Vol. XVIIII, No. 1 | Winter 2009

alifornia ative rasslands rasslands ssociation G Published quarterly by the California Native Grasslands Association

Life Histories of Vernal Pool Annual Grasses 4

A New Initiative to Describe and Protect California Grasslands 9 “Green” Economic Stimulus Advanced 11 How Livestock and Grazing Planning Can Benefit Grasslands 14 CNGA Field Day at Hedgerow Farms 17 Holistic Grazing Workshop 18 Grass ID Workshop 19 CNGA/SERCAL Joint Annual Conference 20

Mission Statement: From the Keyboard The Mission of the President’s alifornia California Native Grasslands Association is to promote, he last year has been a banner year ative preserve, and restore the of growth and accomplishments for rasslands diversity of California’s CNGA, due in great part to Randi native grasses and grass- Paris’s steady hand on the tiller, ssociation land ecosystems through Tcoupled with a super-active Board. Unfor- P.O. Box 8327 education, advocacy, Woodland, CA 95776 research, and stewardship. tunately, our Administrative Director, Su- 530-661-2280 zanne Ullensvang, left CNGA this fall to take a d m i n @CNGA.o r g | h t t p ://w w w .CNGA.o r g a great job with the UC Davis Arboretum. CNGA Board of Directors The Executive Committee advertised the Officers position and hired Judith G-Scott, a CNGA David Amme, President member who lives on a “grass” ranch in Randi Paris, Past President Woodland. With Suzanne’s help, we hardly Wade Belew, President-elect Sara Sweet, Secretary missed a beat, and Judy is now set up in Jim Hanson, Treasurer her new office and working closely with the Board. Welcome aboard, Judy G-Scott! At-Large Members Andrew Fulks Melissa Mooney Aside from putting on one of our most Clare Golec Kellie Morgantini successful annual conferences in Santa Sarah Hoskinson Zachary Principe Da v e Am m e Rosa this past year, we also made great Richard King Kent Reeves strides in developing the curriculum for two Conservation Grazing Workshops JP Marié Bryan Young focusing on livestock planning that benefits grassland diversity and health (see Alternate Member pp. 18, 26). This has taken place with the synergy of two of our current Board David Kaplow members, Richard King and Kent Reeves. Richard, just starting his second CNGA Staff Board term, works for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Judy G-Scott, Administrative Director Petaluma and is a Certified Educator in Holistic Management. Kent, formerly Mary Rodgers, Grasslands Managing Editor a wildlife biologist for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and a long- For advertising rates and instructions, or membership and time CNGA activist, now works as a Resource Manager for Yolo County. Richard other organizational information, contact CNGA Administrative Director: a d m i n @CNGA.o r g . and Kent collaborated to teach a hands-on class for developing a site-specific For program information related to tours or training work- grazing plan for Pepperwood Preserve, north of Santa Rosa. Michael Gillogly, shops, contact CNGA Administrative Director: a d m i n @CNGA.o r g . the Preserve Manager, has been working diligently to convince Sonoma County Grasslands is published quarterly by CNGA. to ease off on charging exorbitant taxes for using livestock to manage the Pep- ISSN No. 1540-6857 perwood grasslands. Without some kind of conservation grazing program, the Pepperwood grasslands had deteriorated significantly with a tremendous loss rasslands of both plant and wildlife species diversity. In response to a groundswell of sup- Submission Guidelines port from the community, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors reversed G their decision and approved a new policy that will allow Pepperwood to initiate Send submissions to: a livestock conservation grazing program sans taxes. With Kent and Richard’s Editor: m r o d g e r s @m a c n e x u s .o r g . help, Pepperwood now has a great grazing plan. Submissions include peer-reviewed research reports and non-refereed articles, such as progress reports, observations, 2009 Conferences: The 2009 Annual Conference is just ahead. CNGA is interviews, book reviews, and opinions. All submissions are sharing this conference with one of our sister organizations, the California reviewed by the Grasslands Editorial Committee for suitabil- Society of Ecological Restoration (SERCAL). It will be held at the Lake Natoma ity for publication. Submissions are accepted electronically Inn on the American River in Folsom from April 29 through May 3, 2009 as e-mail attachments. Contact the editor for formatting specifications. (see p. 2O). It promises to be an exciting conference, including Wednesday Submission deadlines for articles: workshops and nine technical sessions on Thursday and Friday focusing Spring 2009: Feb. 15, 2009; Summer 2009: May 15, 2009; on habitat restoration in California’s Central Valley. The Conference will be Fall 2009: Aug. 15, 2009; Winter 2010: Nov. 15, 2009 capped off with four Saturday field trips and will also include a weekend CNGA

President's keyboard, continued on page 3

2 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 President's keyboard, continued from page 2 article in this issue of Grasslands (p. 9), includes Jim Hanson, Zach Principe, Grass Identification Workshop, in the lab and be sure to check the Web site at: ‹http: Wade Belew, and Andrew Fulks.With the on Saturday and in the field on Sunday, //www.cnps.org/cnps/vegetation/grassland support of the committee, Jim Hanson exploring the grasslands of Yolo County. .php›. The Web site has a detailed penned a great letter (see p. 13) supporting Coming up this January 17–19 at the Grassland Initiative outline, an excellent a “Green” Economic Stimulus proposal Sacramento Convention Center, the Califor- bibliography, plus a PDF of Chapter 3 on to go along with the giant infrastructure nia Native Plant Society (CNPS) will present “Community Classification and Nomen- proposals planned to lift the country out a bellwether Conservation Conference: clature” from the recent publication, of the current recession. Almost immedi- Strategies and Solutions. CNGA Board California Grasslands: Ecology and Man- ately, SERCAL, Cal-IPC, and the Salmonid members will attend the conference with agement, edited by Mark Stromberg, Jeffrey Restoration Federation signed on. CNGA is our educational display booth. CNPS has Corbin, and Carla D’Antonio. circulating the letter to additional organiza- also implemented an important Grassland A Board committee established in 2008, tions. Good work, Jim! Initiative this past year. Check out the the Advocacy and Collaboration Committee, Concurrently, The Nature Conservancy is also calling for funds to be set aside for the states to implement high-priority Meet Our New AD! restoration projects: “As a provision for lease join the Board members and staff in welcoming Judith G-Scott to CNGA! Judy economic stimulus funding, construc- started as our Administrative Director (AD) in November 2008. In addition to tion projects should incorporate recycled having excellent skills for handling the operation of the organization, she is also materials, wildlife corridors, invasive weed personally committed to native grasslands. control, and native plants whenever ap- PJudy’s past work experience prepared her quite well for the diverse tasks of the AD propriate to increase the sustainability of position. Most recently, she served as the Director of Volunteer Services and Office these projects.” Manager for another nonprofit organization, Habitat for Humanity of Yolo County. This job required careful financial record keeping, Thanks, Erik and Tom impeccable planning skills, and a love for interacting with people—all indispensable would like to extend it's qualities for Judy’s new role in CNGA. Before CNGAthanks to two retiring Board Habitat for Humanity, Judy held various members who have served tirelessly for the positions forming a nexus of communica- good of the organization. tions, plant biology, and education. For Erik Gantenbien is finally completing his example, she served the National Academy of term as past president. Elected as presi- Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution as dent-elect in 2005, Erik actually served as a professional editor of scientific manu- president two years, 2006 and 2007, when scripts, she provided horticultural advice on the elected president in 2007 was unable to lawn and garden care, and she taught serve. Erik stepped in and filled the gap, English and drama to high school students. sheparding us through the retirement of Judy’s lifelong involvement with the our long-term Administrative Director, natural world and humans has taken a more Janice Bridge, with a quiet strength and personal turn in the last several years. Since good humor. the acquisition of a historic sheep ranch in Ju d y G-Sc o t t Tom Annese, who is completing a two- the Dunnigan Hills in Yolo County, she and year board term, has been an insightful her husband have been managing both ecological and architectural restoration of this contributor to board discussions and to working landscape. Native grasses already feature prominently in the garden areas, Grasslands, and has made himself avail- especially the seven-circuit Cretan labyrinth. Restoration of the pasture requires longer- able to help when called, especially assist- term planning and negotiations, but Judy and her husband are well into discussions with ing with our grass identification workshops water agencies, NRCS, and a local nonprofit, the Center for Land-Based Learning. The held in the Bay Area. eventual goal is a native grassland and pollination reserve managed by cattle grazing. We hope that Erik and Tom will continue CNGA is grateful to have found such a competent, dedicated, outgoing person as Judy. their contributions to CNGA committees, Please give her a heartfelt welcome! and we wish them all the best in 2009.

