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NEWSLETTER OF THE DOROTHY KING YOUNG CHAPTER CALIFORNIA NATIVE SOCIETY

PROGRAM – Annual Meeting Peter is a resource ecologist with the State Department of Parks and Recreation, and our local & Holiday Potluck Luncheon state parks keep him very busy. He is a past

Sunday, December 10, 12:00 Noon for Luncheon, president of the Milo Baker Chapter of CNPS and is 1:30 PM for program, Greenwood Community Center, very active in the California Invasive Plant Council.

Hwy 1 in Elk. Speaker: Peter Warner Program: A Dose of Spring, 'Til the Real Thing – A sampling of local and state wildflower photos.

Our Potluck Luncheon and Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 10 at the Greenwood Community Center in Elk. Not only is this a fun meeting, but it’s also our Chapter Board Election, so Volunteer, our chapter be sure to show up and vote. Wine is allowed, so needs you! let’s get merry!

Two excellent new books will be on sale at reasonable prices: Native Treasure – Gardening PRESIDENT’S CORNER by Lori Hubbart With California’s Native by M. Nevin Smith (this sold out at our plant sale), and Ceanothus by Our chapter plant sale is turning into a popular local Dieter Wilken and David Fross. Native Plants for the event! People showed up as much as an hour early, Garden by Bornstein, Fross and O’Brien will also be clutching plant lists in their hands. After the sale we for sale. Buy a gift for someone special or treat even sold “surplus plants” that had not been brought yourself to a book. to the sale.

Please bring a main dish, salad or dessert to share, Gail Hamilton created a very classy flyer for the sale, plus dishes and flatware if possible. The Community featuring artwork that she obtained permission to use. Center is at the south end of Elk, right off Highway 1, The plant sale has a following now, and we have on the east side. We’ll try to have a CNPS sign out something to live up to. Our chapter will be looking front. for ways to keep the sale organized and get enough

Our speaker has a lifelong love affair with California’s plants grown. We do buy in plants in 4” pots and indigenous plants and wild places. Peter Warner is a grown them on to larger sizes. However, it is determined plant keyer, who won’t quit the field until important to provide plants that originated in our local area, which means doing our own growing. the last plant trickster has been properly identified. Go on one of his campouts and you are likely to be Growing local plants: does it entertained by Peter playing guitar and singing wistful ballads. Peter is also a renowned weed basher, matter? Instead of growing native plant cultivars working hard to make room for native plant from places like San Francisco or Monterey County, communities to restore themselves. we could be growing gorgeous, home-grown versions. A cultivar is a cultivated variety of a plant, Letters to the Editor? usually grown from cuttings taken from one particular plant. Nurseries and botanic gardens have introduced Questions about native plants? some cutting-grown cultivars from our area. A The above discussion about local plants (reviewed by mounding coyote bush, ‘Al’s Blue’ (from near Point botanist, Teresa Sholars) was inspired by a question Arena), and creeping manzanita, ‘Emerald Carpet’ from a chapter member, who also suggested that the (from Haven’s Neck), are just two examples. Calypso could print letters to the editor and questions

Many of the plants at our plant sales are grown from from chapter members. If you have a question or propagules of local plants, though not necessarily comment, please send it to our editor, Julia Larke, from “special” plants. In gardens, local plants are [email protected] or P.O. Box 1631, Fort Bragg, CA likely best adapted to our particular climate and soils. 95437. We’d love to hear from you, and we are lucky For wildlife, local plants often do the best job of to have a number of botanical and horticultural advisors to respond. Fire away! providing food and shelter.

Local plants also embody a “sense of place” to make FAREWELL TO FRIENDS a landscape look like the “Mendonoma” coast, rather Two people who were valued members of the DKY than some random place in anywhere U.S.A. We are Chapter passed away in October 2006: Marion working to offer a blue-eyed grass with white flowers, Perkins and Ray Van de Water. white Douglas iris, low-growing coyote bush and a low, creeping California fuchsia from the Gualala Marion Perkins: One of our longtime members, River – all propagated from local wild plants. Marion Perkins, died in October. Older members may recall holding Board meetings at the Perkins home on What about the local plants issue on a larger, the , in Manchester Beach State Park. Marion, ecological scale? This has been discussed and ever a gracious host, would invariably provide a lunch debated within CNPS and among scientists. People and we were treated to a sweeping view of the ocean ask, “Since plants move around naturally, why the from across the rolling dunes. concern about plants moving from one part of the state to another?”

