Habitat Restoration
Our staff has extensive experience in developing and implementing habitat restoration in wetlands, riparian areas, upland zones, native grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. Our staff is comprised of experts from various scientific fields and disciplines including conservation-based land planning and architecture, native oak tree monitoring and restoration, ornithology, herpetology, watershed preservation and enhancement, anadromous species preservation and large scale habitat restoration project planning and execution. From feasibility studies and planning to implementation, maintenance and monitoring, we can oversee the entire project or assist with any steps along the way.
Trippet Ranch Oak Woodland Restoration
CA State Parks and RCDSMM have been working together to restore 10 acres of oak woodlands at Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park. Over 500 coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) acorns and seedlings have been planted to mitigate for the loss experienced in the park. Throughout the year, we hold monthly to bi-monthly volunteer events during which community members help us care for native oaks in this space. Visit our volunteer events page to find out when our next event is!
Nicholas Flat Oak Woodland Restoration
Beginning in 2019 the RCDSMM began stewarding a new restoration site at Nicholas Flat in Leo Carillo State Park following damage to the oak canopy sustained during the Woolsey Fire of 2018. Planting coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) saplings today, which take up to 20 years to reach reproductive maturity, is an important step towards restoring woodland habitat connectivity and integrity in the long-term. This project will contribute to the overall health of oak woodlands and wildland habitat throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. We are now welcoming volunteers to this remote site. If you’re interested in being a part of this important restoration, visit our events page or reach out to our Community Engagement Manager to inquire about the full events calendar.
Rodeo Grounds Berm Removal Project, Lower Topanga Creek
Restoration and revegetation of the Rodeo Grounds Berm was completed in 2009 by the RCDSMM and partners. The project restored over 12 acres of floodplain function, improved 3,000 feet of channel connectivity, increase critical passage opportunities to four miles of high quality fish habitat, restored 12 acres of riparian habitat, removed 12 acres of invasive and exotic vegetation, removed water pollutant sources associated with the structures, and allowed natural re-adjustment of sediment transport and bed loads.
Malibu Lagoon Restoration and Post-Restoration Fish Monitoring
The RCDSMM joined together with California State Parks, The Bay Foundation, California State Coastal Conservancy, and Los Angeles Waterkeeper to improve the health of the Malibu Lagoon in 2012/13. The ecosystem had been impaired by excess sediment and low dissolved oxygen levels, threatening wildlife. The restoration improved circulation, fish habitat, and public access. The RCDSMM continues to monitor fish populations post-restoration and generates an annual report on their findings.
Topanga Lagoon Restoration
The RCDSMM has joined partners and stakeholders from California State Parks, LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors, California State Coastal Conservancy, CalTrans, Wildlife Conservation Board and CA Department of Fish & Wildlife to restore Topanga Lagoon. The Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project is a multiagency cooperative effort that seeks to protect and restore precious biological and cultural resources, create an integrated program for coastal access, emergency response and interpretation, and proactively address the effects of sea level rise. Learn more about the project on its website here.