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Life Histories of Vernal Pool Annual Grasses Th o m a s Gr i gg s Life Histories of Vernal Pool Annual Grasses one species (N. colusana). Later, two of the Deschampsia danthonioides (annual hair­ by Tom Griggs was originally published in Orcuttia species were moved to a new genus grass) inhabits vernal ponds, meadows, and the California Native Plant Society’s journal, Tuctoria (T. greenei and T. mucronata). “Tucto- wet areas throughout California, from sea Fremontia, in April 1981*. This was one of the ria” is an anagram of Orcuttia, reflecting their level to the higher mountains (8,000 ft). first Fremontia issues devoted to California’s close relationship. These are all warm-season Alopecurus saccatus (meadow foxtail) native grasslands. Grasslands is republishing annual grasses in the subfamily Chloridoi­ inhabits moist, open meadows and vernal this article because after 28 years it remains deae. All three species are exclusively vernal pools below 2,000 ft from Washington State one of the best articles on California vernal pool grasses and listed as rare or endangered to California. pool vegetation and processes. because of the loss of vernal pool habitat. Phalaris lemmonii (Lemmon’s canary­ In 1981, Tom had just finished his Ph.D. The article also highlights six other grass) is found in vernal pools and wet areas thesis on the population biology of the native cool-season native annual grasses that are at lower elevations along the central grass genus Orcuttia, one of the more wide­ found in California’s vernal pools and moist California coastal and inland valleys from spread vernal pool native grass genera. Later, open meadows: Pleuropogon californica, Mendocino to San Diego County. Tom joined The Nature Conservancy and Deschampsia danthonioides, Alopercurus sac- Agrostis microphylla (small-leaf bent) pioneered vernal pool research and manage­ catus, Phalaris lemmonii, Agrostis microphylla, inhabits wet habitat similar to Lemmon’s ment at the Santa Rosa Plateau and all the and Agrostis exigua. Illustrations of these canarygrass but also extends up to Washing­ vernal pool preserves in the Sacramento and grasses and three of the Orcuttieae tribe ton State. San Joaquin Valleys. Today, Tom is a Senior genera supplement the article’s original Agrostis exigua has now been submerged Restoration Ecologist at River Partners and photographs and illustration. into A. elliottiana (Elliott’s bent), an annual an adjunct professor at Cali­fornia State Uni­ Pleuropogon californica (annual sema­ bentgrass that also extends into southern versity, Chico, where he leads an ecological phore grass), with its unique one-sided Arizona, Texas, and the southeastern United restoration field studies program. racemes, is found in marshy grasslands and States. In California, Agrostis exigua is limited At the time of the article, there were ditches from Humboldt County south to in its range, inhabiting vernal pools in the eight known vernal pool grasses in the tribe San Luis Obispo County and east to Amador Sacramento Valley and Napa County. Orcuttieae that are comprised in two genera County and the Sacramento–San Joaquin —Dave Amme (Orcuttia and Neostapfia). Neostapfia has only Delta region. * Reprinted with permission

nnual grasses are the common (cultivated soil and heavy livestock grazing) stops at the edge of the vernal pools. For cover of uncultivated, low-elevation wrought upon the pristine California land- various reasons the non-native grasses lands throughout cismontane scape by European colonization. have been unable to colonize and grow in California. However, nearly all of The dominance of exotic annual vernal pools. As a result, the vernal pool theseA are exotic species introduced from grasses, even on unplowed valley lands, flora has been lightly impacted by the non- Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. The common wild oats (Avena barbata), foxtail barley (Hordeum spp.), wild rye (Lo- lium multiflorum), annual brome grasses (Bromus spp.), and several of the annual fescues (Vulpia spp. [formerly Festuca]) arrived in California with the introduction of livestock during the Mission Era of Cali- fornia history. These grasses were adapted to the nearly identical climates of California and the Mediterranean region. Since they had evolved along with human agricul- tural practices in the Old World, they were Orcuttia viscida, Flora of North America Orcuttia californica var. viscida already adapted to the types of disturbance (2003), © Utah State University Photo: Peter Sands Illustrators: Linda A. Vorobik and Karen Klitz

4 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 life histories, continued from page 4 protrude from the lemmas of the inflorescence. native intrusion compared to the surround- Semaphore grass (Pleuropogon ing grassland. Only nine percent of the californicus) grows in vernal pools of flora of California’s vernal pools is exotic. the north coast ranges and on the Jepson Seven Vernal Pool Genera Prairie in Solano County. This grass Species of seven receives its name from the arrangement of genera of native annual the spikelets on the inflorescence—widely grasses persist today in spaced and attached at 45o to 90o angles to California’s vernal pools. the rachis of the inflorescence, resembling The most widespread the semaphore signals formerly used along species, growing in nearly every vernal pool in California, is Orcuttia tenuis spikelet attached to the rachis annual hairgrass of the inflorescence. Note teeth at the tip of (Deschampsia the lemmas and the droplets of the viscid danthonioides). The secretion. Style branches and anther fila­ ments extend from the lowest two florets. dried beds of vernal pools Photo: Thomas Griggs are often circumscribed during the early summer Seven species of Orcuttia grow by the bright yellow- in the larger vernal ponds of the Central Annual hairgrass, brown inflorescences Valley and the coastal mesas of southern Hitchcock (1951) of annual hairgrass still California. Plants of the genus Orcuttia standing from the preceding spring growth. and the monotypic genus Neostapfia form Vernal pool foxtail (Alopecurus a distinct group within the grass family saccatus) rarely grows in with no apparent affinities to any other the densities found with grasses. The implication is of an ancient the hairgrass, but can be origin for this unique tribe. Unlike any found about the margins other North American grasses, orcuttia and of vernal pools in mid to neostapfia are covered by stalked glandular late spring. The compact, Semaphore grass, Hitchcock (1951) hairs which secrete a droplet of sticky, cylindrical inflorescence of aromatic, bitter-tasting substance. The foxtail grows upward from railroad tracks. Semaphore grass is one of life histories, continued on page 6 the extraordinarily inflated the few California natives which responds sheath of the uppermost well to human-caused disturbance. On the Vernal pool foxtail, leaf, making this grass Jepson Prairie it forms dense stands (to the Hitchcock (1951) easily recognizable in exclusion of all other vernal pool plants) the field. At anthesis, where annually maintained firebreaks anthers filled with bright orange pollen cross vernal pools.

Developmental stages of Orcuttia viscida: (a) Submerged aquatic seedling; (b) Seedling with floating leaves; (c) Terrestrial stage with aerial leaves and the first inflorescence. Note the withered floating leaves. Illustration: Holly Hauptli

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life histories, continued from page 5 ability to live and persist from year to of plants, competition for sunlight can secretion functions to repel the voracious year under these conditions requires a sometimes be severe. Hairgrass, foxtail grasshoppers which are often present highly refined life history. Because of this, grass, and semaphore grass have solved in large number at the time orcuttia is vernal pool species of plants are rarely this problem, however. During the late flowering in the early summer. The life found growing very far upslope from the winter, seedlings of these grasses produce history of orcuttia will be examined in high-water line of the pool, and grassland long, narrow floating leaves, which ride detail later. species rarely grow down to the water line. up and down with the fluctuations in the Other species of annual grasses Adaptations to Flooding water level of the vernal pool as rainstorms occasionally found in vernal pools, but The margin of a vernal pool is a very add water and sunny days evaporate it. rarely forming dense stands, include different habitat from the surrounding The floating leaves allow the plants to be Lemmon’s canary grass (Phalaris uplands. The margin rarely experiences in direct contact with the atmosphere—to lemmonii), small-leaved bent grass drought stress during the winter, yet it does receive maximum amounts of sunlight and (Agrostis microphylla), and six-week occasionally become flooded. Flooding for gas exchange—while the base of the bent grass (Agrostis exigua). causes the soil microbes to consume all plant is submerged under water. Vernal pools are dynamic habitats. of the tree oxygen in the soil, resulting As temperatures warm in the early Plant and animal life living in them in anaerobic conditions around the root spring the vernal pool begins to evaporate must be adapted to extreme seasonal zone. Plant roots need oxygen to respire. and the standing water disappears. While fluctuations in environmental conditions. Unless a plant possesses the anatomical the soil is still moist, hairgrass, foxtail, Vernal pools fill structures and physiological capabilities and semaphore grass send up their with rainwater for transporting oxygen to its roots from inflorescences and flower. Sometimes during the winter its leaves, it rapidly dies from oxygen foxtail and semaphore grass can be found storms, evaporate starvation. Vernal pool species possess this flowering while the base of the plant is through the spring, ability to tolerate anaerobic soil conditions, still submerged in water. Perhaps they are and become but exotic annual grasses do not. Hence, reflecting their close relationship to other completely dry the flooding of a vernal pool drowns the totally aquatic members of their genera. By by the end of seedlings of the exotic grasses which the time the soil at the margin of the vernal summer. The have germinated as a result of earlier pool has dried sufficiently to no longer rainstorms. support plant life, the caryopses (seeds) It is at the shallow margin of the vernal have filled and ripened, ensuring a seed pool that all of crop for future seasons. the vernal pool Orcuttia and Neostapfia grasses, with All seven species of Orcuttia in the exception California and Neostapfia colusana of orcuttia and are considered rare and endangered by neostafia, are botanists, being on List 2 of CNPS Inventory found. The highest of the Rare and Endangered Vascular concentration Plants of California. Those of us who have of other species searched for orcuttia on the barren beds and numbers of vernal ponds during the heat of July of individuals know it as a sticky, aromatic, little tuft also occurs at of bristly, spike-like inflorescences. The the margin of inflorescences originate at the base of the the vernal pool. plant and reach heights at maturity of from While there is 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches). usually sufficient Orcuttia grows only in vernal ponds that soil moisture to retain standing water into the late spring Left: Lemmon's canary grass, Flora of North America (2003), © Utah State support or early summer. Orcuttia is usually found University, Illustrators: Linda A. Vorobik and Hana Pazdírková; center: small-leaved this high growing alone on the barren, cracked-mud bent grass, Hitchcock (1951); right: six-week bent grass (Abrams 1940) density life histories, continued on page 7

