In the spring of 2015 the San Dieguito River Park partnered with AmeriCorps NCCC to assist with habitat restoration within preserved lands in eastern San Diego County. The crew worked on invasive weed control, non-native tree removal, erosion control, plant propagation, and plantings. Along with habitat restoration the crew helped rangers to construct a new nursery with irrigation in Santa Ysabel Gorge, as well as adding onto an existing nursery in San Pasqual Valley.
They also assisted in the maintenance and repair of the house in Santa Ysabel Gorge, which will be used as a research and educational center. The ultimate goal of the project was to improve the health of the local habitat, and help prepare the property to become a research station for those wishing to study these sensitive habitat types. This project didn’t only benefit the local plant and animal communities by providing new habitat, but it also benefited local human communities by increasing the scenic beauty and usability of the land. The River Park looks forward to future partnerships with AmeriCorps NCCC.