Non-native plants have far-reaching effects when they invade native vegetation communities. Many invasive species effectively out-compete native plants, degrade water quality, increase the risk of flooding, alter flow regimes and provide little or no value to wildlife. We are working with the San Dieguito River Park and other agencies to combat invasives throughout the San Dieguito Watershed with grant funding and public education.

In 2006, the Conservancy formed a stakeholder group to address the problems of invasive plants and formulate a long-term strategy for weed management within the River Park. The eight-member group, operating as a Working Group of the San Dieguito Watershed Council, brings together technical and programmatic expertise to identify effective treatment methods and public funding sources. In 2007, the Conservancy received $74,710 in funding from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grant program to treat pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) in San Pasqual Valley and the San Dieguito Lagoon.

he Conservancy also reaches out to the public, particularly homeowners, with information about how individuals can protect the health of the Watershed by choosing non-invasive, drought-tolerant plants – especially natives -- for landscaping at home. CONTACT US for a list of resources and plant selection guides to get started on creating your own backyard habitat.

How You Can Help
The Conservancy hosts monthly volunteer work events to remove non-native plants and restore native habitat in the western end of the River Park. Check our Events page for upcoming dates or contact us at volunteer@sdrvc.org.

For volunteer opportunities hosted by the San Dieguito River Park, including scout projects, please visit www.sdrp.org.