6 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 life histories, continued from page 6 “skeletons” attached to the bed of its vernal pond, or with a sparse bottom of the vernal pond. stand of coyote thistle (Eryngium spp.) The first heavy rainstorms or clover fern (Marsilea vestita). At a few of the fall cause the orcuttia ponds orcuttia grows where, earlier in plants to fall apart, dispersing the spring, masses of vernal pool flowers the seed formed during the have been, their dried “skeletons” remain preceding summer. The seed attached to the pond bed around the living may become firmly attached orcuttia plants. to the surface of the wet mud, or, if enough rainfall Photosynthesis Advantage has flooded the pond, float Orcuttia requires this hot, intensely around for a time before bright environment to grow at peak settling to the bottom. efficiency. All species of the genus possess By mid-winter (January) what is known to plant physiologists as sufficient rainfall has usually the C4-photosynthetic pathway. This filled the orcuttia pond biochemical pathway, which converts with water. Soil fungi are sunlight and carbon dioxide to growth now actively consuming energy, functions best in hot, bright the previous season’s dead conditions, and is very efficient with plant parts on the bottom regard to water lost by the plant through of the flooded pond. The transpiration. Thus, C4-photosynthesis fungi grow over the sunken affords a considerable advantage for Orcuttia greenei inflorescence composed of spirally arranged orcuttia seed as well. About growing during a time of year when life- spikelets. The first floret to reach anthesis extends three two weeks later the orcuttia giving rainfall is virtually non-existent. anthers into the air currents on 3-cm-long filaments. seed germinate. The growth Orcuttia tenuis, of the northern Photo: Thomas Griggs of the fungi over the seed is Sacramento Valley, usually commences a necessity for germination. not flood the pond, the orcuttia seeds sim- flowering in early May, while all other In the laboratory numerous other methods ply remain dormant and wait for another, species typically reach the peak of flowering were attempted in an effort to break the more favorable, year. Thus, the seeds of during June and July. Ponds which dry dormancy of the orcuttia seed. These orcuttia are keyed to the growth of the soil late in the season, or which contain deep methods were never successful. Only when fungi, which only become abundant after soils (holding much water), will support the fungi were growing and abundant the soil is fully charged with water and the flowering individuals into late August or around the seeds was germination pond has flooded. This kind of symbiosis early September. activated, often with 90 to 100 percent of is a highly refined adaptation to the vernal When the water held in the mud of the the seeds germinating. pond habitat and implies a long association vernal pond bed is completely consumed, A moment’s reflection should reveal the of orcuttia with vernal pools. the orcuttia plants die, but do not fall great ecological significance of this adapta- apart. Instead, they remain as intact, dried Aquatic Seedlings tion. The fungi grow in abundance only Initial growth of the submerged after rainfall sufficient to flood the vernal seedling is manifested by the production pond. The vernal pond floods only after the of short (2-cm-long) leaves arranged in mud has become fully charged with water. a distichous (two-ranked) manner. The It is this soil water which will support the seedling grows slowly throughout the flowering and seed production of the or- remainder of the winter and early spring. cuttia during the following summer. Even As temperatures rise in mid-spring and during drought years some amount of rain the water level in the vernal pond begins falls to moisten the soil. But the soil is not to lower, the orcuttia seedling begins sufficiently charged with water to support producing the long, narrow floating leaves. the completion of the life cycle the follow- These sometimes reach lengths of 30 cm ing summer. Should insufficient rainfall Neostaphia colusana, Hitchcock (1951) life histories, continued on page 8

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life histories, continued from page 7 have revealed that there are from 10 to 50 diversity of the California flora, take a seeds in the soil for every growing plant moment to reflect upon the many different (12 in.). The floating leaf gives the seedling on the soil surface. This large seed bank life histories, or ways of “making a living” its first direct contact with the atmosphere allows populations of orcuttia to persist of the plant species around you. and sunlight. The growth rate of the over the years regardless of occasional seedling now increases and it continues Acknowledgments disaster seasons of the complete mortality producing floating leaves for as long as the Thank you to Mary Barkworth and Utah of the seedling crop due to drought effects standing water remains. State University for permission to reprint or grasshopper plagues. The water level in the pond continues to illustrations from Flora of North America The seven species of orcuttia are drop as increasing temperatures evaporate North of Mexico (Vol 25, Oxford University a mere fraction of the more than two it. By late spring or early summer the Press, New York, 2003). Other illustration hundred species of plants known to grow in whole seedling is finally exposed to the sources are: A.S. Hitchcock, Manual of California’s vernal pools. The generalized atmosphere and direct sunlight. The the Grasses of the United States, USDA life history of orcuttia as described above is orcuttia seedling now produces shorter, Miscellaneous Publication No. 200, 1951, only one strategy for growing and persisting broader, more typical-appearing grass and Leroy Abrams, Illustrated flora of the in the vernal pool habitat. Every other leaves. Within days of the complete Pacific States, Vol 1, Stanford University species growing in the same pond with evaporation of the standing water, the first Press, 1940.) orcuttia has its own life-history strategy, inflorescence can be seen emerging from most of them radically different from that Suggested Reading the uppermost leaf sheath. of orcuttia, yet sufficient to allow them to Crampton, Beecher. 1959. The Grass Genera Thus, the aquatic seedling stage allows Orcuttia and Neostapfia: A Study in persist in the same habitat. So the next the plant to establish its root system in Habitat and Morphological Specializa- time you are in the field enjoying the rich the mud of the flooded vernal pond bed tion. Madroño 15:97–110. while soil moisture is abundant. When ______. 1976. Rare Grasses in a Vanishing the standing water evaporates and soil Habitat. Fremontia 4(3):22–23. moisture becomes limiting as the summer heat increases, the plant can direct its energy and remaining soil water reserves almost completely toward flowering and seed production. Occasionally, even this adaptation is not sufficient to ward off drought induced before seeds are produced, as occurred in 1976 for some populations of Orcuttia tenuis. Thus, orcuttia is a truly amphibious plant, with germination and seedling development best accomplished while submerged under water, but requiring hot, dry conditions to flower and set seed. What happens during drought years when insufficient rainfall­ fails to flood the orcuttia pond? The seeds of orcuttia require very special conditions for germination. Seeds may remain dormant in the vernal pond mud for many years (perhaps even decades) before germinating. One population of Orcuttia pilosa in Stanislaus County did not grow during four consecutive years, but reappeared the fifth year as numerous Tuctoria greenei, Flora of North America (2003), © Utah State University as before its disappearance. Actual counts Illustrators: Linda A. Vorobik and Karen Klitz

8 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 A New Initiative to Describe and Protect California Grasslands Je n n i f e r Bu c k and Ju l i e Ev e n s , California Native Plant Society

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) has launched a new initiative to categorize, map, The major goals of the CNPS Grassland and conserve California’s grassland vegetation. Momentum is building for grassland protection Initiative are to: 1. Clarify the role and function of in California toward numerous goals and objectives. Our vision for this project is highly collab- grasslands and associated herbaceous orative, and we are working closely with a variety of agencies and organizations, including the vegetation within the natural landscape California Department of Fish and Game, California Native Grasslands Association, California of California. Rangeland Conservation Coalition, The Nature Conservancy, and the University of California. 2. Inventory and map grasslands, includ- ing an assessment and analysis of their natural range of variability (for more information see ‹http://www.cnps.org /cnps/vegetation/protocol.php›). 3. Develop a strong framework for con- servation and restoration of California grasslands. 4. Discuss our findings and educate the public on the values of grasslands. To achieve these goals, we will use a four- step, integrated approach over the next five years. The first step has been to amass and analyze the current body of existing literature, data, and research on Califor- nia grassland systems. At present, we are writing an overview paper to evaluate the elements of “native” versus “non-native” grasslands and are working toward a The basic definition of California annual grasslands should highlight the importance of native basic definition of California annual and species diversity in addition to species abundance. Photo: Sau San perennial grasslands that highlights the his research- and conservation-focused grasslands at more than 90 percent, initiative is especially timely for several and they continue to disappear at an Treasons: alarming rate. Conservative estimates place the • We know less about upland grassland • We need to better understand the po- vegetation than any other major tential effects of global climate change loss of California’s Mediterranean California ecosystem. As a result, in California. Monitoring and modeling grasslands at more than most upland grasslands are carelessly of grasslands may reveal the influence termed “non-native grasslands” due of climate shifts on vegetation. 90 percent, and they continue to to the abundance of exotic plants; • Recent advances in research meth- however, these grasslands typically have odologies, especially GIS techniques disappear at an alarming rate. high occurrence and sometimes high and genetic analyses, give us tools abundance of native plant and animal to advance our knowledge of natural importance of native species diversity in species. plant and animal communities. These addition to measures of species abun- • Grasslands need stronger protections tools provide better means to identify, dance. Interactively with Step 2, we hope because little remains of their histori- protect, and restore a broader range of to build upon the existing classification cal extent. Conservative estimates place native species and ecological interac- the loss of California’s Mediterranean tions than ever before. Grasslands initiative, continued on page 10

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Grasslands initiative, continued from page 9 since the European colonization of California. With great urgency, we will work We invite you to collaborate with system for grasslands, that is, the most toward understanding the consequences recent version of the Manual of Califor- us in this effort whether you have of global climate change to this vegetation nia Vegetation*, using a standardized type in California. Understanding nomenclature for known grassland types. baseline or monitoring data to floristic changes in light of history and An important result of this step is the climate change will allow us to develop a share or contact information for identification of areas that lack sampling or framework to conserve and restore a broad representation. representation of California grasslands others who have data. The second step is to conduct addi­ over a changing landscape. We will analyze tional sampling to categorize the variation spatial data in this step to look specifically and complexity of grassland types through- at a number of factors, including the grasslands are part of a large and complex out the state. In concert, the first two identification of key areas containing target ecosystem in California, containing a diver- steps will help us identify key biodiversity wildlife species (e.g., birds, pronghorn sity of annual and perennial herbaceous antelope, kangaroo rats, kit fox) based on vegetation. key floristic and structural elements. Other e appreciate the importance of The first two steps will help us focused analyses may include identifying collaborating with organizations identify key biodiversity centers, restoration potential in impacted grassland Wand individuals who have valuable areas, and modeling of current and knowledge of this topic. Hopefully, you threats facing those areas, potential habitat for target (rare) species. share our interest in improving the under- The final step will be to publicize our standing of California’s grassland diversity. and—most importantly— findings to local, regional, and statewide We invite you to collaborate with us in this opportunities for conservation of decision makers, stressing positive effort whether you have baseline or moni- proposals for grassland conservation and toring data to share or contact information upland grasslands that are rich in restoration in different regions of the state. for others who have data. We will draw attention to the value of Another way to contribute is to help native plant species and wildlife. grasslands and the importance of grassland us gain access to grasslands in our focus conservation through conferences and area for sampling. We are currently seek- other educational approaches. We envision ing grants from foundations and private centers, threats facing those areas, and— the development of interpretative booklets donations, as well as formal partnerships most importantly—opportunities for and reports that describe grassland with organizations that can match funds con­servation of upland grasslands that are resources at local and regional scales, as or provide in-kind contributions. As we rich in native plant species and wildlife. We well as a broad illustrative guide to the develop this project, we value any informa- believe it is important to collect data across major California grassland vegetation types. tion or guidance that you can share, as different years and seasons to capture both Our initial focus area includes upland your knowledge and experience will assist temporal and climatic variation. We plan and mesic grassland habitats of the Central us in shaping this project to better define, to start data analysis early in the process to Valley, the surrounding foothills, and categorize, manage, and conserve Califor- derive a baseline classification in accor- southern coastal California. Together these nia’s grassland resources. dance with state and national standards. It will be imperative to translate a grassland classification into vegetation units that Jennifer Buck is a Vegetation Ecologist working in the CNPS Vegetation Program to survey, classify, and can be mapped using available aerial or map vegetation in California. She earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of California, Davis, satellite imagery and to correlate grassland in Plant Biology. Julie Evens is the CNPS Vegetation Program Director, working to inventory and assess types with geologic substrates, climatic vegetation across the state. She earned two B.A. degrees at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and zones, or other environmental factors. an M.A. degree at Humboldt State University. This step will allow us to better evaluate For more information contact Jennifer at jb u c k @c n p s .o r g or visit the CNPS Web site at http://www the rarity of grassland species and plant ‹ .cnps.org/cnps/vegetation/grassland.php . communities. › The third step is to investigate the *For an online version of the “Manual of California Vegetation” by Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf and published current and potential changes in grasslands by CNPS, go to ‹http://www.cnps.org/cnps/vegetation/manual.php›.

