Lend a hand and donate a plant at Stokes Creek in the Calabasas area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The National Park Service, along with the Santa Monica Mountains Fund and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, invite the public to improve habitat for local wildlife by planting native trees and shrubs.
“Riparian corridors such as Stokes Creek only comprise two percent of the Santa Monica Mountains, so these areas need to be preserved and supported,” said Irina Irvine, restoration ecologist for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). “Our plan is to create a buffer of native plants around the creek, which will keep weeds out and invite wildlife in.”
Native plants grown in SMMNRA’s nursery will be on hand for a $5 donation to the Santa Monica Mountains Fund. Attendees can choose to plant their own or ask a volunteer to plant it for them. All proceeds from the tax-deductible donations will benefit park-wide restoration projects and education.
Stokes Creek is a tributary of Malibu Creek, which is the largest and most critical watershed in the Santa Monica Mountains. Riparian plant communities are plants in or near water and are often the only refuges for wildlife during and after fires.
All ages and abilities are welcome to participate. The event will take place near the new interagency visitor center at King Gillette Ranch near Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Boulevard.
For more information, go to the website.