The short answer is that natural movement of plant species usually happens slowly enough for ecosystems to adjust. However, many plants, including some native species, have been transported to new areas by humans, so the impact is quite sudden.

Sometimes one species can have dramatic effects on an ecosystem. When people bring in yellow bush lupine to an area beyond its natural range to stabilize dunes, the local plants and animals do not have time to adjust. This lupine not only stabilizes ecosystems that are based on moving and shifting Marion Perkins, left, Clare Wheeler-Sias with Bob sands, but it also fixes atmospheric nitrogen in the Perkins holding camera at a 1996 camping trip. Marion soil, providing too rich an environment for native had embroidered a shirt with Calypso orchids for Clare. plants while nurturing invasive, non-native weeds. These weeds tend to be poor providers for the needs Marion and Perk were enthusiastic campers with our of local wild animals. DKY Chapter in bygone years, and were close friends with Clare Wheeler-Sias, our former Camping Some people believe that with all the problems Chairperson. One of Marion’s talents was in getting caused by development, over-grazing and climate us started on a sing-along around an evening change, our actions at the local level don’t matter campfire. On flower walks she always demonstrated much. Why, then, should we try to do the right thing a very competent, convivial knowledge of the plants as individuals and as a CNPS chapter? Because we and it was a pleasure to accompany her on the walks. can – because it is one small area over which we have some control. It can be hard to see the whole She was always up for a good political discussion, picture, so we must act on the best information we too. Knowing that she grew up in Canada I’d bait her have, hoping for the best. a little about the Queen and Britains continued occupation of Northern Ireland and shed give me 2 November-December ’06 back a few salvos. She had a quick, open mind, groups. He will always be remembered and greatly though, and we could hold some very reasonable missed. discussions on the topic. In time, she became a Ray is survived by: his wife, Florence, now in a sympathetic Republican--Irish that is, not the GOP nursing home in Davis; his four children and their here! In fact, she was very informed on global politics mates, Marian and Kenneth Brown, Margaret Tarver through her reading of foreign affairs journals. She and Dave Twomey, Richard and Roberta Van De will be sorely missed. Water, and Mark and Judy Van de Water; seven She is survived by her husband, Bob Perkins, or grandchildren; and one great grandchild. A gathering Perk, who is currently in an assisted living home to celebrate Ray's life is planned for Saturday down south; and by their sons Frazier and Tom afternoon, Nov. 25, from 2-4 PM at Ken and Marian

Perkins and their wives, and six grandchildren. Brown's, 38570 Coral Court in Gualala, next door to

Ray Van de Water: He and his wife Florence were Ray and Flo's house. You can contact Marian Brown at 909-624-6488 in Claremont, CA. both active for many years in CNPS and they were an inspiration to our coastal community. PROFUSE THANKS TO OUR OUTGOING SECRETARY Rich Shimbor has decided not to run for re-election as DKY Board secretary, and he will certainly be missed. He did a superlative job taking minutes and turning them around rapidly. Rich has also been an astute and alert board member, working to assure that our actions were supported by sound information and conducted in a businesslike manner. Thank you, Rich, and we hope you will continue to enjoy native plant gardening and jubata grass bashing!

RECORDING SECRETARY NEEDED! Our chapter has many needs, but we Ray and Flo Van de Water really need a recording secretary now! We have

Before Ray and Flo retired to Gualala, he had worked been holding board meetings during the day in Point in San Francisco and commuted from the family Arena, with the date variable, according to board home in Danville, CA. He and Flo and their four members’ schedules. All you have to do is take children kept sheep, chickens, had an orchard, a minutes every other month and send them out, so vegetable garden, and an oak-studded hill with a email helps. Our next full board meeting will be in cave! Each year they would take a two weeklong January, though we do need someone to take family camping trip, which was the highlight of the minutes for the short, official portion of our December year for the whole family. meeting. If you are interested, please contact Lori, 882-1655 or [email protected]. When he and Florence retired, their home in Gualala became a place that they came to love beyond any FALL PLANT SALE A SUCCESS! other. They turned their attention to enjoyment of the by Jon Thompson beauty around them and to helping preserve that beauty for everyone. They were frequent participants The Fall Plant Sale was another great success, on wildflower walks and camping trips and took an thanks to all of the people who donated their time, active part in two local hiking groups. plants, expertise and knowledge to make our primary fundraiser even happen. We once again broke a Ray served as secretary of the Dorothy King Young record by grossing over $4,000 dollars! chapter of the California Native Plant Society and wrote a Conservation News column in the Calypso for The proceeds are greatly appreciated and will be many years. He was a member of the Gualala River used to help fund the continuing native plant Watershed Council, and was a founding director of education programs and other important conservation issues on the Mendocino coast. Redwood Coast Land Conservancy in 1992. The combination of his business experience, writing As reported in the last edition of the Calypso, I will not ability, and appreciation of the natural environment be coordinating the annual fall plant sale next year. I enabled him to provide significant service to these would like to thank everyone who helped me in any 3 November-December ’06 way with all plant sales throughout the years that I on steep slopes –that warring factions have have been Plant Sale Chairperson. prevented the adoption of an ordinance.