10 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 “Green” Economic Stimulus Advanced

Jim Ha n s o n Member, CNGA Board of Directors,Oakland, CA; e-mail: greenhectare @y a h o o .c o m

he economy is in rough seas and the for any economy to function long term, rainwater, replenish aquifers, buffer coastal incoming President and Congress are the wetlands, grasslands, forests, and erosion, store carbon, and attract tourism Tworking out a $600–800 billion roads other plant communities—our “green and convention business. Yet, in the last and bridge infrastructure package to stimu- infrastructure”—must be kept functioning decade, the need for investment in the late jobs and business activity. and healthy, too. natural infrastructure has become increas- Behind the Wall Street and Washington Californians have always relied on the ingly evident in fuel-loaded forests and hill- headlines is a growing awareness that, state’s diverse natural landscapes to slow sides, aggressive, problematic weeds, and streams and uplands with less plant variety and fewer numbers of treasured native fish and bird species. Last month The Nature Conservancy (TNC) presented a Green Economic Stimu- lus package to Capitol Hill lawmakers, agency staff, and members of President- Elect Obama’s transition team. TNC

For any economy to function long term, the wetlands, grasslands, forests, and other plant communities—our “green infrastructure”— must be kept functioning and healthy.

proposes employing numerous crafts and professions to restore natural systems. Some of the planned economic stimu- lus would be directed to the backlog of environmental projects in existing federal programs (e.g., Army Corps, NOAA). TNC also proposes hiring people to minimize the environmental impacts of traditional hard infrastructure construction (see the TNC Web site: ‹http://www.nature.org/ pressroom/news/news2930.html›). Since native grasses play a significant role in the state’s natural infrastructure, the CNGA Board of Directors is joining with other organizations, including the Califor- nia Society for Ecological Restoration (SERCAL), Salmonid Restoration Federa- tion (SRF), and California Invasive Plant Heavy fuel load in stand of blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) in the Berkeley–Oakland Hills Photo: Jim Hanson Green economic stimulus, continued on page 12

Winter 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 11

Green economic stimulus, continued from page 11 employ people to restore natural ecosystem func- Since native grasses play a significant role tion after hard- scape construction in the state’s natural infrastructure, the by restoring soils, CNGA Board of Directors is joining with reversing weed in- vasions, protecting other organizations to urge that green intact native plant infrastructure projects be a part of the communities, and improving economic stimulus and that a “sustainability wildlife and fishery provision” be included in all projects. corridors. Since energy use is related to Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and creeping wildrye (Leymus triticoides) Council (Cal-IPC), to urge that green climate change planted at a restored seasonal freshwater wetland on the San Francisco infrastructure projects be part of the and affects future Peninsula near Palo Alto Photo: Jim Hanson economic stimulus and that a “sustainabil- water supplies, a ity provision” be included in all projects sustainability provision would also provide (see p. 13 ). for alternative transportation facilities If you support including green infrastructure Green infrastructure funding in the (e.g., bicycle lanes and lockers), energy stimulus package would provide jobs efficiency, and using recycled materials projects and a sustainability provision for a improving urban and rural watersheds by in economic stimulus projects whenever forward-looking, comprehensive investment restoring streams, canal banks, forests, and possible. grasslands. A sustainability provision in If you support including green infra- in our national infrastructure, get a simple federal economic stimulus contracts would structure projects and a sustainability call, e-mail, or card to your House or Sen- ate representative as soon as you put this newsletter down.

provision for a forward-looking, compre- hensive investment in our national infra- structure, get a simple call, e-mail, or card to your House or Senate representative as soon as you put this newsletter down. The forests, streams, and grasslands that provide us clean air, clean water, and productive soils need repair, too, and green infrastructure work provides employment to numerous professions and crafts. Both the TNC proposal and the joint letter of CNGA, SERCAL, Cal-IPC, and SRF urge that the time to invest in the natural foundation of our state and country is now. Note: Your House or Senate represen- tative’s phone number, e-mail, and mailing address can be found in any number of Native oak remains in Berkeley’s Claremont Canyon after blue gum eucalyptus trees are Web sites, including ‹govtrack.us› and removed by interagency fuel reduction consortium. Photo: Jim Hanson ‹votesmart.org›.

12 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 CNGA Spearheads Push for “Green Infrastructure” Legislation The new Presidential Administration and the U.S. Congress are working on a plan to stimulate the U.S. economy by creating a large national infrastructure investment. CNGA and three fellow organizations—SERCAL, Cal-IPC, and SRF—worked together in late December to submit a joint letter urging that, along with investing in roads and bridges, our government should also invest in watersheds to keep them healthy and functioning (see article, p. 11). The following letter was sent to the U.S. House and Senate Congressional delegations from California and to California’s State legislative representatives. CNGA will continue to be a strong voice for protecting California’s natural heritage through communications like these and continuing dialogue with those who will be deciding how infrastructure funds are used in California.

January 1, 2009

Re: A “Green” Economic Stimulus Our groups represent professionals and volunteers working across California to protect our state’s tremendous natural heritage. Keeping our landscape healthy not only preserves the beauty for which California is famous, it also returns recreation, tourism jobs, fisheries, carbon sequestration, and clean air and water. Agencies like California State Parks now evaluate the condition of both the natural landscape and roads and buildings when budgeting for infrastructure needs. Protecting our natural resources requires ongoing stewardship. For instance, vigilant on-the-ground management is needed to stop the spread of invasive species like yellow starthistle and quagga mussel, which can devastate land and water resources. Forests, streams, and wetlands need to be restored to healthy functioning in order to increase rainfall infiltration in regional watersheds. As the nation looks toward rebuilding infrastructure, we urge you to include both “green infrastructure” projects and a “sustainability provision” in all projects. Society depends on the ecosystem services provided by a healthy landscape, and there is much work to be done in stewarding these resources. Funding should be made available to appropriate federal programs, some of which have been identified recently by The Nature Conservancy, but funds should also be set aside for the states to implement high-priority restoration projects. As a provision for economic stimulus funding, construction projects should incorporate recycled materials, wildlife corridors, invasive weed control, and native plants whenever appropriate to increase the sustainability of these projects. These programs are an excellent investment in the natural foundation of our state and country. We should take this opportunity to put people to work caring for the resources that make California great. Please include “green infrastructure” projects and a “sustainability provi- sion” in all projects for a forward-looking, comprehensive investment in our national infrastructure. Sincerely, Harry Oakes, President California Society for Ecological Restoration Bakersfield, CA n e t l i g h t s p e e d . www.sercal.org s m c l a r k @ Judith G-Scott, Administrative Director 661.634.9228 California Native GrasslandsWoodland, Association CA .o r g www.cnga.org a d m ni @c n g a 530.661.2280 Dana Stolzman, Executive Director Salmonid Restoration FederationRedway, CA www.calsalmon.org .o r g Doug Johnson, Executive Director s r f @c a l s a l m o n California Invasive PlantBerkeley, Council CA 707.923.7501 @c a l -i p c .o r g www.cal-ipc.orgd w j o h n s o n 510.843.3902

Winter 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 13

CNGA’s De v e l o p i ng a Su s t a i na b l e Gr a z i ng Pl an t o Manag e Na t i v e Gr a s s l and s Wo r k s h o p How Livestock and Grazing Planning Can Benefit Grasslands

Ri c h a r d Ki ng , USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service Ke n t Re e v e s , Yolo County Parks and Resources Department Tr ac y Sc h o h r , California Cattlemen’s Association

