Coastside Land Trust Restoration Day, Francis Beach, Saturday

The Coastside Land Trust is holding our monthly restoration event at our Francis Beach properties this coming Saturday,  September 20, 12:30 to 3 pm.  We will spend the day identifying native and invasive plants, discussing the strategy for fall blooming by some native species, pollination strategies, and methods used for seed dispersal, as well as removing invasive plants to help our natives thrive.

Did you ever think of Coyote Bushes as sexy?

Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilulari) is the brush that covers our coastal hillsides and terraces. It is also called tick or deer brush, and is the primary plant in our coastal chaparral. It is the first plant to colonize grassy fields, and is host to many plants and animals. Coyote bush provides shelter and cover for animals and creates an environment welcoming to other plants. If you look closely, you will see blackberry vines, reeds, aster, dock, and other plants taking advantage of the shade and wind protection provided by the sturdy coyote bush.

This time of year, September to November, it becomes apparent that not all coyote bushes are alike. Some have blooms with tight flowers that stick to the plant (this is the male) while others have a fuzzy bloom that, when mature floats to the ground and through the air much as thistle seeds do (this the female). Plants like the Coyote Bush with separate plants for the male and female are called dioecious, a Greek/Latin word meaning two houses—specifically having the male and female reproductive organs borne on separate individuals of the same species.

Please join us. Check in at the Francis State Beach kiosk at Kelly and the Pacific Ocean, and proceed north on the maintenance road to the maintenance sheds. Our properties are on the east side of the maintenance road. Refreshments, good humor and appreciation are provided for all ages and abilities.

Jo Chamberlain