This is the most botanically rich area of its size (about 250 acres) in the entire East Bay. 251 native species have been identified so far, 14 newly discovered this year. There are more native species here than at Huckleberry Preserve (166 species), Claremont Canyon Preserve (177 species), Mitchell Canyon (127 species), and even the Mt. Diablo Summit zone (125 species). 170 native plant species
are found along a mile-and- a-quarter of trail between the Steam Trains and the Reservoir. Because of the high density of native plants, this is a great place to botanize, learn, and observe – not only species, but how they behave, associate, and evolve in plant communities. As a result of invasive removals (Eucalyptus, thistles, hemlock, etc.) in the area, natives are regenerating in amazing numbers. Plants not catalogued in 100 years are popping up. The restoration work involves removing invasives before they go to seed,
and letting the natives gradually reoccupy liberated space through natural dispersal. This is known as the Bradley method. We hold workdays twice weekly, Wednesday afternoons (after work) and Sunday mornings for three plus hours each. Since May 2016, 122 volunteer workdays have been held, involving some 142 people in over 750 volunteer shifts totaling over 2,300 hours on site. Each outing combines botany and restoration. For the first portion, we botanize observe, learning together. Then we shift into restoration and weeding for two hours. The project is open to anyone with interest and commitment, regardless of background. Because of the nature of our permit with EBMUD, each outing is limited to 15 persons, so RSVP is
mandatory. Larger groups can be coordinated for special events. Water, hats, gloves, boots, and long pants and shirts are a necessity; a hand lens is also helpful. The project is led by naturalist Glen Schneider, an East Bay native. He grew up in a local nursery family and has been a native plant garden landscape designer/builder for over 40 years. His own garden in Berkeley is on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour every year. The Skyline Gardens Project is an ongoing, multi-year project dependent upon a regular core of volunteers. Please join us and help love this beautiful land back to wholeness! To volunteer or for more information, contact: [email protected]