Co-instructor Richard King (center right) and workshop participants in California fescue (Festuca californica) at Pepper- wood Preserve Photo: Kent Reeves

irtually half of California is survived, they may have required those Modern-day livestock can be used to grassland or open woodland with patterns of disturbance to remain vigorous mimic the patterns, pulses, and effects grassland understory, making and productive. on ecological processes with which all these habitats an incredibly Our native grasslands evolved over of California’s native species evolved. important state resource. As a millions of years with a grazing regime in California’s native plants, insects, wildlife, Vrancher, you value this land as providing place. The diversity of large herbivores and and microorganisms did not evolve in livestock forage—a critical part of your carnivores in California was once similar to isolation from each other—they co-evolved economic viability. However, others see the that of Africa’s plains. The state’s grass- as incredibly complex communities of value of these grasslands as scenic vistas lands supported the saber-toothed cat, life. Whether working ranches or public with seasonal carpets of wildflowers and American lions (larger than African lions), preserves, removing the effects of large the other various life forms that make up large dire wolves, cheetahs, and short-faced herding animals can result in the decline the ecosystem. It may come as a surprise to bears, not to mention the grizzly bear, of the diversity of life for many grassland you, but many are beginning to understand grey wolves, and jaguars that still exist areas. Likewise, failing to properly plan that these two views fit hand in hand. elsewhere. livestock grazing can cause a decline in Modern livestock production on grassland health. California’s grasslands is a relatively Our native grasslands evolved over Excessive accumulation of standing recent addition to the landscape. We know litter occurs on some sites, preventing that long before the first livestock herds millions of years with a grazing regime in successful establishment of many annual quickly expanded in California, large herds place. The diversity of large herbivores and and perennial plant species. Excessive of wildlife once occupied these lands. removal of litter fails to protect the soil and They roamed the landscape, grazing and carnivores in California was once similar to habitat for many species. Excessive grazing/ trampling their way along. The great variety that of Africa’s plains. of plant species and other life not only workshop report, continued on page 15

14 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 workshop report, continued from page 14 animals, including livestock, can result in of California’s native grasses and grassland loss of native annual and perennial plant ecosystems through education, advocacy, browsing during the growing season can species in a wide array of California’s research, and stewardship. Upholding their suppress plant growth, vigor, reproduction, ecological sites. Likewise, herding animals, mission, and in collaboration with the and even survival of some species. Only whether livestock or wildlife, can cause California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), planning the sound use of livestock is likely decline or loss of native species when the CNGA offered a workshop last fall for land- to address whatever grassland health objec- plant physiological and ecological require- owners, public land managers, open space tives the manager has identified. ments for success are either ignored or districts, ranchers, and others interested in creating a grazing plan to manage grasslands. The sold-out two-day workshop, Developing a Sustainable Graz- ing Plan to Manage Native Grasslands, was held in Santa Rosa at the Pepper- wood Preserve. The workshop attracted a diverse group of land managers, includ- ing ranch managers, staff of the California Department of Fish and Game, California State Parks, water Workshop participants sharing ideas at Pepperwood Preserve Photo: Kent Reeves districts, and local land trusts. Kent Reeves, Yolo County Parks and Resources Depart- ment, the lead work- shop architect, and Richard King, USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Certified Educator in Holistic Management, were workshop instruc- tors, emphasizing the importance of why and how livestock can Classroom session on the veranda Photo: Kent Reeves be used to improve grassland health. Using well-managed Research, ranging from the moist may still be unknown to science or land grazing is fundamental to the future of coastal prairies to the dry vernal pool land- managers. California grassland health, and few other scapes in the Central Valley, supports the The Workshop. The CNGA goal is to notion that excessive “rest” from herding promote, preserve, and restore the diversity workshop report, continued on page 16

Winter 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 15 ‹›

workshop report, continued from page 15 is critical whenever more than one person on grazing leases to achieve management is involved. For leased or rented land, objectives of nonprofit and government tools besides domestic livestock are either the lack of flexibility can ruin the work- entities on open space lands, preserves, available or practical to mimic natural pro- ing relationship needed for a successful refuges, and water district properties. cesses and the complex interconnectedness partnership between the land manager and Participants very much appreciated his of herding animals and grassland health. the livestock producer. Without flexibility to willingness to spend time explaining how A principal component of the workshop adjust a grazing plan from year to year, and both the rancher and land manager can was the need to maintain flexibility when whenever needed as circumstances change, more effectively work together to support implementing a grazing program. Thinking either the land manager or livestock pro- common interests. like a team with clear and shared objectives ducer (or both) will suffer a setback. The importance of a holistic perspective Whether working ranches or public for a management program was stressed at the workshop. Not many land managers preserves, removing the effects of large ❝The workshop provided a great in California have developed sound and herding animals can result in the decline oppor­tunity for participants to sustainable grazing plans—plans that are develop a site-specific grazing plan ecologically, socially, and financially sound. of the diversity of life for many grassland for the Pepperwood Preserve, yet Whether a land management agency or a areas. Likewise, failing to properly plan remain flexible enough to adapt rancher, both face the reality of needing to a wide variety of ecological to manage their resources in a way that livestock grazing can cause a decline in conditions. The workshop presenters creates a win/win/win between the land, grassland health. covered a wide variety of concerns people, and money involved. Anything else for those interested in utilizing will not be successful for very long. “This workshop was a unique opportu- grazing as a tool to manage Using the Pepperwood Preserve as an nity to share with a variety of land mangers example, participants actually walked grasslands. Participants were how grazing can be a successful manage- through the steps of planning a grazing challenged to rethink approaches ment tool for California grasslands,” stated program. Through a real scenario of Shene. “It was great that CCA worked with to grazing management to meet developing a managed grazing plan for the CNGA to provide the necessary training to the ecological and social needs preserve, workshop participants gained those interested in reinstating grazing on of land managers. Workshop experience in using a step-by-step grazing lands under their jurisdiction.” presenters combined scientific planning process. This planning process Finding common ground leads to col- research, real-life case studies, helps ensure that the great complexity of laborative efforts to achieve common goals. practical rancher experience, and a variables affecting the land and livestock CCA has been working with a variety of state little humor and cowboy poetry to are remembered and addressed. It ensures agencies that own land that could finan- challenge participants to develop livestock are in the right place, at the right cially and ecologically benefit from a man- grazing plans that meet their time, and for the right reasons. aged grazing program. CNGA’s educational ecological, financial, and societal In addition to materials covered during program aligns with CCA’s efforts, training needs. Beautiful weather, the workshop, other sources of information staff of those agencies to create grazing knowledgeable presenters, and and assistance were emphasized. Examples programs that can contribute to meet- a jovial group of participants included CCA, Resource Conservation ing management objectives on properties Districts, and USDA-NRCS. The University made for a fun and transformative around the state. of California Cooperative Extension has The California Native Grasslands educational experience. I would livestock and natural resources specialists Association www.cnga.org is a signatory recommend this workshop for ‹ › throughout the state who provide an excel- partner of the California Rangeland Con- anyone willing to challenge lent source of scientific expertise. servation Coalition. Dozens of partners play their preconceived notions of According to workshop participants, a critical role in the Rangeland Coalition’s grazing management. ❞ CCA member Tom Schene from Dixon, education and outreach on the benefits of California, was a much appreciated well managed grazing for natural resource Michael Gillogly, Preserve Manager component to the program. Schene shared benefits. Please visit www.carangeland.org Pepperwood Preserve ‹ › with participants a rancher’s perspective for more information.

16 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 ‹›

CNGA Field Day at Hedgerow Farms Winters, CA Friday, April 17th, 2009 | 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity for practical, hands-on learning about native grasses and grassland restoration. The event is set at Hedgerow Farms, a renowned Northern California native grassland seed production farm and home of numerous restoration sites. This full-day event will feature: • Field identification of dozens of native grassland species and an overview of their characteristics and applications; • Tours of restoration sites, including grasslands, roadsides, hedgerows, orchards, canal banks, tailwater ponds, wetlands, and riparian forests; • Field presentations of several grassland experimental trials and academic studies; • Field presentation on soils and site preparation; • Field demonstrations of grassland establishment and management tools and techniques; • An overview of the seed production process. Continuing education hours for pesticide licensees are pending DPR approval.

Sponsored by the California Native Grasslands Association. Hedgerow Farms is generously co-sponsoring this event and providing the venue and lunch for all attendees. Instructors will include John Anderson, Hedgerow Farms staff, and CNGA instructors TBA Registration fees: Students: $30; CNGA members: $40; Nonmembers: $50.

Registration Form: CNGA Field Day at Hedgerow Farms | April 17, 2009 Mail to: CNGA, P.O. Box 8327, Woodland, CA 95776 Fax to: 530-661-2280 Participant’s name (print or type, please) ______Participant’s organization or agency (optional) ______Mailing Address: Street ______City ______State ____ Zip ______Preferred phone ______Preferred e-mail ______How shall CNGA contact you to confirm your registration?  mail to above address  e-mail to above address  Fax to ______Registration Fee  $30/students;  $40/CNGA members;  $50/non-members  Payment by check made payable to California Native Grasslands Association  Payment by credit card (please check type)  Visa  MasterCard  American Express Card number______Expiration date_____/_____ Authorized signature ______If you have questions concerning registration, please contact CNGA by phone/fax: 530-661-2280, or e-mail: a d m i n @c n g a .o r g . Credit card registrations may be sent by fax. Please do not send credit card information in e-mail.

Winter 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 17

Holistic Grazing Planning Principles: Unleashing California Native Perennial Grasses and Forbs Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Instructors: Richard J. King, USDA-NRCS, Certified Educator in Holistic Management Kelly Mulville, Rancher/Grazier, Certified Educator in Holistic Management

Registration, in conjunction with the CNGA/SERCAL Annual Conference, will begin in late January. See ‹www.CNGA.org› and ‹www.sercal.org› for details.

hether you love cows or hate Richard King has been employed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation them, learn why and how Service for over 30 years as a rangeland specialist. With a B.S. in Wildlife Man- Wlivestock can either help pro- agement (minor Range Management) from Humboldt State University, and an tect and restore native species in our M.S. in Biology from Northern Arizona University, he currently assists NRCS California grasslands or destroy them. Field Offices in northern California. A life member of the Society for Range The key is how they are managed. And Management, Richard also became a certified educator in Holistic Management that requires sound planning to ensure in 1999. He raises grass-fattened freezer beef while improving biodiversity, pro- that livestock are in the right place at ducing income, and building soil organic matter near Petaluma. the right time and for the right reasons. Need help? This workshop is for you. Kelly Mulville has worked in ecological restoration, farming, and livestock A morning indoor session will explain management throughout the Southwest. He currently manages Swallow Valley the principles, and during an afternoon Farm in Valley Ford, California, manages sheep grazing on a number of vine- field trip you will see how they can be yards, is a certified educator in Holistic Management, and helps design farms and applied. Lunch provided. vineyards.

