Progress Update: Cypress Native Plant Restoration Project
- Nicole LaJeunesse
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Last month, we learned a lot and did some great work at the Cypress Family Apartments in Paradise!
And it was all thanks to YOU!
What We Learned
The project kicked off with a pair of workshops presented by subject matter experts from BCFSC and Treetop Permaculture:
Effective Fire Mitigation: Your Options presented by Lauren de Terra and Calli-Jane West of Butte County Fire Safe Council Participants learned about the history of fire activity in our region, the practical steps to take to protect against fire, and the community resources that are available to help. This was followed by a brief Q&A and a trivia contest where the winner took home California native wild rose.
Don't Weed, Out-succeed: Permaculture for Resilient Landscaping presented by permaculture expert, Matthew Trumm Participants were first anchored into the geological, historical, and cultural context of the Paradise Ridge ecosystem. Then, we learned how we can mimic and work within this system to create healthy, resilient landscapes. Matthew followed his presentation with an open Q&A so that participants could ask questions about issues specific to their own properties.
The next week, we moved on-site to CHIP's Cypress Family Apartments development to learn more about using native plants and biochar to create thriving landscapes:
Making and Using Biochar for Healthy Soil presented by the Biochar Coalition C. Tabor Teachout and Ken Scherer from the Biochar Coalition demonstrated how to create biochar from wood and other debris that participants gathered from the project site during the icebreaker. As the fire burned, Tabor and Ken discussed why biochar production is preferable to traditional pile burning and how to use biochar to create healthier, moister soil that supports resilient landscapes. This was followed by a brief Q&A and a trivia contest where the winner took home a California native toyon.
Using Native Plants & Trees to Cultivate Fire Resilient Landscapes presented by native plant expert, Raphael DiGenova In this interactive workshop, participants were encouraged to gather and ask questions as Raph demonstrated TEK-based planting techniques like choosing appropriate planting sites and using natural features to protect and shade tender seedlings. Raph also taught participants how to care for existing native plants to help them thrive.
This fun event concluded with participants gathering around the biochar burn to cook tamales over the fire, giving everyone a chance to chat together and ask the experts any lingering questions before the biochar was quenched.
The Real Work
After these educational introductory events, we dug into the real work, literally! From March 8th to March 27th, Regenerating Paradise hosted five volunteer work days, plus one social event. Participants decompacted the soil, spread biochar, soil amendments and seeds, planted native plants, and distributed mulch to protect the new growth. Working together outside created a positive atmosphere -- empowering, inspiring, and educational.
Thank you to our partners!
Regenerating Paradise could not continue this work without the support and collaboration of our partners. Regenerating Paradise extends our gratitude to the Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) for their support of this project and their ongoing commitment to the Paradise Ridge community. We also thank Paradise Recreation and Parks District, California Volunteers and the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program as well as SaveMart, Holiday Market, Starbucks, Meeho's and Paradise Green Cafe for making the project possible.
What's Next?
The Cypress Native Plant Restoration Project is a long-term commitment and we need your help to see it through. Our next planting days will be in the fall, but we need volunteers to help with watering and maintenance in the meantime.
To learn more or get involved, reach out to info@regeneratingparadise.org with "Cypress Project" in the subject line.
Comments