Now the county has come up with a draft grading ordinance that no one, neither the agricultural representatives nor environmental groups, seems to like. Since the county asked for public input, our chapter commented on the county’s unique situation of having land formations based on ancient marine terraces that are very prone to erosion, even though they are flat. A grading ordinance that focused only on slopes would not prevent erosion in those areas, nor would it protect pygmy forests. We await news on the county’s next move.

Fort Bragg Golf Course – Teresa Sholars and Lori Hubbart toured the proposed golf course site with representatives of the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Parks District. Many concerns were raised, with

Our fearless Plant Sale Chairman, Jon Thompson, Teresa providing a number of suggestions for presided over the recent, highly successful October preventing further erosion, restoring pygmy forest and plant sale. weed abatement.

I am hopeful that our annual plant sale will continue to As always, two major concerns are the proposed prosper and evolve, so that the benefits and beauty of conservation easement and the handling of water California native plants will continue to be shared with runoff. The easement is a significant mitigation the public. In order for this to happen, we need others measure in the Environmental Impact Report, yet to step up to the plate. there is no one to hold the easement and currently no

We need people to help grow plants and at least one funds to maintain the land under an easement. The person to coordinate the sale. If you are interested in situation is tricky, since no entity would want to take helping out by being the Plant Sale Chairperson or in on the easement without an endowment or source of any other way, please contact Lori Hubbart at 882- income, but potential funders are unlikely to provide 1655 or [email protected]. funds without someone to hold the easement.

Coastal Trail Workshop – The City of Fort Bragg VOLUNTEERS WANTED hosted a three-day planning workshop for the portion of the Coastal Trail that will run through the former We are currently awaiting reply from Cal Trans about Georgia Pacific mill site. About 60 people attended, when we will continue with the third phase of Highway including Teresa Sholars, consulting botanist, several One realignment project at Schooner Gulch – the people from State Parks and Lori Hubbart Sidalcea malviflora ssp. purpurea transplant project. representing CNPS. How nice that CNPS is We need volunteers to transplant the purple-stemmed considered important enough that they invited the checkerbloom that we transferred to 1-gallon chapter president! containers in May of this year. This will be taking Some attendees actually wore several hats, as it place hopefully once the rainy season has started. If were, and it was good to see a number of CNPS you are interested in volunteering for transplanting members present. People like Peter Warner and purple-stemmed checkerbloom, please call Jon Doug Hammerstrom were very effective in the Thompson at 884-4847. “working groups” portion of the workshop.

Sub-groups are the only way to generate coherent CONSERVATION planning concepts in such a crowd. Different groups by Lori Hubbart worked with huge maps to create concept drawings