When you realize life on both sides of the fence is suffering and begin to think there's got to be a better way, what will you do?

18 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 Id e n t i f y i n g a n d Ap p r e c i a t i n g t h e Na t i v e a n d Na t u r a l i z e d Gr a s s e s o f Ca l i fo r n i a

CNGA Spring Grass ID Workshop: two-day class and field course for the beginner Central California Workshop Saturday and Sunday, May 16–17, 2009 San Luis Obispo, CA 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sign-up deadline: May 8, 2009 $220/members; $260 nonmembers The theme of this workshop is “Grasses are fun and easy to identify.” Our goal is to learn the basic skills of identifying grasses. Day #1: we will learn about California’s grassland ecology, the qualities of Day #2: we will explore local grasslands in the field, rich with a diverse specific native grasses for restoration, and become skilled at recogniz- assemblage of native and naturalized grasses, and make use of our ing the basic groups and common species through our work with plant new understanding and skills. Bring a 10× hand lens, notebook, scotch samples in the classroom setting. We will review both the old Tribe tape, and any field guides to grasses you may have. Recommended method of identifying grasses as well as the artificial key methodology texts are the Jepson Manual, the Hitchcock Manual, and Beecher focusing on the important distinguishing traits. A valuable class Crampton’s Grasses in California (U.C. Press). Information and directions syllabus binder and basic keys will be provided. Lunch included. will be sent with paid registration. Sign up early; the workshop is limited to 30 people. Instructors: David Amme, Wildland Vegetation Program Manager, East Bay Regional Park District, and Wade Belew, Restorationist, Cotati Creek Critters Registration Form Complete and return as soon as possible. Mail to: CNGA, P.O. Box 8327, Woodland, California 95776; Fax to: (530) 661-2280 Yes, Sign me up for the San Luis Obispo Grass ID Workshop Participant’s name (type or print please)______Mailing address ______City ______State ______Zip code ______How shall CNGA contact you to confirm your registration?  fax to ______ mail to above mailing address  e-mail to ______Registration fee: $220/members; $260 nonmembers  Payment by check, payable to California Native Grasslands Association  Payment by credit card (please check type)  Visa  MasterCard  American Express Card Number ______Expiration date ___/___ Authorized signature ______If you have questions concerning registration and venue, please contact: Judy G-Scott, Administrative Director, CNGA, by phone or fax: (530) 661-2280; or e-mail: a d m i n @c n g a .o r g .

Winter 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 19

CNGA and SERCAL present: A Confluence of Perspectives and Experience Habitat Restoration in California's Central Valley

April 29–May 3, 2009, at Lake Natoma Inn on the wild and scenic American River www.lakenatomainn.com • 702 Gold Lake Drive, Folsom, California 95630

Extended abstract submission deadline: Monday, January 26

Information/Questions: Contact: Susan Clark, Conference Coordinator: s m c l a r k @l i g h t s p e e d .n e t or 661.634.9228 Judith G-Scott, CNGA Administrative Director: a d m i n @c n g a .o r g or 530.661.2280

20 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 Wed., April 29: Op t i o n a l Wo r k s h o p s Fri., May 1: Co n f e r e n c e TECHNICAL SESSIONS Soil Based Approach to Sustainable Revegeta- Morning Concurrent Technical Sessions (3) tion and Erosion Resistance Poster and Exhibitor Sessions Technology in Habitat Restoration: Recent Instructor: Dr. Vic Claassen, Soil Scientist, Hosted Lunch, Membership Meeting, Poster Advances in Restoring, Monitoring, and UC Davis Awards Managing Landscapes Restoration Project Construction Oversight and Afternoon Concurrent Technical Sessions (3) Andrew Fulks, Chair—Manager, Putah Management Creek Riparian Reserve, UC Davis Sat., May 2: p t i o n a l i e l d r i p s Instructors: Kevin MacKay, Senior Restoration O F T Restoration Opportunities within Work- Ecologist/Project Director, and Steve Seville, C.E., Burke Ranch Playa Vernal Pools ing Agricultural and Ranching Landscapes ICF Jones & Stokes Leader: Matt Gause, Senior Ecologist, Westervelt Carol Presley, P.E., Chair—Pajaro River Holistic Grazing Planning Principles: Unleashing Ecological Services Regional Programs Manager, Santa Clara California Native Perennial Grasses and Forbs UC Davis Russell Ranch: Integrating Research Valley Water District Instructors: Richard King, USDA NRCS, Certified with Habitat Restoration and Management Working Grasslands: Managing for Educator in Holistic Management; Kelly Mulville, Leader: Andrew Fulks, Manager, Putah Creek Diversity Rancher/Grazier, Certified Educator in Holistic Riparian Reserve, UC Davis Management Kent Reeves, Chair—Natural Resources Yolo County's Grassland Regional Park Division Manager, Yolo County Department Thurs., April 30: Co n f e r e n c e Leader: Kent Reeves, Natural Resources Division of Parks and Natural Resources Registration Manager, Yolo County Parks and Resources Dept. Reclaiming the Sacramento–San Joaquin Hosted Continental Breakfast Central Valley Riparian and Wetland Restora­ Delta: Wetland Restoration in the Delta Plenary Session tion: Major Rivers to Managed Wetlands and Bay Region Leader: Harry Oakes, Habitat Restoration Planner, Kevin MacKay, Chair—Senior Restoration Hosted Lunch ICF Jones & Stokes Ecologist/Project Director, ICF Jones & Poster and Exhibitor Sessions Stokes Cornflower Farms Nursery Tour Afternoon Concurrent Technical Sessions (3) Leader: Neal Funston, Cornflower Farms Vernal Pool Restoration and Effectiveness Evening Poster Reception ~ Appetizer Buffet Monitoring for Special-Status Species and No-Host Cocktails Sat.–Sun., May 2–3: Op t i o n a l Wo r k s h o p Carl Jensen, Chair—Design-Build Director/ Identifying and Appreciating The Native and Landscape Architect, Wildlands, Inc. Naturalized Grasses of California (Day 1: Class- Seed and Plant Material Techniques Registration room; Day 2: Field Trip) for Site Restoration Registration materials will be available in Instructors: David Amme, Wildland Vegetation late January at www.CNGA.org and David Amme, Chair—Wildland Vegetation ‹ › Program Manager, East Bay Regional Park www.sercal.org . CNGA members will Program Manager, East Bay Regional Park ‹ › District; Wade Belew, Restorationist, Cotati Creek receive membership packets in the mail. District Critters Incorporating Civil Engineering and Modeling into Habitat Restoration 2009 SERCAL / CNGA Annual Conference Steve Seville, P.E., Chair—Senior Habitat Sponsorship Opportunities Restoration/Project Director, ICF Jones & Stokes ithout sponsorship support, Sponsor Levels Climate Change: Issues, Impacts and we would not be able to keep Student Scholarships $ 200 each Responses conference registration fees at Slender Orcutt Grass 500 W Yellow-Billed Cuckoo 1,000 Michael Hogan, Chair—Soil Scientist, a reasonable level for our attendees, President, Integrated Environmental nor would we be able to generate the Downingia 2,000 Burrowing Owl 3,000 Restoration Services, Inc. operating capital necessary to move our PREMIER Sponsor 5,000 Grassland Ecology and Restoration organizations forward. (Single sponsorship) Randi Paris, Chair—Forester, Klamath This year, more than ever, we need your help! Basin Watershed Team, USDA–Natural Complete details about sponsorship, exhibiting, and benefit packages will be available soon Resource Conservation Service at ‹www.CNGA.org› and ‹www.sercal.org›.

Winter 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 21 Inside Election Results/Board BiosCNGA he election results for the 2009 CNGA the Board members who were voted in take place at the January 23, 2009, Board Board of Directors are in! The 97 during this election. For a complete list of meeting. Tballots received represent approxi- Board members, see the masthead on A huge thank you to outgoing Board mately 17 percent of the CNGA member- page 2 or the contact list on page 27. members Tom Annese and Erik Ganten- ship, well beyond the 5 percent minimum Welcome and congratulations to the bein. We look forward to their continued specified in the bylaws. Below are bios for newest directors. An official welcome will participation in CNGA.

