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El Sobrante Native Plant Garden
Want to help? Join us at the next work party!! See Get Involved|Events for details. |
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Imagine this: The half-acre El Sobrante Library parcel. A thirty-foot area behind the Library is covered with non-native Algerian ivy down the steep banks to the Creek and along to Appian Way. A large non-native palm tree and scraggly cypress are blocking light. The ivy strangles the native buckeyes, black walnuts and California bay trees growing there. Over grown shrubs shield criminal drug use, and graffiti and trash are all around. Now Imagine: An open glade. A gravel path wends between beds of native plants and past picnic tables at the bank top. Signs display the plant names to visitors. The El Sobrante Library parcel has been transformed! How did this happen? By community action. Residents interested in restoring the Library parcel as a setting for community and educational events, and to demonstrate erosion control techniques and the value of native plants came together to begin a significant effort. On Earth Day 2000, 75 students, teachers, and residents removed ivy and litter from the top of the creek bank. A volunteer group was formed that later became Spawners. A Landscape Ecology Consultant was hired to do a site analysis and develop restoration designs. Meetings were held with nearby residents to understand their viewpoints. Volunteers propagated native plants and solicited plant donations. Many more workdays were held to remove more ivy and lay the gravel paths. The first planting day was in 2001 and volunteers began a watering schedule to establish the new plants. Mulch was laid over all the beds. The Rotary Club donated the concrete pad and picnic tables. A palm tree specialist removed the palm and took it to a new home. The resulting open space was planted with native flowering perennials, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. EBMUD provided labels with the scientific and common names of the plants and a watering system. In just over two years an enormous change was brought about by diverse segments of the community. The garden has become an enjoyable area to read a book, picnic, or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It also serves to demonstrate the use of native plants, and allow residents to view species that might do well in their own yards. Landscaping with natives benefits the creek because they need little or no fertilizer or pesticide, which can be washed into storm drains and pollute the creek. There is more to do. Additional plantings. An interpretive sign explaining the garden features. More ivy removal and creek bank planting. Check our event listings for the next scheduled work day. |
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Directions to the Library: From Oakland/Berkeley, take I-80 East (toward Richmond and Sacramento.) |
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