Friends of Montclair Railroad Trail A non-profit volunteer community
PG&E Restoration Project Has Really Taken Hold
It's been over a year and a half since restoration planting began in the area of the PG&E tower replacement project and perhaps you've noticed how well the area is flourishing. We decided to check in with Ellen Uhler, botanist for Ecological Concerns, Inc., who has been overseeing the project, to get her take on the progress.
According to Ellen, the plant variety used was more diverse than most restoration projects and selected to help the site thrive under a range of conditions. The seeds for all species were collected in the same watershed so they are better adapted to local weather, pests, and pathogens than plants which could have been purchased from far-flung parts of the state.
Phase 1 of the restoration planting was completed in December 2018 and a temporary irrigation system was installed to provide water during dry months.
Native plants support native wildlife. When walking the trail you may notice that some of the plants are getting regularly pruned by deer while others are in cages to protect them until they are big enough to survive that attention.
Ellen says, "When I work on the site I enjoy watching the birds, bees, and butterflies. I was especially happy to see ladybug beetles using the site as an overwintering location."
As seen in the photo, ladybug beetles converged on one of the numerous rosella plants.
The rock protected slope of Phase 2 was planted early this year. Most plants are in small pockets of soil between the boulders and you'll notice them starting to thrive as well.
Ellen is equally excited to see how this installation develops. "I am looking forward to seeing which species are happiest in their new rocky homes, and what kind of wildlife interactions are fostered by the diversity of native plants!"
The progress is impressive and general maintenance continues to be performed by restoration technicians from Ecological Concerns, Inc. every three months, removing invasive weeds and replanting as necessary.
The Trail Has Gotten Very Busy So PLEASE!
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others
Stay at least 6 feet away from non-household members
Leave room on trail for others to pass safely
Bicyclists please yield to pedestrians and call out when passing
Keep dogs on leash at all times
Use common sense, and remember, it's always OK to
wave and say "hello" to fellow trail enthusiasts.
It's Never Too Late to Support the Montclair Railroad Trail
During this pandemic the trail has proven to be a respite from everyday complications with more people enjoying our "mile of beauty".
Despite a moratorium on group workdays the board has been utilizing resources to maintain and improve this Montclair gem.
It's never too late to offer support with a new or renewed membership or a donation. Annual membership is $25 for a household and $50 for a business. Your contributions help us buy tools, new plants, and other supplies needed to maintain and improve our trail. Learn more and sign up for calendar year 2020 at our website membership page.
Thank you!
You can find more information about the Montclair Railroad Trail and the FOMRRT organization at this link: http://www.MontclairRRTrail.org. Please consider becoming a 2020 member or making a donation.
If you have a PayPal account, please consider providing ongoing support by setting up a monthly donation to FOMRRT using PayPal's pre-approved payments function.
