Friends

Plant List for the Georgetown Nature Area

April 24, 2007

                                                     By Annie Walker

TREES

Asian pear                                                        Prunus sp.

Bay                                                                  Umbellaria californica

Black oak                                                         Quercus kelloggii

Coast redwood                                                Sequoia sempervirens

Doug fir                                                            Pseudotsuga menziesii

Incense cedar                                                   Calocedrus decurrens

Madrone                                                          Arbutus menziesii

Ponderosa pine                                                 Pinus ponderosa

Sequoia                                                            Sequoiadendron giganteum

SHRUBS

Alder                                                                Alnus (rhombifolia)

Azalea                                                              Rhododendron californica

Bear clover                                                       Chamabaetia foliolosa

Blackberry                                                       Rubus ursinus

Cat tails                                                            Typha latifolia

Coffeeberry                                                      Rhamnus tomentella

Currant                                                             Ribes nevadensis

Gooseberry                                                      Ribes sp.

Himalaya

blackberry                                                        Rubus discolor

Oregon grape                                                   Berberis dictyota

Poison oak                                                       Toxicodendron diversilobum

Scotch broom *                                                Cytisus scoparius

Toyon                                                              Heteromeles arbutifolia

Whiteleaf manzanita                                          Arctostaphylos viscida

Wild plum                                                         Prunus sp.

Wild rose                                                        

Willow                                                             Salix sp.

HERBS

Bedstraw                                                          Galium aparine

Bleeding heart                                                   Dicentra

Blue eyed grass                                                Sisyrinchium bellum

Bracken fern                                                     Pteridium aquilinum v. pubescens

Cinquefoil                                                         Potentilla glandulosa

Clover *                                                           Trifolium sp.

Curly dock                                                       Rumex crispus

English plantain *                                              Plantago lanceolata

Fragile fern                                                       Cystopteris fragilis

Golden yarrow *                                              Achillea sp.

Goldenrod                                                        Solidago californica?

Horsetail rush                                                   Equisetum arvense

Mint                                                                 Mentha sp.

Mouse ear chickweed *                                    Cerastium fontanum

Mugwort                                                          Artemisia douglasiana

Mullein                                                             Verbascum

Mustard, (yellow) *                                         

Penny cress *                                                   Thlaspi arvense          

Periwinkle *                                                     Vinca major

Queen Anne’s lace                                           Daucus carrota

Sanicle                                                             Sanicula crassifolius

Sheep sorrel *                                                  Rumex acetosella

Smooth cat’s ear *                                           Hypoecharis glabrum

Soapweed                                                        Chlorogalum pomeridianum

Spicebush                                                         Calycanthus occidentalis

Sweet pea *                                                     Lathyrus latifolia

Vetch *                                                            Vicia sativa ssp. nigra

Violet                                                               Viola purpurea

Woodwardia                                                    Woodwardia fimbriata

GRAMINOIDS

Bulrush                                                             Scirpus (subterminalis?)

Pacific rush                                                       Juncus effusus v. pacificus

Sedge                                                               Carex utriculata

Sedge                                                               Carex sp.

Spiny dogtail *                                                  Cyanosurus echinatus

Tickle grass                                                      Agrostis sp.

Woodrush                                                        Luzula comosa

*Non-natives

 Georgetown School Nature Area Management Plan

Introduction

On January 28, 2010, the Friends (O)f the Nature Area (FONA), the advisory board to the Black Oak Mine Unified School District Board, met to consider the possible parts of a Management Plan for the Georgetown School Nature Area.  The discussion was wide-ranging, and included a number of possible parameters.

Among several issues considered, the primary one was that of safety.    Previous documents and considerations have been incorporated into this document – those include a management plan done by Bruce Wadsworth, RFP in 2003, a natural history prepared by Ray Griffiths in 2005, and a meeting by the Nature Area Maintenance Committee in early January 2010.

