What: Volunteer invasive plant removal to save the Shasta snow-wreath (details below)
Where: Near Waters Gulch Trailhead, 30 min north of Redding, CA
Directions: Take Packers Bay exit on Interstate 5 Southbound (from northbound I-5, take the O’Brien exit, get back on I-5 heading south, then exit at Packers Bay). From the exit, take your first right onto Packers Bay Rd and follow it southwest towards the bay. About a mile in, the trailhead should be on your right.
When: April 25th & 26 from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Why: To help the rare Shasta snow-wreath populations from being invaded by Scotch broom and to avoid drift from toxic herbicides.
Bring: Gloves, water, lunch and wear long sleeves and hat. EPIC will be providing tools but bring loppers if you have them.
What to Know: There are two main locations we will be working; one is roadside and the other is down in the creek. There is a decent amount of poison oak down by the creek. If you are sensitive to poison oak the roadside location has little to none.
If arriving late, you may see us on Packers Bay Road (also known as Forest Service road 34N27) before you reach the trailhead. If we are not there, look for the pile of fresh pulled Scotch broom and labeled flagging to find the trail down to the creek. We will leave a few tools near the top of the trail to bring down.
There are only 20 know populations of Shasta snow-wreath (Neviusia cliftonii) on the planet. Most were lost when the reservoir was created. Others are threatened by the proposal to raise the dam and Scotch brooms are another threat that has infested multiple areas near Packers Bay. This plant is endemic to the shores and canyons around the reservoir. The area is rich in biodiversity and is home to many endemic species such as the Shasta salamander (Hydromantes shastae) and the Shasta Chaparral snail.
EPIC staff and volunteers will be pulling the invasive non-native scotch broom and helping to protect streamside plant populations from being sprayed with toxic chemicals. We protected a few of the most sensitive populations from the possible drift of herbicides and we plan to do it again every year till the broom is gone from the creekside location. Working together demonstrates that people power is the best alternative. We look forward to seeing you out there!
If you are unable to make it out for the volunteer day, but you want to support our efforts by helping to cover the costs of travel and supplies, please consider making a donation to EPIC. Thank you for your support!