Grading Ordinance – Mendocino County has never for features like trail routes, restoration sites, beach had a real grading ordinance, which is basically a set access, dog parks and connecting corridors from of rules for soil disturbing activities designed to downtown. There seemed to be general consensus prevent erosion. The issue is so fraught with that existing rare plant areas would be off limits, and controversy – just think of all those inland vineyards a certain amount of bluff vegetation “restoration” would be done. 4 November-December ’06 The workshop included a tour of the portion of the mill previously weed-strewn slope adjacent to the site the city is working to acquire. It is hard to imagine Boatyard Shopping Center. this land ever being turned into a mosaic of parkways Then, for good measure, we scattered seeds of and natural habitat, as it is totally overrun with Bromus carinatus, Danthonia californica, and Elymus invasive macro-weeds. The most obvious of these is glaucus, collected this past summer by volunteer Dan jubata grass, which was waving its plumes right down Young -- thank you, Dan; the seeds were gladly to tide line. sown! On Sunday, with CCC reinforcements, we In a project like this, no one will get everything they salvaged several hundred Iris douglasiana divisions want, but city planning staffers were very enthusiastic from across the highway, then eagerly cleared about this opportunity for Fort Bragg to get its coast another section of the slope to get these right back in back. It will be interesting to see if the city has the touch with Mo’ Earth. Overall, we cleared about 300 wherewithal to make the long-term commitment to square meters of thick roadside weeds, and planted fundraising and intensive management that this over 300 containers or iris divisions, and with any ambitious project requires. luck, started a brave new patch of coastal roadside prairie where once only weeds ruled. State Conservation – The report on the CNPS annual conservation conference will appear in the Thank you heartily, my fellow volunteers and the CCC next issue. After the conference, DKY hosted a team from Ukiah – I am honored to have worked potluck for our new Executive Director, Amanda alongside all of you. Jorgenson. It was a fun event, and we all enjoyed talking with Amanda and sharing our interests and experiences with her. Thanks to Teresa Sholars for her presentation on plants of the Mendocino coast. MENDOCINO WOODLANDS ROADSIDE REHAB FUNGUS FORAY by Peter Warner Volunteers affiliated with the Mendocino Coast The Mycological Society of San Francisco is hosting a Cooperative Weed Management Area (WMA) Mendocino Woodlands Foray on Nov.10-12, at the initiated phase 2 of a long-term project at Highways 1 Mendocino Woodlands camp. Dr. Dennis Desjardin, the and 20 in Ft. Bragg October 21 & 22. Over 2 days, 8 foray mycologist, will give a presentation Saturday night. Assisting at the specimen tables will be Norm Andresen community volunteers and about 9 California and Mykoweb's Mike Wood. Taylor Lockwood will Conservation Corps members removed invasive present a mushroom slide program. plants (aka weeds), cleaned up litter, rescued Douglas irises from an adjacent parcel slated for Fee of $140 includes lodging, meals, and all forays, development, found new homes for native plants, and classes, and events. Children under 13 are half price (w/adult), & under 5 are free. $90 with offsite lodging. practiced mammalian dispersal of native grass seed. This project is one of many started by the WMA along Register online at www.mssf.org/mendo, or send check the coast, aimed at informing the public about with names and contact info to: MSSF c/o Randall invasive plants and working cooperative with private Museum 199 Museum Way SF, CA 94114. Call 415- and public land managers to get rid of weeds. 457-7662 or 707-829-2063; or email [email protected].

Once the iceplant, capeweed, Himalayan blackberry, and remaining wild radish carcasses were stuffed into MAKING WAY FOR litter sacks (a fitting fate for fiendish foes), we were ready to brighten up the site with a vital resource for HOWELL’S SPINEFLOWER by Peter Warner our wild birds, rodents, and insects need: the native plants with which they’ve long evolved Scorning the ubiquitous cascades of iceplant interdependence (please, critters, give our seeds and ( edulis, C. chilensis []) along plants a fighting chance!). Starting on Saturday with the northern California coast is a wearisome pastime generously donated Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ‘Digger for most native plant enthusiasts – this weed is Creek’ from our friends at the Mendocino Coast everywhere! In contrast, consider Howell’s Botanical Garden (absolutely beautiful and healthy spineflower ( howellii []), a plants! Thank you, Mario!) and poppies, sea thrift, federally endangered plant whose entire home range and seaside daisy from the Dorothy King Young extends essentially from the mouth of Pudding Creek Chapter of CNPS (thank you wonderful plant north to the outlet of Ten Mile River, along a narrow growers!), the native reinforcements soon filled the 5 November-December ’06 strip of coast typically about 100 meters wide (just Fish & Game, to conduct a 3-year study at about all at MacKerricher State Park). MacKerricher to investigate the recolonization

Growing chiefly in a plant community called dune potential of Howell’s spineflower in habitat currently dominated by . mat, the spineflower is one of many native and non- native plants in this ecosystem with an annual life history, although the landscape is generally dominated by mostly herbaceous, sand-hugging perennial plants, as well as open sand. With lots of sun, wind, and salt, limited water, and no trees or taller shrubs to afford relief from the elements, the dune habitat is harsh – an annual life history or deep root systems are two of the more common plant adaptations for survival in the sand.

