Tree-cutting!

2.5 hours
Friday, Feb. 25

Adam and I met with Michael Ruiz again to do some new work: trail maintenance.  Invasive Australian acacia trees were overgrowing a trail by the baseball field, so we had two intersecting goals: make the trail more open and cut back the invasive species.  Michael showed us how to identify the invasive daisies and how to differentiate them from the native sunflowers.  He also showed us the lemonadeberry bush and the wild cucumber, both native.

We spent a few minutes pulling out invasive daisies, and the rest of the time cutting thick acacia branches with shears.  It was weird at first to be cutting a tree, but I kept in mind that these invasive species kept a lot of beautiful native species from inhabiting the area.  We got a lot done, clearing areas of the trail of overhanging branches and seriously cutting back on some of the trees to make it easier for someone to perhaps one day cut down the whole trees.

Restoring plants

4 hours
Thursday, April 17

Yesterday, Connor, Adam and I went back to the native plant area and cleared the invasive species from the rest of the strip we had been working on, much more quickly than before because we had three people and an awesome hoe-like tool called a McLeod that Connor brought.  Again, we widened the native plant area by a few feet and mulched the non-planted areas.  It was incredibly hard work and I was starving at the end.

First time

5 hours
Friday, Feb. 10

Today Connor, Adam and I went to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, near Point Loma Nazarene University, to talk to Michael Ruiz, who will oversee our volunteership with Parks and Rec (PaC).  Michael showed us around the natural park and pointed out some spots were we might fill in dirt to eroded areas or move signs so they can be more visible.  Then he left and we picked up trash in various parts of the park.  There was so much more trash than I expected: we cleaned up a popular hangout spot, a large canyon, and trails throughout the park.  It was hot and I was tired after 5 hours.

Parks & Rec

I've decided to volunteer with San Diego Parks and Recreation after all.  We're going to work at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park improving trails and grading and signage at the park.