Watering, Restoring, and Re-wilding
Habitat restoration is part of CLAW’s commitment to protect and restore the environments of wildlife of greater Los Angeles.
WATERING, RESTORING AND RE-WILDING
Habitat restoration is part of CLAW’s commitment to protect and restore the environments of wildlife of greater Los Angeles. Open space preservation is an important first step, but in some cases these open spaces are degraded weedy expanses that, while important for their roles in connecting more intact wildlands, don’t yet have much value as habitat themselves. The diversity of animal species in Los Angeles is astonishing; for example, over 200 bird species breed in Los Angeles County, with hundreds more stopping off here on their seasonal migrations. Native plant communities, including rare and endangered species, are critical habitat for this wildlife, providing the food, shelter, and nesting grounds for the complex food webs to flourish.
Los Angeles County is situated in a unique ecosystem flanked by the ocean and the deserts, that was once an expanse of oak and walnut savannah, with chaparral covering the slopes, and riparian and wetland habitats throughout. Once these plant communities were cleared by grazing or for construction, non-native grasses and weeds often invaded. These weeds choke off seedlings of native species, and prevent the ecological succession processes that would naturally allow native ecosystems to re-establish.
In our work, we remove invasive species, plant site-appropriate native plants including wild flowers, shrubs, and trees, and nurture them for 1-3 years until they are established. This work includes weeding, watering, and protecting from deer and gophers. We also educate Angelenos of all ages on the contributions of various plant species to functioning habitats, and support community groups interested in restoring local areas. This kind of hands-on labor is immensely satisfying, allowing us to feel connected to the land, see our contributions taking root and thriving, and know that we are building homes for Los Angeles wildlife.
This work also connects us to reforestation efforts worldwide, which are vital to sequestering carbon and fighting climate change.
Project I: Mulholland 90046
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit”
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”