In addition to a diversity of native species, spineflower also competes for sand and sustenance with several non-native habitat imperialists (aka, invasive plants). Among those encroaching into the formerly more open dunes and prairies are the aforementioned iceplants, (C. edulis (Hottentot-fig) is the more rapidly spreading of the two), a few other perennials, like sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), and several Photo of taken June 24, 2006 at Ten annuals (ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), large Mile Dunes Preserve, MacKerricher State Park, off Ward Avenue, Mendocino County, CA. © 2006 Lisa Walker quaking grass (Briza maxima), dove-foot geranium

(Geranium molle), et al.). Air photographs taken at Methods intervals over the past 25 years show that iceplant To address the spineflower’s potential for has expanded its coverage of coastal dunes, bluffs, recolonization following a manual iceplant removal and grasslands at MacKerricher perhaps a hundred- regimen, State Parks staff established 25 50-m2 plots, fold or more during that time. each within spineflower habitat and each with at least Likely introduced to “stabilize” dunes and bluffs, 50% iceplant cover, between Lake Cleone and the iceplant carpets dunes to the exclusion of most other south end of the Ten Mile Dunes, in winter 2004-05. plant species, notably Howell’s spineflower, and On each plot, we established five 1-m2 quadrats, doesn’t do very well in stabilizing bluffs (e.g., a recent representing 10% of the total area of each plot. bluff failure along the haul road near Ward Avenue at Data collected, prior to iceplant removal and once MacKerricher State Park). Iceplant appears to thrive during each of the 2 following spring seasons, in this harsh ecosystem through its ability to included cover by plant species and other types of accumulate salts and water in leaves; while its stems surface material (e.g., bare sand, litter), recorded in typically ply the sand surface or lie just buried one of 6 categories for estimating cover: Category 1 = beneath the surface, roots are long and thread-like, 0-1, Cat. 2 = 1-5, Cat. 3 = 5-25, Cat. 4 = 25-50, Cat. 5 extending vertically several meters into the sand = 50-75, and Cat. 6 = 75-100%, on entire plots. We where water is generally more available. also estimated cover by plant species or other ground Recognizing the trend towards iceplant dominance (a cover to the nearest 1% on each of the 5 quadrats on word used to describe species that exert considerable each plot. influence, by virtue of numbers, or size, or other We estimated both cover category values on plots characteristics, within plant communities) in and percentage cover values on quadrats visually; on spineflower habitat, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife quadrats we used a 1-m2 frame sectioned into 1/100- Service (FWS; responsible for developing recovery m2 squares to assist in estimating cover to the plans for species listed as endangered or threatened nearest 1%. In addition, we counted the numbers of under the federal Endangered Species Act) has been spineflower plants on quadrats, and estimated working cooperatively with California State Parks to spineflower numbers on each 50-m2 plot. Following improve the quality of spineflower habitat within its the compilation of pre-treatment data, State Parks limited native range. staff removed all iceplant by hand in January 2005.

In 2004, FWS provided funding to California State On even-numbered plots (n=12) we removed bulk Parks, administered through the California Dept. of organic litter in February 2005; this treatment was 6 November-December ’06 essentially a litter layer reduction; most plots retained June 2006, 21 plots had at least one spineflower a shallow (<1-cm depth) litter layer after bulk removal; plant; on 3 plots spineflower cover had increased to we left all plant litter (minus the just-removed iceplant category 4 (over 25%); spineflower plants on many remains) on odd-numbered plots (n=13). During data 50-m2 plots had grown too numerous to count collection visits in May 2005 and June 2006, and as individually. plot maintenance in January 2006, we removed all On the 125 quadrats within those 25 plots, prior to observed iceplant that had germinated or otherwise iceplant removal, spineflower cover averaged virtually regrown onto plots. zero (less than 0.1%); the total number of plants was Photo-documentation 54. By May 2005, spineflower cover on quadrats had We photographed all plots prior to iceplant removal, increased to a mean of 0.24%, with 108 plants following the litter removal process, and during data accounting for that cover. In June 2006, spineflower compilation in May 2005 and June 2006. Each plot cover had reached an average of 2.7% on quadrats was photographed from just outside each plot corner by virtue of 758 plants counted. and labeled corresponding to the nearest cardinal In May 2005, as measured on quadrats (n=60), direction for that corner. spineflower cover on litter-removal plots averaged Statistical Compilation 0.4%, whereas on littered quadrats (n=65), the mean I compiled all data collected into an Excel for this measure was 0.3%. As of June 2006, spreadsheet, arranged by plots, quadrats, species, spineflower cover on litter-removal quadrats averaged other ground cover types, and physical data (slope, about 3.2%, and on littered quadrats the mean was exposure, etc.). Each observed plant species has 2.2%. been designated native or non-native; any taxon not identified to a level sufficient to determine native status were left out of computations. To date, I’ve attempted no statistical analyses other than computing simple means and proportions between groups, litter treatments, and years. Thus, all results shown below are based on raw data and basic spreadsheet computations.

