Results Seen From Pedro Point Headlands Restoration

Restoration continues on the Pedro Point Headlands and slide that was planted with over 800 native plants last winter shows signs of healing.

On Sunday, Oct. 30, ten volunteers ascended the five-year-old slide just west of the green gate entrance to the headlands off of Highway 1 and pulled the pampas grass sprouts, velvet grass, and other weeds that compete with the natives for water, nutrients, and sunshine.   

“The new plants look great," said Mike Vasey, Pacifica Land Trust board member, biologist, and director of the restoration efforts. "Most of them have survived the dry summer months and seem to be doing fine in their new home. The upcoming rainy season will be great for them and should help them to become established by next year. Until then, we can keep the invasive plants from gaining a foothold by weeding them periodically like we just did.” 

In addition to weeding the slide, another team walked the property and removed 75 to 100 large pampas grass plants that were resprouting from past removal efforts. They also removed 75 French Broom plants. Pampas grass, we’ve learned, is very hardy and requires continuous monitoring to make sure it doesn’t resprout.  French Broom seeds last up to 4 years so continuous monitoring is necessary for them too. Four Catoneasters were removed, too. This popular landscaping plant has escaped our yards and become a threat in the open lands of California. 

Wax Myrtle and Monkey Flower seeds were collected and will be grown for future restoration projects. Downed Eucalyptus limbs were removed from the Arroyo Trail and six water bars were cleaned out in preparation for the upcoming rains on the same trail.  For a map of the Pedro Point Headland trails, go to www.pedropointheadlands.org. 

Caltrans is currently working near the green gate access from Highway 1 (south of Linda Mar). If you are interested in hiking the headlands, you can try parking south of the green gate on Highway 1 near the bridge entrance and walk back to the gate entrance. 

Since Jan. 2010, thanks to financial support from the Coastal Conservancy, direction by the Pacifica Land Trust and dedication of many new and returning volunteers, the restoration efforts at the Pedro Point Headlands have transformed the property in very positive ways. You now have to keep your eyes peeled for French Broom and pampas grass, which used to be so prolific they were easily found anywhere on the property.   

If you would like to join our future restoration work days, please email me at lynn4promos@aol.com.