Accomplishments to Date:   

99.8 miles of stream 
patrolled for invasive species

46,857 tamarisk plants removed

20,563 other invasive plants removed

5,691 on-the-ground volunteer hours devoted to Native Streams

     During the past 100 years, more than 90% of riparian habitats in California have been lost to development for modern uses. The remaining stream habitats have been disrupted by 150 years of mining, ranching and other human activities, yet wildlife populations are still dependent on these vital watersheds for their existence.  With the intensified needs of large human populations for water, forest products, mining operations, oil production, grazing, and recreation, many species are on the decline, and some drastically.

     One of the most pressing problems facing our remaining wetland ecosystems is the introduction of non-native plant and animal species.  Without the environmental controls and natural predators from their native lands, exotic species can rapidly invade and destroy the biological balances that have evolved over thousands of years.  When native plants are displaced, so are the native animals that depend on them.

     The Native Streams Program is our effort to undo some of this historic damage, focusing on the control of introduced species such as tamarisk, sweet clover, and several brooms, especially where threatened and endangered species are known to exist.

      Since 2003 our volunteers have made significant improvements to riparian areas in the Castaic, Piru, Cuyama and Mono Creek watersheds.  These weekend efforts directly benefit the habitats of Arroyo Toads, Southwestern Willow Flycatchers, Red-Legged Frogs and Santa Ana Suckers,  while improving our own vital water supply. 

     Our campouts and backpacking trips take us into remote, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful areas in the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests.  Please join us for a day or a weekend, helping to care for some of the most beautiful places on earth, and our most valued resource, water.