Officers Sara is a Restoration Ecologist for The Nature multi-association effort (CNGA, SERCAL, Cal-IPC, and President-Elect Conservancy (TNC). Stationed at the Cosumnes River SRF) to push for “green infrastructure” legislation at Wade Belew is Stewardship Coordinator for a Preserve near Galt, her grassland-related duties in- the U.S. Congressional level. As past CNGA Treasurer, volunteer-powered urban stream restoration project clude conducting manipulative experiments in vernal Jim prepared an income and expense tracking in Sonoma County. While playful in name, Cotati pool grasslands, preparing grassland seed palettes, program to forecast outlays for workshops and other Creek Critters (w w w .cotaticreekcritters.i n f o ) is seri- and advising on grassland restoration and manage- CNGA educational efforts. He plans to continue this ous about engaging local residents in restoring the ment. Other duties include conducting ongoing program in 2009. ecological infrastructure that serves their community. vegetation monitoring in floodplain and riparian Jim brings to the Board a belief that public agen- Two years ago, Wade joined CNGA as a member habitats, writing resource monitoring/management cies, as common practice, should protect and secure to expand his botanical knowledge necessary to plans, coordinating with all outside researchers, hir- California’s remaining native prairies and grasslands complete an understory restoration project. Offering ing and supervising seasonal technicians, conducting during project planning, construction, and long-term to help bring the Annual Conference to Santa Rosa, easement monitoring, and advising on non-grass- land management. He supports the organization's Wade became interested in joining the Board. land restoration and management. work in educating the public and policymakers on The May 2008 Annual Conference allowed him to Prior to joining TNC, Sara was a restoration the value and conservation of California's native collaborate with local resource agencies to support ecologist for Restoration Resources, a design/build grassland resources. CNGA with financial sponsorships and in-kind ecological restoration company near Sacramento. She Members at Large contributions. earned a Master’s degree in weed science from UC Clare Golec is currently employed with the Califor- During 2009, Wade would like to increase Davis. Her research focused on the use of prescribed nia Department of Transportation as a Revegetation CNGA's capability to reach out to people who ap- burning to control three invasive exotic grasses: Specialist with the Landscape Architecture Branch. preciate California grasslands, like birdwatchers or medusahead, barb goatgrass, and ripgut brome. She is involved with a new program and position wildflower enthusiasts. Nature lovers who would However, her experience with grassland restoration in Caltrans to address roadside native revegetation, support CNGA’s mission may be less interested in extends even earlier, to her undergraduate years which includes developing appropriate planting the technical aspects that are the focus of most of when she volunteered with a land stewardship pro- palettes, implementing environmental revegeta- the programming. As chair of the Advocacy and gram and did an undergraduate thesis on tidy tips. tion mitigation, and promoting awareness of native Collaboration Committee, he will continue to seek Treasurer plant genetic and diversity concerns. Clare previ- opportunities for CNGA to serve as a fiscal sponsor Jim Hanson manages environmental mitigation ously worked for the Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game’s for restoration, education, planning, or any project or and highway planting projects for the State Depart- Region 3 Timber Program at the Fort Bragg inland program that furthers the goals of the organization. ment of Transportation within the nine Bay Area office. There she reviewed Timber Harvesting Plans Secretary counties. He has also designed and built landscape with regard to natural resource protection, stream Sara Sweet has served as Secretary for CNGA for projects with a sustainable focus, using warm- and alteration agreements, and sensitive species. Past the past 2 years and will continue her commitment cool-season native grasses. work experience also included staff botanist for a to providing accurate and thorough records. Her During this last year on the CNGA Board, Jim private consulting firm in Northwestern California, detailed note-taking during Board meetings provides helped organize the annual meeting on native and as a survey and forestry technician with the U.S. an important summary and synthesis of the many grassland conservation, wrote a grant application, Forest Service Northwest Experimental Station and activities CNGA undertakes. helped develop the annual plan, and spearheaded a three national forests.

22 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 InsideCNGA continued Clare’s overall work experience has included scientists, CNGA, managers, and the public to In 1992, Bryan completed a B.S. degree in planning and implementing native revegetation; trade advice, ideas, and information. Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from UC Davis. In 1993, developing revegetation training for environmental • keep CNGA abreast of the most recent research in he was hired by the Sacramento Regional County staff; vegetation delineation, classification, and grassland management and conservation. Sanitation District. He is currently the manager of mapping; rare plant assessment, survey, mitigation, Richard King has 32 years of experience in USDA- the 2,650-acre Bufferlands, which surrounds the and monitoring; stream assessment and wetland de- NRCS as a rangeland and wildlife management spe- Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in lineation, mitigation, and monitoring; road and ca- cialist assisting landowners. He worked in Arizona, Elk Grove. The Bufferlands are managed with an em- dastral surveys; erosion control guidelines; marbled for 8 years and throughout Northern California since phasis on wildlife habitat conservation. For 16 years, murrelet and northern spotted owl surveys; WHR 1982. In 1999 he became a Certified Educator in Bryan has been involved with many successful habi- and northern spotted owl habitat mapping; timber Holistic Management and has a passion for practic- tat restoration and management programs, including cruising, grading, inventory, and harvest layout; and ing and helping others learn a new framework for several hundred acres of grassland projects. botanical input for environmental and educational decision-making that simultaneously addresses the Bryan has been an active member of CNGA documents. Clare received a B.A. in Botany at Hum- short-term and long-term complexity of managing throughout his professional natural resource man- boldt State University and continues her education land, people, and money—successfully. agement career. He was first elected to the CNGA through botanical societies and workshops. He is a lifetime member of the Society for Range Board in 2004 and was reelected in 2006. During his second term, he served as chair of the CNGA Work- Sarah Hoskinson became enthusiastic about plant Management and has long worked at helping shop Committee. Bryan looks forward to continuing conservation and restoration while growing up in the range profession shed old paradigms so that to lead the efforts of this hardworking committee the foothills of Adirondack Park in northern New range­land health in California “annual” grasslands as well as use his enthusiasm for native grasslands York and witnessing the decline of the park’s native can be greatly improved. Richard believes: (a) we and prudent decision-making to foster the continued plants at the hands of invasive plants and pests, underestimate how “native” perennial species on growth of the Association and to further support its poor land stewardship, and other threats. Sarah has “annual” grasslands can be increased by mimicking worthwhile mission. been committed to understanding and mitigating the natural processes in which these species evolved; these threats ever since. After finishing her degree in (b) the degree of invasiveness by an introduced spe- Board Alternate Environmental Science and Biology at Colby College cies is typically a symptom of biodiversity loss due to Dave Kaplow has been restoring and managing in Maine, Sarah implemented grassland and forest past or current management rather than the species native grasslands and native plant communities restoration projects for The Nature Conservancy in being the cause; thus, time and money should first for over 25 years. After receiving his M.S. from UC Virginia. More recently, she worked for the State be spent on the causal problem (management) not Berkeley in Wildland Resource Science in 1983, he of Vermont Wetlands Protection and Restoration the symptom (invasive weeds); and (c) planning helped found the Berkeley nonprofit DAWN (Design Program, where she organized a statewide outreach livestock use based on perennial species vigor and Associates Working with Nature). DAWN, which program for landowners and a system to prioritize reproduction remains the most misunderstood and included such members as Dave Amme, Charlie restoration and conservation of wetlands. underutilized tool for grassland management or Danielsen, and Dennis Martinez, pioneered the As a second-year Ecology graduate student at “restoration.” He observes that genuine shifts in long- collection of native grass seed and the beginnings of UC Davis, Sarah is committed to finding ways to link held paradigms are steadily occurring in California. native grassland restoration in California. academics and management. This connection is a Since 1991, Richard enjoys raising grass-fattened In 1987, Dave founded Pacific OpenSpace, Inc., priority in her research, which aims to develop tech- beef, building biodiversity above and below ground, in Petaluma, specializing in the management and niques to manage soil conditions to enhance weed and increasing “native” perennial grassland species restoration of native plant communities. Pacific resistance in restored native grasslands. Sarah looks on 40 acres that were part of his great-grandparents’ OpenSpace owns and operates the North Coast forward to strengthening the connections between farm on the outskirts of Petaluma. Native Nursery, which grows plants for restoration CNGA and research groups through collaboration and Bryan Young has been developing, promoting, projects and natural landscapes. information exchange by helping to: preserving, and restoring California native grassland Dave has planned and implemented restoration • establish a research partnership where CNGA and ecosystems since 1991, when he went to work for projects on a wide variety of habitats, including na- academic collaborators work together to identify native grass seed producer John Anderson at Hedge- tive grasslands, wetlands, riparian zones, woodlands, information gaps and research needs that would row Farms in Winters, CA. Bryan not only acquired a and coastal bluffs. His native grassland restorations enhance the effectiveness of native grassland great amount of skill and knowledge identifying and are usually small- to medium-sized projects near conservation and restoration. establishing native grasslands, but he also picked up populated areas, where the grasses are maintained • open regular communication among academic a healthy disdain for invasive exotics. by mowing and other mechanical methods.

Winter 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 23

California native grassland seed • Multiple ecotypes available Visit our website or contact us for more • Seed mixes that are customized for your needs information! • A plug plant nursery Phone: (530) 662-6847 • Native grass straw from clean production fields Fax: (530) 662-2753 Project consulting with years of experience • Headquarters: 21905 County Road 88 • Site-specific contract growing Winters, CA 95694 Mailing Address: 21740 County Road 88 • Educational tours for schools, organizations, Winters, CA 95694 agencies, and individuals www.hedgerowfarms.com [email protected]

California Native Seeds Wildflower & Grass Seed Mixes for Erosion Control, Landscaping & Reclamation

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24 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009 CNGA’s Bu nc h g r a s s Ci r c l e Life Members Corporate Members Jack Alderson Charlice Danielsen Paul Kephart Diane Renshaw Muhlenbergia rigens level Jane Anderson James Dekloe Charlotte Kimball John Roberts Hedgerow Farms John Anderson Robert Delzell Lenora Kirby Warren Roberts Nassella pulchra level Fred Ballerini Rene di Rosa Ron Lutsko, Jr. Craig S. Rust Delta Bluegrass • Pacific Coast Seed • S&S Seed Sheila Barry Jerome Domurat Rod MacDonald Victor Schaff Poa secunda level Bob Battagin Bruce Eisenman Eugene Majerowicz Robert Schott Elkhorn Native Plant Nursery • Restoration Resources F. Thomas Biglione John R. Ekhoff Carolyn Malmstrom Susan Schwartz Jack Booth David Gilpin Tamia Marg Jon Shilling Associate Members Janice Bridge Jim Hanson Rhonda and Bob Mark Jacob Sigg American River Parkway Foundation Cindy Burrascano Barbara Herren Ron Martinolich Diana Steidl Audubon Canyon Ranch, Cypress Grove Research Center Sallie J. Calhoun Lesley Hunt Ruth Mazur Robert Stephens City of Davis • Contra Costa Water District Sally Casey Richard Ibarra Mary Kate McKenna Scott Stewart County of Orange, RDMD/Harbors, Beaches and Parks Frank Chan Ellie Insley Richard Nichols Lillian Vallee Hollister Ranch • Livermore Area Recreation and Park District Vic Claassen Joni Janecki Paul Ostler MaryAnn Warmerdam Los Angeles Chapter, California Native Plant Society Mike Conner David Kaplow Carol Presley John Wick Oak Creek Energy Systems • Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District Anne Corey David B. Kelley Peggy Rathman Margaret Willits San Luis National Wildlife Refuge • Sun City Lincoln Hills Duane Cornett Micki Kelly Paul Reeberg Jeanne Wirka Thomas Klope Associates. • Truax Company, Inc. • Wildlands, Inc. David Yam Yolo County Resource Conservation District

