Bamberger Ranch Preserve: Nature Trail Maintenance

As part of an ongoing effort to keep up with an ever-changing wildscape, the Bamberger Ranch needs volunteers to help with nature trail maintenance. In addition, the native grasses’ demonstration plots need attention. The objectives for Oct. 17: — Remove undesirable plants from the native grasses’ demonstration plots located near Madrone Lake. In addition to a few weeds, some of the grasses have jumped from their designated plot into a neighboring plot. This makes it difficult for visitors to identify which grass is indicated by the signage. Flags will be placed in each plot to provide an example of what grass is to remain in any given plot. — The edges of some portions of the Rachel Carson Trail may need to be string-trimmed. The ranch staff will mow tall grasses growing in the middle of the path at a later date (i.e., closer to the Fall Colors Hike in November). — Remove any downed limbs on the Rachel Carson Trail. Some of the work may require a chainsaw. — Prune low-hanging branches. Remove tripping hazards and fill ankletwister holes. — Check wire-mesh corrals/enclosures and remove vines growing on the wire-mesh and/or plants inside the corral. Meet at the Margaret Bamberger Research & Education Center parking lot by 8:30 a.m. The plan is to finish by 11:30 a.m. Possible tools for the day include weeding tools, knee/garden pads, garden sleeves, work gloves, weedwhackers, brush cutters, chainsaws, reciprocating saws (and batteries), handsaws, loppers, hedge shears, pruners, shovels, hats, sunscreen, insect repellant and water. Log time under Bamberger Ranch Natural Resource Management. If you plan to participate or have questions, contact Patty