Cover category values are not quantitatively accurate, and are used generally to assess relative cover over multiple samples over a relatively broad area. Keep in mind that these values were only employed on the 50-m2 plots, not on the 1-m2 quadrats. I’ve used computations derived from cover category values here mostly to illustrate general patterns of relative cover and species dominance – these data will not be used at this time for statistical analyses. Plot 13SW: State Parks Environmental Services Intern, Preliminary Results Terra Fuller, collects data in one of the 50-m2 plots where Iceplant cover dropped precipitously following initial iceplant was removed. Iceplant can be seen in the removal: from an average cover category of 5.8 (out foreground and background; Grindelia stricta occupies of maximum value of 6) and a mean cover on the near corner of the plot. quadrats of 81.6%, prior to removal, to an average In addition to investigating the recovery of Howell’s cover category value of 0.9 on plots and 0.24% on spineflower, we are also interested in the recovery of quadrats, in May 2005. In June of 2006, the average other native species, or conversely, in the cover category value of iceplant cover was 0.84, and colonization by non-native species, where iceplant the cover on quadrats was 0.03%. has been removed. While native species diversity Prior to iceplant removal (January 2005), we (number of species) was greater than that of non- observed at least one spineflower plant on 7 of the 25 native species in both years following iceplant plots, with the spineflower cover on each of those 7 removal, average cover by the non-natives far plots in category 1 (0-1%). By May 2005, this count exceeded that of native plants. had increased to 12 plots with spineflower (an In 2005, for all 25 plots, a total of 27 non-native estimated 369 plants in total), with spineflower cover species averaged a cover category value of 0.36, in category 2 (between 1 and 5%) on 3 plots. In early whereas 48 native species averaged a value of 0.26. 7 November-December ’06 The top six species in cover category average were value of this iceplant-removal trial was about $5000* Bromus diandrus (1.72), Rumex acetosella (1.08), (= $16,000+/acre), and did not include expenses Geranium molle (0.96), Lupinus littoralis (0.96), incurred for data compilation, equipment, or most Carpobrotus edulis (0.92), and Polygonum importantly, removal of plant debris (left on-site paronychia (0.92); Lupinus and Polygonum are native adjacent to plots) – a step that would be necessary species. At that time, the average cover value for for more extensive site restoration. (*Actual costs litter was 5.16, and for sand, 2.56. were higher, based on differential pay rates, travel costs, etc.) In 2006, 38 non-native plant species averaged about the same cover category value, 0.36, while a total of Discussion 52 native species increased the average cover The decrease in iceplant cover from pre-treatment category value to 0.30. The top six cover values through spring 2006 was expected in light of long- were for Bromus diandrus (2.72), Rumex acetosella term, repeated observations of the efficacy of manual (1.84), Chorizanthe (1.56), Briza maxima (1.32), removal, and demonstrated that this method can Daucus pusillus (1.08), and Lupinus littoralis (1.08); indeed reduce iceplant cover provided the resources Chorizanthe, Daucus, and Lupinus are native are available in proportion to the size of the targeted species. Also in 2006, litter cover averaged a value treatment area. More importantly, the increase in of 4.16, and sand a value of 3.08, on the 25 plots. cover of Howell’s spineflower appears to be

Grouping the individual cover proportions by native correlated with iceplant removal, sand disturbance, or and non-native species allows a cursory estimation of both (however, corroboration for this observation the relative recovery of these two suites of plants. On lacks necessary data), suggesting that spineflower quadrats, the total of plant cover and that of other can re-colonize habitat through the removal of one of types of groundcover (e.g., litter, sand, soil, rock) its chief competitors for space and other vital resources. varies due to overlap of plant species with one another, i.e., the total is not necessarily 100%, but While the limited data preclude drawing firm can vary from 100% upwards based upon the amount conclusions, the removal of bulk litter, several of overlap (layering) among plant species. centimeters thick on most plots, appears to hasten

In 2005, across the 125 quadrats, native species the recovery of spineflower on plots thus treated. averaged 3.0% of all cover, non-native plants Also worth noting is the sharp decrease in litter cover averaged 6.5%, while the mean relative cover for on litter-removal plots between 2005 and 2006, sand was 11.3% and that for litter was 79.2%. As of suggesting that the organic material is being June 2006, native species averaged 9.4% cover on incorporated into sub-surface soil horizons, or blown away in the wind. quadrats, non-native species 23.5%, sand 23.0%, and litter 44.2%. Thus, while total plant cover The data also suggest other effects and trends. Most increased from about 9.5% in 2005 to almost 33% in notably, the removal of iceplant, while apparently 2006, the proportional increase in non-native plant beneficial to Howell’s spineflower, does not cover was greater than that for native plants. necessarily result in a similar recovery of other native