The management of the Georgetown Nature Area includes a variety of goals common to many property owners in the area, but also includes some goals unique to the Nature Area, such as physical safety of users, and, education.  There may be conflicts between some management techniques if the goals are at cross purposes. 

As described in the Natural History document listed above and in surveys by various other individuals, the dominant vegetation of the Nature Area consists of a Mixed Conifer Forest, consisting primarily of the following tree species:

Ponderosa Pine                                Pinus ponderosa

Douglas Fir                                          Pseudotsuga menziesii 

Incense Cedar                                   Calocedrus decurrens  

Sugar Pine                                           Pinus lambertiana

Black Oak                                             Quercus kelloggii   

Other tree species may also be common, but generally do not dominate in this area. 

A Brief History of the Nature Area

The Scherrer family acquired the original 140-acre homestead where the Nature Area is located in 1895. They came from Bavaria and resided in Georgetown as miners. Annie Scherrer deeded five acres of her land to the Georgetown Public School and 4.54 acres to the CA Water and Mining Co. for the canal, which runs through the property. Frank and Joseph Scherrer were involved in quartzmining in search of gold bearing veins from 1880-1890’s. (Researched by Jean Starns)

     Between 1929 and 1945 this property owned by Clarence Collins was cleared and planted as a pear orchard. In 1947, it was bought by the Iseli family who tried unsuccessfully to restore the fruit trees; so instead, they raised sheep to keep the brush down.  In 1965, 73 acres were purchased by the Georgetown Divide Union School District, and Superintendent Paul Mello dedicated part of the land to be used for the study of natural science and ecology.  Science teacher Ray McClellan developed a plan to build a nature conservatory on 35-acres of the property. 

     During the next ten years the ponds, trails, classrooms, amphitheater, and picnic areas were developed with assistance from the Dept of Fish and Game, and Growlersburg Conservation Camp.  In 1975 a grant from the Georgetown Resource Conservation District was obtained to improve the facilities.  Over the years, many educators and community members have been instrumental in the maintenance and supervision of the Nature Area.  Jack Cann, Mike Haines, Howard Hiemke , Bruce Leiper, John Daniels , and neighbor Gene Shaeffer have spent endless hours creating this unique outdoor learning facility for the youth and community members of the Divide to enjoy.  

An Ecological History of the Nature Area

The vegetation of the Georgetown School Nature Area reflects the past disturbances from agriculture and mining.  Weedy species such as Scotch Broom and Himalayan Blackberry have taken over portions of the site.   Fortunately the major tree species of the area generally reproduce well after disturbance, and much of the site has been re-colonized by a mixed conifer forest.   

Where there is a difference in vegetation, it is determined primarily by soil moisture levels.  Upland soils will tend to be dry by late Summer, and these areas have generally been colonized by conifers.  Wet areas may have proportionally more native species due to the tolerance of native wetland species for soils lacking oxygen.  Most of the weedy invasive species require sufficient drainage to allow abundant oxygen.   The exception is Himalayan Blackberry, which is somewhat tolerant of low oxygen (wet) soils, as long as the water is moving.  At our elevation, Himalayan Blackberries can also persist under the coniferous forest, if the native species have been removed.    

As a consequence of agricultural clearing and subsequent grazing, some species common on less disturbed sites have been eliminated. 

Management Goals

A short list of some of the goals for management of the Nature Area include the following:

     1.   Safety of visitors

1. Education of visitors

1. Reduction of exotic weeds or obnoxious plants

1. Increase native wildflowers or other native species of interest

1. Maintenance of trails and ponds

1. Maintenance of forest in a “fire safe” state * (see link below)

1. Use of forest products

          * http://www.edcfiresafe.org/fire_safe_vegetation.htm

These are expanded below:

1.  Safety of visitors – this includes trail maintenance, exclusion of undesirable uses or dangerous situations through fencing, and vegetation control.

1.  Education of visitors – some suggestions include raising awareness of visitors of native species, natural processes such as erosion and deposition,  uses of the environment by Native Americans, management of mixed conifer forest, and an appreciation of the natural environment.  Interpretive displays and history of the site through signage may be appropriate.

