Help Heal a Wildfire-Damaged Landscape in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

Please click here to RSVP.

Saturday, September 28

8:30 am – 12 pm

Red Cliffs Habitat Restoration Plot

From its juncture with Red Hills Parkway, travel approximately 2.5 miles north on Cottonwood Springs Road (Old Dump Road). Park in the pull-out on the left directly across from the water tank.

Click here to see the water tank in google maps.

“In restoring damaged land we learn to heal ourselves.”

-Wendell Berry

Join Conserve Southwest Utah, SUNCLF and the BLM in the Red Cliffs NCA on National Public Lands Day as volunteers care for thirsty, young plants in a habitat restoration project designed to heal a wildfire-devastated landscape. We will be watering over 500 transplanted native species including creosote, globemallow, brittlebush, big galleta grass and white bursage.

 

Severe wildfires in the early 2000’s burned nearly one-quarter of the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Since then, biologists have been testing new ways of rehabilitating this fragile desert landscape and the critical habitat it provides for the threatened Mojave Desert Tortoise. The healthy functioning of this land benefits wildlife, plants, and local residents with ecosystem return services including erosion prevention, carbon sequestration, recreation and tourism.  Beginning in 2016, nursery-grown plants have been transplanted each autumn into a series of experimental plots. The goal is for native species to survive and form islands that seed and spread to surrounding areas.

Declining soil moisture and the rapid spread of invasive weeds like cheat grass and sahara mustard put the survival of these baby plants at risk. Together, we can keep them alive and help restore a functioning ecosystem by watering, weeding, and building chicken wire cages to protect the next round of transplants.

What to Bring

Gloves

Pliers (preferably needle-nose) for twisting chicken wire cages closed

Volunteers are encouraged to wear protective clothing (long pants, sun hat) and close-toed shoes.

Whether you’re in the mood for sitting and building cages, or a more active walking/watering/weeding experience, we invite you to give back on #NPLD2019 with Conserve Southwest Utah!

We will provide snacks, refreshments and a limited number of extra pliers and gloves.

Please click here to RSVP. Thank you!