In 2006, Briza maxima, Bromus diandrus, Geranium components of dune mat vegetation, including molle, Rumex acetosella, and Vulpia myuros several other rare annuals (e.g., Collinsia corymbosa, Gilia millefoliata, Phacelia insularis ssp. continentis). accounted for most of the non-native species cover. In contrast, among native species, only Chorizanthe While we did observe increases in cover by these and howellii consistently accounted for a relatively large other native plant species, the proportional increase proportion of cover on plots and quadrats, with many in cover (2005 to 2006) by non-native species was others, such as Ambrosia chamissonis, Bromus considerably greater, although one year’s data should carinatus, Daucus pusillus, Grindelia stricta, Leymus not be considered conclusive. Yet the dramatic pacificus, Lupinus littoralis, Poa douglasii, and increase in non-native species such as sheep sorrel, Polygonum paronychia, dominant on some plots or ripgut brome, and quaking grass suggests that portions thereof. recovery of native plant habitat, including that of

Labor Statistics Howell’s spineflower, may continue to be constrained The total treatment area of 25 50-m2 plots equals by the dominance exerted by these and other non- 0.125 hectare, or about 0.3 acre. To accomplish native species, even in the absence of a suffocating layer of iceplant. initial iceplant and litter removal, and plot maintenance (1 year), we worked an estimated 332 As such, management goals aimed at sustaining the hours. At an estimated $15/hour pay rate, the cost- recovery of the spineflower may need to include 8 November-December ’06 measures designed to curb other invasive species retention while other species gradually re-occupy while promoting habitat improvement for native iceplant patches. Spineflower and other species plants. Since less disturbance on plots for iceplant might take longer to recover on iceplant patches removal will be necessary over the next several treated chemically, but this treatment might also slow years, observing the dynamics of species cover and down the invasion rate of non-native plants, as well. composition over a sustained period of time will likely An additional benefit is that glyphosate treatments provide valuable information to benefit further could cover many times the area that could be treated strategic planning. manually for equivalent commitments of resources.

One of the more important caveats about the use of Any serious attempt to reduce or eliminate the large the data, as presented, is its compilation over such a areas of iceplant currently dominating coastal bluffs, brief time. As suggested, data collection over several dunes, and prairie must necessarily optimize the expenditures of limited resources for such work. years will provide a more accurate assessment of longer term trends, provided funding is available to If goals for dune restoration and recovery of rare continue to gather and analyze data. This study was plants have any chance for success, a sudden limited in its scope due to funding constraints and financial windfall or unexpected epidemic of other considerations; the greater proportion of funding volunteerism notwithstanding, the tasks at hand can was allocated to labor, leaving little for incorporating not be left solely to the work of hands. I believe that additional treatments or sustaining the study over a the greater benefit would accrue through the use of longer time period. In particular, the failure to all habitat management and restoration tools implement other treatments (in addition to manual available, not just those that are considered the most removal) was a lost opportunity from a landscape politically palatable. ### management perspective. BIG RIVER STEWARDS Other trials could include the use of mechanical equipment (excavators, tractors with rippers) or Join the Big River Stewards program of the chemical treatments. Mechanical treatment is Mendocino Land Trust as we work to control invasive obviously destructive, and would result in even plants at Big River the third Saturday of each month greater surface disturbance than does manual beginning Sat., November 18th from 9 am to 1 pm. iceplant removal; native seed banks could very well Volunteers can help out at many levels. Due to the be buried beyond any potential for germination as a hard work of the Stewards over the past two years, result of the level of sand disturbance that this many sites now only require a non-strenuous treatment would incur. Native vegetation would likely maintenance visit where re-sprouted broom can require considerably more time in which to recover, easily be pulled by hand. Other sites will require more and might need to be augmented through human- invigorating work to pull mature infestations. This year assisted plant propagation and restoration. we'll also document our work with photo points, map Manual removal of iceplant, while apparently effective invasive plant distributions and establish early for the stated purpose of recovering spineflower detection protocols so that invasive plants can be habitat, is clearly not the most efficient method for removed before they can become wide-spread. eliminating the competition, especially in light of Last year, over forty-five volunteers worked more rapidly expanding iceplant cover and limited than 230 hours removing non-native plants from management resources. In the 1990’s, glyphosate locations throughout our new park, including the haul (the active ingredient in many commonly marketed road and Big River Beach, Hi-chute Ridge and herbicides) treatment of iceplant patches at the Laguna Marsh. Help us to make this year's effort Bodega Marine Reserve resulted in excellent even more successful. For more information, please recovery of those sites by native plant species, albeit contact Stewards Coordinator Matt Coleman at 962- in coastal bluff and prairie habitats already dominated 0470 or [email protected]. by native taxa (P.G. Connors, personal communication). JEPSON HERBARIUM WORKSHOPS

