California Conservation Corp & Watch Receive Prop 84 Funding
The crew working with WWW staff to collect Purple Needle Grass from the native seed farm
Recently the Watsonville Wetlands Watch and the California Conservation Corp (CCC) used Proposition 84 funding to pay for 4000 hours of service. WWW and CCC crews worked together April through June on native seed collection, removal of invasive plants from dune and riparian habitats, fire clearing along the City of Watsonville trails system, and maintenance of restoration areas on the Watsonville Slough Ecological Reserve, Tarplant Hill, the Watsonville Slough Farms, and the Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas adjacent to Pajaro Valley High School.
Throughout the two and a half months spent working in the wetlands, CCC crew members learned about the ecology of the Watsonville Slough system while developing leadership skills and learning restoration techniques and strategies. Click here to learn more.
Come to our Annual Picnic!
You and your family and friends are invited to join us for an old-fashioned picnic/potluck on Saturday, August 17th from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. We will celebrate summer with good food, good friends, bird watching, and a nature walk. Bring a dish or drinks to share, picnic plates, cups, flatware, etc., and a blanket or beach chair to sit on. We will provide binoculars and tables for the food buffet. The picnic site is on the Department of Fish and Wildlife Reserve at the corner of Harkins Slough and Lee Roads. Please RSVP to Kathy Fieberling, kathy@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org or 831-345-1226.
Experience the Wetlands on One
of the Last Wetlands Alive! Tours
of the Season
The Wetlands Alive! Tour season is winding down. Discover the natural wonders of the wetlands on this fun, family-oriented tour of the wetlands and our Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center (map/directions). The last tour dates of this year are on Saturdays, Aug. 10, Aug. 24, and Sept. 14, starting at 10 a.m. Tours are free, but please call or email Kathy Fieberling, kathy@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org, 831-345-1226, by Friday noon before the tour to reserve a place. For more information, click here.
Community Leaders Join the Watch’s Development Advisory Council
Fred Keeley addressing guests
at the reception
The WWW Board of Directors recently established a Development Advisory Council of knowledgeable and experienced community leaders to provide guidance and counsel regarding development strategies and community outreach. Council members are Jess Brown, Patrick Fitz, Fred Keeley, Ralph Miljanich, Bruce Nicholson and Robert Stephens. We are honored by their willingness to advise and facilitate our development efforts.
The first Council initiative was a reception generously sponsored by Fred Keeley in his beautiful and historic home on the evening of June 27. The theme of our presentation was community participation in the Watch’s activities. The reception was attended by 30 community leaders who learned from Fred and three Board members about the Watch’s good works, its Board’s desire to become more reflective of the community it serves, and a forthcoming campaign to expand its services.
The formation of the Council and Fred’s reception promise tighter bonding with the community, increasing participation in our organization and funding of our services for youth and the environment at a much higher level.
Save the Date, 9/28 — Pajaro Valley Native Plant and Backyard Habitat Festival
Join us on September 28th for a milestone event: The Pajaro Valley Native Plant and Backyard Habitat Festival. Starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until 2 p.m. at the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center building behind Pajaro Valley High School, you will have a chance to buy native plants, learn about the significant benefits of these vital floras, and see the possibilities for creating a delightful backyard habitat in your own yard. (map/directions)
Besides the native plant sale, we’ll have workshops with expert speakers, an Eco Kid Zone, food, music, a raffle with great prizes, live animals and local wildlife displays, free habitat consultations, demonstration habitats, a wetlands wildlife photography exhibit, and a tour of our new greenhouse.
Native plants consume much less water than the non-natives. That’s a big plus given the current water crisis we face in the Pajaro Valley. As well, native plants are the foundation for a rich diversity of animal life. For example, native plants support a much wider array of insect species, and these insect species in turn support a greater variety of animals.
Native plants can be the foundation for a backyard habitat you can create at your own home. Choosing the right native plants means your yard can attract butterflies, birds, and other fauna. You can enjoy a patch of healthy nature and, at the same time, conserve water and help maintain the diversity of our animal population.
We invite you to help restore wetland habitat by planting native plants and removing exotic invasive plants as part of our monthly community work day on Aug. 24. We will work from 9 a.m. until noon, and we always make time for birding or a short hike around the wetlands. We supply the gloves, tools, and a snack. Meet at our Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center (map/directions). If you have questions, please contact Mary Paul at mary@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org or 831-566-4938.
Support Our Work
You can partner with us as we protect, restore and foster appreciation of the Watsonville wetlands by supporting us with your donation. Contribute online by going to our website; or by sending a donation in the mail to WWW, P.O. Box 1239, Freedom, CA 95019. Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules for non-profit organizations and are greatly appreciated!