Rob de Bree Nursery Manager Kat DeDontney Office Manager

1957B Highway 1 Moss Landing, CA 95039 Q 831 763 1207 FAX 831 763 1659

[email protected]; www.elkhornnursery.com

Winter 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 25

Restoration Opportunities Free Restoration Training Program Send calendar entries and announcements for the spring ‘09 issue Back to Natives Restoration in San Juan Capistrano has by March 29, to a d m i n @CNGA.o r g . partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to provide a 9-month Sat., February 28 restoration volunteer training program. Back to Natives will Introduction to Lichen Identification. Sponsored by the Friends of the educate volunteers in dry restoration practices within the Chico State Herbarium, Chico, CA. For registration form and a calendar of Cleveland National Forest. For additional information and to upcoming workshops, go to ‹www.csuchico.edu/biol/Herb/Events.html›. sign up for this free training program, please e-mail Sat., March 14 restoration @backtonatives .o r g . Introduction to Identifying Northern California Grasses (Poaceae). The 2008–2009 classes have already begun, but partici- Sponsored by the Friends of the Chico State Herbarium, Chico, CA. For pants are welcome to join in at any time. The remaining dates registration form and a calendar of upcoming workshops, go to ‹www.csuchico are: .edu/biol/Herb/Events.html›. • February 21, Wed.–Fri., March 18–20 • March 21, Developing a Sustainable Grazing Plan to Manage Native Grasslands, • April 25, and at Hastings Reserve, Monterey County. Instructors: Kent Reeves and Richard • May 16. King. For registration information, contact Judy at a d m i n @CNGA.o r g . Visit ‹http://www.backtonatives.org/usfs.htm› for a Sat.–Sun., March 28–29 registration form and an event waiver. Growing Natives: Celebrating California’s Beauty in Dry Times, Lafayette Community Center and Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Berkeley. For registra- Volunteer Habitat Restoration tion information, contact ‹www.nativeplants.org›. Back to Natives also offers volunteer habitat restoration Fri., April 17 opportunities (weeding, planting, and seeding) in Southern CNGA Field Day at Hedgerow Farms. Winters, CA. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Practical, California. RSVP for any of the events listed below at hands-on learning about native grasses and grassland restoration. Instructors: v o l u n t e e r @backtonatives .o r g or 949-509-4787; BTN will John Anderson, Hedgerow Farms staff, and CNGA instructors TBA. Registration send directions and more info. Always bring gloves, fees: Students: $30; CNGA members: $40; Nonmembers: $50. For program sunscreen, a re-useable water bottle, snacks, a hat, and closed details and registration, phone/fax Judy at 530-661-2280, or e-mail a d m i n @ toed shoes. CNGA.o r g . See page 17. Upcoming dates: Wed., Apr. 29 • Jan. 26, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Jeronimo Creek, Mission Viejo Holistic Grazing Planning Principles: Unleashing California Native • Jan. 26, 12:30–2:30 p.m., San Juan Elementary’s Perennial Grasses and Forbs. 8 a.m.–4 p.m., in conjunction with CNGA/SERCAL joint Annual Conference, Lake Natoma Inn, Folsom, CA. Instructors: Richard Habitat Garden, San Juan Capistrano King and Kelly Mulville. See pages 20–21. • Feb. 8, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Caspers Wilderness Park, San Wed. Apr. 29–Sun., May 3 Juan Capistrano CNGA/SERCAL Joint Annual Conference—A Confluence of Perspectives • Feb. 9, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Jeronimo Creek, Mission Viejo and Experience: Habitat Restoration in California’s Central Valley. Lake • Feb. 9, 12:30–2:30 p.m., San Juan Elementary’s Habitat Natoma Inn, Folsom, CA. Technical sessions, posters, workshops, field trips, Garden, San Juan Capistrano more. See pages 20–21. Check ‹www.CNGA.org› for updates. • Feb. 22, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Mason Regional Park, Irvine Sat.–Sun., May 2–3 • Mar. 8, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Caspers Wilderness Park, San CNGA Spring Grass ID Workshop–Northern California, in conjunction Juan Capistrano with CNGA/SERCAL joint Annual Conference, Lake Natoma Inn, Folsom, CA. • Mar. 22, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Mason Regional Park, Irvine 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn the basic skills of identifying grasses; classroom and field study. Instructors: Dave Amme and Wade Belew. See pp. 20–21. • Apr. 12, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Caspers Wilderness Park, San Juan Capistrano Sat.–Sun., May 16–17 CNGA Spring Grass ID Workshop–Central California, San Luis Obispo, CA. • Apr. 26, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Mason Regional Park, Irvine 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn the basic skills of identifying grasses; classroom and • May 10, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Caspers Wilderness Park, San field study. Instructors: Dave Amme and Wade Belew. Registration fees: $220/ Juan Capistrano members; $260/nonmenbers, Registration deadline May 8. See p. 19. • May 24, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Mason Regional Park, Irvine

26 | G R A S S L A N D S Winter 2009

Membership Application Detach and mail this form with a check made out to CNGA. | Send to: CNGA, P.O. Box 8327, Woodland, CA 95776. | Students, send photocopy of current ID. Name______Title______Organization______Street______City______State______Zip______Phone______Fax______E-mail______CNGA members have voting status, and receive “Grasslands” and discounts to CNGA events. Individual Membership ■ Regular member: $45/year ■ Student/retired: $30/year ■ Life member: (one-time payment) $500 Individual Joint Membership ■ CNGA + SERCAL*: $70/year ■ CNGA + Cal-IPC**: $75/year ■ CNGA + SERCAL* + Cal-IPC**: $105 *SERCAL = California Society for Ecological Restoration • **Cal-IPC = California Invasive Plant Council Corporate Membership ■ Associate or Agency level: $125/yr. Full membership benefits for three members within the same small business or agency location. ■ Poa secunda level: $300/yr. Includes a small (business-card size) ad for 1 year in Grasslands, a free booth at the Annual Conference, and two employee members. ■ Nassella pulchra level: $500/yr. Includes a quarter-page ad in Grasslands for 1 year, a free booth at the Annual Conference, and five employee members. ■ Muhlenbergia rigens level: $1,000/yr. Includes a half-page ad in Grasslands for 1 year, a free booth at the Annual Conference, and ten employee members. CNGA Contact List Board of Directors At-Large Members Melissa Mooney (2008–2009) Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Officers Andrew Fulks (2008–2009) 624 W. Foster Rd., Suite C David Amme, President UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve Santa Maria, CA 93455-6250 East Bay Regional Park District 2723 Ganges Pl., Davis, CA 95616 805-934-6587; Fax: 805-934-6258 2950 Peralta Oaks Ct., Oakland, CA 94605 530-752-0763; E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 510-544-2344; E-mail: [email protected] Clare Golec (2009–2010) Kellie Morgantini (2008–2009) Randi Paris, Past President Caltrans, Eureka Office—Distr. 1 P.O. Box 3700; Eureka, CA 95502-3700 Morgantini Ranch; P.O. Box 759, Greenfield, CA 93927 P.O. Box 1991, Weaverville, CA 96093 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 707-445-6322; E-mail: [email protected] Zachary Principe (2008–2009) Wade Belew, President-elect Sarah Hoskinson (2009–2010) Dept. of Plant Sciences, UC Davis The Nature Conservancy Cotati Creek Critters; P.O. Box 7511, Cotati, CA 94931 402 W. Broadway, Suite 1350, San Diego, CA 92101 707-694-5086; E-mail: [email protected] 1210 PES, Mail Stop 1, 1 Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616 530-752-5609; E-mail: [email protected] 909-815-2227; E-mail: [email protected] Sara Sweet, Secretary Kent Reeves (2008–2009) The Nature Conservancy Richard King (2009–2010) Yolo County Department of Parks and Natural Resources 13501 Franklin Blvd., Galt, CA 95632 USDA NRCS; 1301 Redwood Way, Suite 215, 120 W. Main St., Suite C, Woodland, CA 95695 916-683-1767; E-mail: [email protected] Petaluma, CA 94954 530-406-4888; E-mail: [email protected] 707-794-8692 x120; E-mail: [email protected] Jim Hanson, Treasurer Bryan Young (2009–2010) Caltrans: Mitigation and Highway Landscaping JP Marié (2008–2009) UC Davis Office of Resource Management & Planning Sacramento Regional County Sanitation Dist. 8521 438 49th St., Oakland, CA 94609 (mailing) Laguna Station Rd., Elk Grove, CA 95758 510-450-2450 (day) 376 Mrak Hall, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616 530-304-3251; E-mail: [email protected] 916-875-9273 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Staff Alternate Member Judy G-Scott Mary Rodgers David Kaplow (2009–2010) Administrative Director Grasslands Managing Editor P.O. Box 744, Petaluma, CA 94953 P.O. Box 8327, Woodland, CA 95776 3661 56th St., Sacramento, CA 95820-2342 707-769-1213 Voice: 530-661-2280 E-mail: [email protected] 916-455-0563; E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Winter 2009 G R A S S L A N D S | 27 No n p r o f i t Or g . U.S. Po s t a g e PAID Pe r m i t No. 19 Di x o n , CA

P.O. Box 8327 Woodland, CA 95776 http://www.CNGA.org

RECYCLED PAPER

Front cover: Nassella pulchra along Yolo County Rd 95A. Photo: JP Marié, UC Davis Back cover: Vernal pool on Hwy 12 looking back at the mountains behind Fairfield. Photo: Dave Amme