Stop the spread of invasive plants and make a difference in San Lorenzo River ecosystem!

Every fall, the Coastal Watershed Council organizes habitat restoration events called River Health Days along the lower San Lorenzo River. At each event, volunteers learn about the role of native plants in the riverine ecosystem and then learn to identify and remove invasive plants. In August, River Health Days will be focused on removing and stopping the spread of an invasive plant in our ecosystem: fennel. 

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an herb that was originally cultivated in the Mediterranean. It grows from a thick taproot and branches out to clusters of small flowers. Without mitigation fennel can grow in thick stands up to 10 feet tall and block native plants from accessing light, water and nutrients. As a result, it can quickly take over and limit plant diversity in a riparian area. You can identify fennel from its yellow flowers and strong anise scent. 

Volunteering is great way to get up close and personal with the lower river. While you search and remove fennel you will get a closer look at the willows, alders, evening primrose and mugwort native to the watershed. You will listen to the calls of bushtit and warbler over the babble of the lower river. You will be protecting this ecosystem!

For this River Health Day, we will meet here on the Riverwalk adjacent to Gateway Plaza. You can bike or walk to this location using the Riverwalk. If you drive, parking in Gateway Plaza is a good option. 

Volunteer and win prizes!

For every hour you volunteer at a River Health Day you will earn five River Health Day points. Rack up points at River Health Days from August through October and win awesome prizes like Patagonia gear, a gift certificate to Well Within and more. Points will be tracked by sign-ins at events.

Sign up to volunteer below!

More information on meeting place and what to bring will be provided upon RSVP.