6th Annual Community Creek Cleanup
The 6th Annual Community Creek Cleanup took place on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the Henderson Open Space.
Project Description
The 6th Annual Community Creek Cleanup removed invasive vegetation within the Henderson Open Space, which sits along the Sacramento River just southeast of the Cypress Avenue bridge.
This open space consists of more than 30 acres which had become overgrown with invasive species. In addition to frontage on the Sacramento River, the parcel includes two natural ponds, one seasonal. The other pond has become a habitat for the North American Wood Duck, which is making a recovery from near-extinction.
In addition to opening up viewing of the River, dirt accessory paths to and along the Sacramento River have been cleared and are now accessible. The work completed will help the area to return to the riparian savannah it once was along with providing a lovely view of the river for users.
During four hours hundreds of volunteers removed Black Locust trees, Himalayan Blackberries bushes, stands of Arundo, Ailanthus trees and a preponderance of dead material.
Arundo displaces native plants and associated wildlife species as a consequence of the massive stands it forms. It clearly becomes a dominant component of the flora, removing the habitat and food resources provided by native plants, which support more insects than does Arundo. Unlike native riparian plants, Arundo provides little shading to in-stream habitat, leading to increased water temperatures and reduced habitat quality for aquatic wildlife.
Ailanthus is considered an invasive weed based on its ability to rapidly grow and spread. Common names include Tree of heaven, China-sumac, Chinese tree of heaven, stinktree, and varnishtree.
Black Locust trees pose a serious threat to native vegetation. Once introduced to an area, black locust expands readily into areas where their shade reduces competition from other plants. The large, fragrant blossoms compete with native plants for pollinating bees.
Himalayan Blackberries are considered a weed, with new growth spreading rapidly, overtaking any plant in its way. The root system is huge, storing food and sucking up water needed by other plants. These dense thickets can be a fire hazard.