environmental Con- sulting, a firm specializing in habitat restoration projects. He has focused on habitat restoration for over 20 years, man- aged a native plant nursery, completed and monitored con- ceptual and construction plans for habitat restoration projects, and taught native plant landscaping and restoration. Dan Cheatham is probably best known for the Cheatham & Haller habitat classification system that was developed, with Professor Robert Haller, in the 1970s for use by the Univer- sity of California Natural Reserves System and served as a forerunner of vegetation classification systems in use today. Liz Chattin is a conservation biologist who has worked with the US Geological Survey, National Forest Service, and Na- tional Park Service on inventory and monitoring projects. She currently works on grant projects focused on improving Ventura County’s review and protection of biological resources. Jenny S. Fleming is one of the founding members and a long time Fellow of CNPS. Throughout her long horticul- tural career, Jenny and her garden have provided inspiration and plants to innumerable gardening enthusiasts.

David Magney is principal of David Magney Environmental

U.S. Postage U.S.

Nonprofit Org. Nonprofit Permit # 3729 # Permit

Consulting and has a thorough knowledge of California flora CA Oakland,

with over 20 years of field experience. He is president of the PAID Channel Islands Chapter of CNPS. Lorraine Rubin has worked on environmental programs for the County of Ventura for the last 17 years. She worked in water conservation, recycling, and for the last fours she has been writing and administering grants for the County.

VOLUME 34:3, JULY 2006