1.  Reduction of exotic weeds or obnoxious plants.  The two primary species of concern are the Himalayan Blackberry and Scotch Broom.  Other exotic species may require control, and even some natives such as Poison Oak may require management.  The control emphasis should be on trails and areas being used by people.

1.  Increased native wildflowers or other native species of interest.  Attractive flowering natives may be appropriate for planting, and other natives with particular uses to Native Americans may add to the value of the site.

1.  Maintenance of trails – clearing of encroaching brush, rehabilitation of boardwalks, pond maintenance, and improvement of access for particular groups may be appropriate.  Erosion control should be incorporated into plans for any new construction.

1.  Maintenance of forest in “fire safe” state.  Thinning and/or reduction of density, and separation of “ladder fuels” may be appropriate to prevent the forest from becoming a hazard to nearby homes.  This is also an important concept to convey to community members for their own property.

1.  Use of forest products – If, as a result of any of the other management goals, forest products, whether whole logs, conifer cones, or other woody products become available, they should be used to benefit the following, in decreasing order of importance:  the Georgetown School Nature Area, the Georgetown School, and the Black Oak Mine Unified School District.  Forest products (especially low value products such as firewood) may also be used to barter for labor or other benefits to the Nature Area. 

In the process of vegetation manipulation, certain native species should be favored for retention, where possible.  In general, for the dominant forest trees, the following list shows the desirability of the tree species when thinning:  Sugar Pine> Black Oak> Douglas Fir >Ponderosa Pine>Incense Cedar.  In other words, Sugar Pines should be saved in preference to Black Oaks, in preference to Douglas Fir, etc.  The less common tree species should be given preference to most of the common tree species.  Exceptions include dense stands of any species, or unhealthy or deformed individuals.  The intent is always to develop a forest of diverse, fire resistant native species.  Snags (dead or dying trees) should be retained if they do not threaten people or structures, as they constitute an important habitat for animals.

There has been extensive discussion regarding methods of vegetation manipulation.  Clearing by hand cutting is always preferable, however, some species (e.g. blackberries) are extremely resistant to hand removal.  In those cases, the least toxic forms of herbicide are acceptable, assuming these materials are applied at the appropriate time and with the appropriate amounts of materials.  The use of fire in prescribed burns may be appropriate if it can be done safely.  The intention is to always maximize effect while minimizing effort and potential danger to the users and maintenance personnel. 

The Nature Area consists predominantly of two vegetation types, which also correspond to soil types.  The central portion is generally very wet in the rainy season.  The soil is often a yellowish clay.  The creek running through the center of this area, and may be the only moist area during the dry season.  The vegetation is dominated by willows, alders, and other riparian species, plus Himilayan Blackberry.  Plant species requiring moisture and tolerant of poor drainage may thrive in this area.

The area near the Indian Village could be used to plant species of use to Native Americans.  Many of these may also be planted in other areas.   Some of the possible species that should do well include:

Common Name                                                Species Name                   Uses

Big-leaf Maple                                   Acer macrophyllum          Fiber

Redbud                                                Cercis occidentalis             Fiber

Calif. Black Walnut                           Jugulans hindsii                Food

Buckeye                                               Aesculus californica        Food

Hazelnut                                              Corylus cornuta                Food and fiber

California Grape                               Vitis californica                 Food and fiber

Brodiea sp.                                         Several different genera & sp.  Food

Santa Barbara Sedge                      Carex barbarea                Fiber

Indian Hemp                                      Apocynum cannibinum                 Fiber

California Milkweed                        Asclepias californica        Fiber

Himalayan blackberry should be treated with herbicides in late summer/fall, (after berry drop) when the material will be transposed into the root mass.  To minimize spread to non-target species, shielding or application with a wiping-type of applicator may be necessary.  Transplanting of native species into treated areas should follow in mid-winter when the plants are dormant.

