Natural Resources Conservation Service

Abstract:

The goals of the Sky Ranch Project are to stabilize severe erosion at a headcut that threatens to undermine a dam and restore two springs in order to reduce risk of erosion and enhance wildlife habitat on a 242-acre holding of the Muir Heritage Land Trust in the upper Alhambra Creek Watershed. The project will also increase understanding about watershed health and instill a sense of watershed stewardship by involving community volunteers and students in an on-the-ground restoration project.

Project Location: Stock Pond and two springs near Vaca Creek, a tributary of Alhambra Creek (on Sky Ranch, owned by Muir Heritage Land Trust)  

Purpose: In sum, the purpose of this project is to: • Stabilize severe erosion at a headcut that threatens to undermine a dam in the upper watershed • Restore wildlife habitat for native species, including the federally threatened red-legged frog that occur in the watershed • Enhance wildlife habitat by planting a variety of native plants • Reduce erosion and sediment flows into Vaca Creek and Alhambra Creek by implementing a native plant establishment project with controlled grazing in the restoration area • Increase biological diversity and general ecosystem health in target area by replanting with native plants in project area • Engage students in proactive environmental project-based learning (many students are at risk and/or from low-income populations) • Involve community volunteers in an on-the-ground restoration project • Increase collaboration between community groups and agencies

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Watersed Management Strategies:

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