FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE

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On February 23, 1996, another Native California bunch grass restoration took place on the hill near Edgewood’s Sunset entrance. It was a great example of county cooperative action between the Parks Department, the College of San Mateo, and volunteers from the Volunteer Horse Patrol, the San Mateo County Trails Advisory Committee, the San Mateo County Horseman’s Association, and of course Friends of Edgewood.

C.S.M. Horticulture Professor, Matt Leddy and his Landscape Construction Class met at the Sunset gate at 9:30 and planted until 11:30. We were all very careful to avoid trampling in the sensitive areas. We took the trail up around the hill to carry up tools and refreshments to avoid the walking on the scar zone.

Flats of Purple Needle Grass were planted out in the same area as last year. Slender Needle Grass was planted over an old scar on the N.E. side of the hill. Susan Sommers, F.O.E. Restoration Co-Chair, and myself, Restoration Co-Chair and San Mateo Co. Horseman’s Association board member, organized the planting. Susan and I collected the seed in June, from authorized and specific areas of the park. I cleaned and took the seeds to the College of San Mateo, where professor Leddy and his students planted the seeds out in flats. F.O.E. provided the soil. Orchard supply soil was used, but some die off due to fungus occurred, and if the project continues next year, it is recommended that we use Super Soil, which was used in last year’s project. It is a lighter, sterile mix, but more expensive than most soils.

In February, Susan met with Matt Leddy and suggested where and how we might better put in the grass seedling plugs. This year instead of working up a small area, and planting out 10 plugs in the plot, we dug individual holes for each plug. It is hoped erosion and die off will be lessened with this method. I met with Ranger Lynne Fritz to gather release forms and make sure the planting would take place. Friday, February 23, the Class and volunteers went to work. After, I washed the tools and got them back to the Co. along with the paper work. Fortunately it rained the next day and the little grass plugs are happy and a bit of Edgewood is restored.

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