FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE

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Community Outreach

By Carol Hankermeyer

San Carlos Charter Learning Center was again front and center this fall with two field trips to Edgewood Preserve. In mid-October four classes of 2^nd/3^rd graders and 3^rd/4^th graders braved a hike on the Sylvan Loop trail, where children learned to distinguish between oak woodland, grassland, and chaparral communities and to recognize the characteristic plants of each one.

The teachers involved in the field trip were Eve Ryser, Lale Beller, Vicki Zakrzewski, and Elysha Passeggi. Eve Ryser collaborated with me in coordinating the outing. On both events, docents Kate Connors and John Allen joined me in leading groups of 10 to 13 students. Many thanks to Kate and John for supporting the outreach program.

Dramatic differences in vegetation between serpentine and non-serpentine soils were pointed out, especially with regard to the invasion of non-native plants. The classes were interested in learning to distinguish between native and non-native plants in anticipation of a weed eradication project the school had planned as a service project for Edgewood Preserve.

To complete that project, Eve Ryser and Lale Beller brought their two classes to Edgewood Preserve on November 18. Ranger Ric Munds, with the help of Park Aid Matt Amorose, directed the attack on Vinca major (periwinkle), a plant which threatens the seep area of the preserve by gulping great quantities of spring water and turning the landscape into a monoculture. Students learned from Ric that Vinca crowds out native plants and offers no value to wildlife. They also learned it has a very tough and extensive root structure! Kids and parent volunteers worked enthusiastically and effectively to remove a hefty pile of the stubborn plant. Their work made a significant impact on the Vinca infestation. During an hour and a half of intensive labor, no one complained once, and some even wanted to stay longer. They were rewarded afterward by a pleasant lunch in the Old Stage picnic area. And they learned that yes, they CAN make a difference!

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