Treatment of iceplant with glyphosate can be The Friends of the Jepson Herbarium present a seasonally timed to limit damage to non-target plants, wide range of topics in the upcoming 2007 weekend including the annual spineflower, individuals of which workshop series. For information on the workshops, have produced seed and died by late summer, being please contact Cynthia Perrine at Jepson Herbarium, essentially dormant through early winter when seeds http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/jepwkshp.html or (510) 643– germinate in the dunes. The slow, post-treatment 7008. Dates and topics will be listed in the Jan-Feb decay of iceplant biomass allows for soil or sand issue of the Calypso. 9 November-December ’06 OFFICERS 2006

President: Lori Hubbart 882-1655 fax 882-1645 Vice President: Mario Abreu (nominated for 2007) Secretary: Rich Schimbor (retiring) 785-9626 Treasurer: Mary Hunter 785-1150

MEMBERSHIP

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS New members: M.D. Olson Gualala AT LARGE OPEN Grace & Robert Carter Gualala CAMPING Diane Wickstrom 884-4556 CONSERVATION Lori Hubbart 882-1655 Jon & Jane Raymond Sea Ranch Jeanne Marie Black Sea Ranch Greg Jirak 882-1660

EDUCATION OPEN Renewal – your renewal date is listed on the FIELDTRIPS Peter Warner 937-2278 address label of your CNPS Bulletin or Fremontia.

HISTORIAN Ramona Crooks 884-3585 Gift Memberships - Give a friend or HOSPITALITY: neighbor a gift membership. North Coast OPEN South Coast Beverly Sloane 785-3134 Please Contact Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4426; [email protected] if you have questions. Roberta Rams 884-4847

INVASIVES Peter Warner 937-2278

JUBATA ERADICATION: -- at Sea Ranch Roz Bray 785-2694 CNPS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION LEGISLATION OPEN DOROTHY KING YOUNG CHAPTER MAILINGS Roberta Rams 884-4847 MEMBERSHIP Bob Rutemoeller 884-4426 Membership in the California Native Plant Society is NEWSLETTER Julia Larke 964-2845 open to all. The task and mission of the Society is to PLANT SALE Jon Thompson (retiring) 884-4847 increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation PLANT WATCH Heidi Marshall 884-3831 of California native plants. The challenge is to POSTERS Lynn Tuft 785-3392 preserve their natural habitat through scientific PROGRAMS OPEN; Lori Hubbart (pro tem) educational, and conservation activities. Membership PUBLICITY Gail Hamilton 884-3807 includes subscription to the quarterly Fremontia, as well as our local chapter newsletter, the Calypso. RARE & ENDANGERED: Coordinator Teresa Sholars 962-2686 Name______Inland Clare Wheeler-Sias 895-3131 Address______Sea Ranch Elaine Mahaffey 785-2279 City ______Zip ______Sonoma Co. Dorothy Scherer 882-2850 Tel. ______E-mail______South Coast Mary Rhyne 884-3043 I wish to affiliate with the DKY Chapter______VEGETATION or, other chapter ______North & South OPEN WEBMASTER Norm Jensen (Please check, or name a chapter; CNPS will make assignment if none is specified by applicant.) [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY All phone numbers are Area Code 707. Student/Retired/Limited Income $25 NEXT BOARD MEETING: The next meeting Individual $45 of the Executive Board is scheduled for the first week in Family/Group/Library $75 January at the Point Arena Library. For details, please Plant Lover $100 contact Lori Hubbart at 882-1655. Patron $300 Benefactor $600 CALYPSO DEADLINE: Please send Mariposa Lily $1,500

newsletter items by January 6, 2007 to: Julia Larke, Make check out to the California Native Plant Society; P.O. Box 1631, Fort Bragg, CA, 95437; 964-2845, mail check and application to: [email protected].

Bob Rutemoeller, Membership Committee CHAPTER WEBPAGE: www.dkycnps.org. DKY Chapter, CNPS Please send photographs and articles for posting to PO Box 577 Norm Jensen, [email protected]. Gualala, CA 95445

10 November-December ’06