Forrestal Nature Preserve Riparian Restoration

The Forrestal Nature Preserve Riparian Restoration Project was a successful small community restoration project consisting of hand removal of pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius), palm trees (Washingtonia species), myoporum trees (Myoporum laetus), castor bean (Ricinus communis), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), fig (Ficus carica), and other exotics from a riparian corridor within the Preserve. To obtain volunteers, the surrounding neighborhoods were canvassed with flyers advertising volunteer workdays. Volunteers were most useful in the removal of green waste from the work site to green waste containers a ½ mile walk from the primary work site. As part of the project, a path that is an integral access way into the Preserve was in disrepair and was reconstructed by the Los Angeles Conservation Corps. A retention wall along a portion of the path was constructed to minimize erosion into the stream. Community members and Eagle Scouts subsequently participated in planting native plants in the areas where the non-native removal had taken place. This was a valuable, small scale restoration project engaging community members, boy scouts, LACC crewmembers, neighborhood associations, and a steering committee to help plan and guide the project.