Volunteer groups and heavy equipment were called in this summer to construct new habitat ponds in Filipponi Ecological Area. The restoration project led by The Land Conservancy aims to expand and enhance this protected wetland floodplain along East Fork which is owned and managed by the City of San Luis Obispo. The project was funded by
San Luis Obispo
County
as part of the recent
SLO
Regional
Airport
expansion project.
The wetland ponds were dug at varying depths to create diverse aquatic homes for wildlife including unique water plants, turtles, birds and the endangered red-legged frog. Even during the driest days of August the main pond held nearly 2 feet of water. The expanded wetland also provides some natural water treatment to help filter and clean nearby drainage runoff before it enters the main flow of the creek. Improved water quality in San Luis Obispo Creek is a benefit for all wildlife, tourists and families downstream. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the new “wildlife housing project” though it is suspected that the animals themselves will appreciate it more.
“The magic is already happening!
Even before we pulled the heavy equipment off the site
we saw signs of deer and bobcat accessing the new ponds,”
said
Michael LeBrun
,
Restoration Program Manager for The Land Conservancy.
To build the project a massive mechanical excavator scoured the land to remove tons of soil which was distributed elsewhere on the site. After carefully sculpting the circular depressions to include deep 10-ft pools and gradual slopes, the banks of the ponds were planted with wetland-specific species found elsewhere on the site, making their survival and success more likely. Native grass and plant seeds were also sown on the higher ground around the ponds to form a habitat buffer and prevent the growth of weeds. Planting assistance was provided by clients of Transitions Mental Health - Growing Grounds Nursery & Farm who grew all the plants and helped put many of them in the ground. Additional site restoration work was completed by a team of volunteers from the staff of Andre, Morris & Buttery.
The Land Conservancy manages restoration projects at Filipponi Ecological area and has supported a steady group of Volunteer Stewards who work to maintain the site. As an ecological preserve, access to the site is limited to authorized activities. Volunteers who would like to help maintain the site can join The Land Conservancy’s Volunteer Stewards program and gain access on work days.
The Land Conservancy also plans to host a guided hike to the site next spring. Contact 544-9096 for more info
Interested in contributing toward similar future projects?
Make a Donation Today!
All donations are tax-deductible and should be made payable and sent to:
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
743 Pacific Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
To make an online donation:
Please feel free to call the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
Office for more information at
(805)544-9096
