Stafford Lake Reflection:
Describe the ecological problems of the stream of Stafford Lake.
The ecological problems of the stream of Stafford Lake are that the non-native plants are out competing the native plants. The primary goals were to make the water cleaner, create stable banks, and improved the habitat for aquatic life and wildlife.
Describe the components of the Marin County Parks Project that are addressing these problems.
To restore a stream means to re-create meanders, stabilize soil and install gently sloping stream banks. Stream restoration is not always possible due to constraints such as utility crossings, structures or roadways.To enhance a stream by creating gentle slopes and to stabilize a stream by securing the banks from any further erosion.
What part of the project did you work on yesterday?
We worked on the stream restoration by mulching. We started by putting down a layer of hay, then we laid down 2 layers of cardboard. Then we added another layer of hay/straw and put a layer of mulch over that.
Was your work part of an Integrated Pest Management Approach?
Yes, because we solved pest problems without harming any other plants, humans, or animals. We avoided the use of plastic, and used all natural materials so that our stream restoration was eco friendly. We used a technique called Soil Bioengineering. Bioengineering is a critical component of stream restoration. Soil bioengineering is a specialized use of plant materials to stabilize by combining engineering principles with plant science. The root of plants grow into the soil and bind the soil particles together reducing erosion.
Reflect on what you like about this field trip and the importance of volunteer work in restoring local watersheds/habitats.
By volunteering our time we were able to lessen the amount of sediment that ends up in the water. We used a technique called bioengineering. Bioengineering works better than any type of "hard" stabilization like rip-rap or concrete for many reasons:
1. Plants are self correcting. They will grow into open pockets. Rip-rap will not move back onto a bare area of stream bank.
2. Plants are natural materials that provide habitat for aquatic life.
3. Plants are often cheaper to install.
If no one would restore the stream, the erosion taking place would make our water very dirty. If a stream has been badly damaged by years of erosion and neglect, full restoration may a long time. By having regular volunteers, the rangers make sure that the stream won't be neglected and ever in need of full restoration.
The ecological problems of the stream of Stafford Lake are that the non-native plants are out competing the native plants. The primary goals were to make the water cleaner, create stable banks, and improved the habitat for aquatic life and wildlife.
Describe the components of the Marin County Parks Project that are addressing these problems.
To restore a stream means to re-create meanders, stabilize soil and install gently sloping stream banks. Stream restoration is not always possible due to constraints such as utility crossings, structures or roadways.To enhance a stream by creating gentle slopes and to stabilize a stream by securing the banks from any further erosion.
What part of the project did you work on yesterday?
We worked on the stream restoration by mulching. We started by putting down a layer of hay, then we laid down 2 layers of cardboard. Then we added another layer of hay/straw and put a layer of mulch over that.
Was your work part of an Integrated Pest Management Approach?
Yes, because we solved pest problems without harming any other plants, humans, or animals. We avoided the use of plastic, and used all natural materials so that our stream restoration was eco friendly. We used a technique called Soil Bioengineering. Bioengineering is a critical component of stream restoration. Soil bioengineering is a specialized use of plant materials to stabilize by combining engineering principles with plant science. The root of plants grow into the soil and bind the soil particles together reducing erosion.
Reflect on what you like about this field trip and the importance of volunteer work in restoring local watersheds/habitats.
By volunteering our time we were able to lessen the amount of sediment that ends up in the water. We used a technique called bioengineering. Bioengineering works better than any type of "hard" stabilization like rip-rap or concrete for many reasons:
1. Plants are self correcting. They will grow into open pockets. Rip-rap will not move back onto a bare area of stream bank.
2. Plants are natural materials that provide habitat for aquatic life.
3. Plants are often cheaper to install.
If no one would restore the stream, the erosion taking place would make our water very dirty. If a stream has been badly damaged by years of erosion and neglect, full restoration may a long time. By having regular volunteers, the rangers make sure that the stream won't be neglected and ever in need of full restoration.