During the past 100 years, more than 90% of riparian habitats in California have been lost to development for modern uses. The remaining stream habitats have been disrupted by 150 years of mining, ranching and other human activities, yet wildlife populations are still dependent on these vital watersheds for their existence.  With the intensified needs of large human populations for water, forest products, mining operations, oil production, grazing, and recreation, many species are on the decline, some drastically.
     One of the most pressing problems facing our remaining ecosystems is the introduction of non-native plant and animal species.  Without the environmental controls and natural predators from their native lands, exotic species can rapidly invade and destroy the biological balances that have evolved over thousands of years.  
     Agressive non-native plants can crowd out our slower growing, more conservative natives, and out-compete for precious nutrient and water resources.  When native plants are displaced, so are the native animals that depend on them.  
     The Native Habitats Program is our effort to undo some of this historic damage, focusing on the control of introduced species such as tamarisk, sweet clover, arundo and several brooms, especially where threatened and endangered species are known to exist.
      Since 2003 our volunteers have made significant on-the-ground improvements in the Piru and Bitter Creek watersheds, as well as Castaic, Cuyama and Mono Creeks.  These weekend efforts directly benefit the habitats of Arroyo Toads, Southwestern Willow Flycatchers, Red and Yellow-Legged Frogs and Santa Ana Suckers, and Western Pond Turtles  while improving our own vital water supply. 
     Our campouts and backpacking trips take us into remote, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful areas in the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests.  Please join us for a day or a weekend, helping to care for some of the most beautiful places on earth, and our most valued resource, water.

Wild duck nest on Piru Creek

Native Habitats Program Accopmlishments:

135 miles of stream 
patrolled for invasive species

70,865 tamarisk plants removed

24,171 other invasive plants removed

7,741 on-the-ground volunteer hours devoted to Native Habitat