The balance of the site should primarily be treated with typical management appropriate to Mixed Conifer forests.  Sequentially thinning as trees mature, with either removal of slash or, at a minimum, lopping to bring it into soil contact.  A rough guide would be to thin saplings (<3” diameter) to 5-10’ apart, thin small trees (<6” dbh) 10-15’ apart.  Larger trees (>6” dbh) may be thinned as appropriate, with larger trees (>10” dbh) possibly used for milling or whole for other purposes.  Scotch Broom may be pulled when small (<1/2” stem) and the soil is moist.  Larger shrubs may be cut and piled.  Cutting in August often results in high mortality of larger shrubs.  Eventually, burning may become an appropriate management tool, when trees are larger and residual fuels are low enough to be done safely.  Advice of fire management experts and the local fire department should be sought when contemplating its’ use.

In any of these activities, interpretive education of both students and visitors may be appropriate.   Native Americans should be consulted regarding the plant species adjacent to the Indian Village.  The plant species, their management and their importance to native culture should be emphasized. 

Forest management, both direction and techniques should be developed into brochures and/or interpretive displays for the education of students and visitors, especially local land-owners looking for guidance.

Appendix 1.  Plant Species Found On-site

Trees

Ponderosa Pine                                                                                Pinus ponderosa

Douglas Fir                                                                          Pseudotsuga menziesii

Sugar Pine                                                                           Pinus lamgertiana

Incense Cedar                                                                   Calocedrus decurrens

Black Oak                                                                             Quercus kelloggii

Canyon Live Oak                                                               Quercus chrysolepis

Madrone                                                                             Arbutus menziesii

California Bay                                                                     Umbellularia californica

Pacific Dogwood                                                               Cornus nutallii

White Alder                                                                        Alnus rhombifolia

Willows                                                                                                Salix sp. (many species)

Giant Sequoia*                                                                 Sequoiadendron giganteum

Domestic  Cherry*                                                           Prunus sp.

Domestic Pear*                                                                                Pyrus sp.

Shrubs

California Hazelnut                                                          Corylus cornuta

Lemmon’s Ceonothus                                                   Ceonothus lemmonii

California Rose                                                                  Rosa californica

Western Raspberry                                                         Rubus leucodermis

Western Azalea                                                                                Rhododendron occidentale

White-leaf Manzanita                                                    Arctostaphylos viscida

Coffeeberry                                                                       Rhamnus californica

Scotch Broom*                                                                 Cytisus scoparius

Vines

Poison Oak                                                                         Toxicodendron diversiloba

Hairy Honeysuckle                                                           Lonicera hispidula

Creeping Snowberry                                                      Symphocarpus mollis

Cut-leaf Blackberry*                                                       Rubus lacinatus

Himalayan Blackberry*                                                  Rubus discolor

Herbaceous Species

Soaproot                                                                             Chlorogalum pomeradianum

Bleeding Heart                                                                  Dicentra Formosa

Blue Wildrye                                                                      Elymus glaucus

Ripgut Brome*                                                                  Bromus rigida

Mugwort                                                                             Artemesia douglasii

Sedges                                                                                 Carex sp.

Rushes                                                                                 Juncus sp.

Panic grass                                                                          Panicum sp

Sweet Cicily                                                                        Osmorhiza occidentalis

Purple Aster                                                                       Aster chilensis

Oregon Aster                                                                     Aster oregonensis

Bentgrass*                                                                         Agrostis sp.

Orchard Grass*                                                                 Dactylis glomeratus

Bulbous Bluegrass*                                                         Poa bulbosa

Queen Anne’s Lace*                                                      Daucus sp.

Sweet Pea*                                                                        Lathyrus sp.

Velvet Grass*                                                                    Holcus lanatum

Ferns

Western Chain Fern                                                        Woodwardia fimbriata

Bracken Fern                                                                     Pteridium aquilinum

Deer Fern                                                                            Blechnum spicant

Suggested Native Plant Species for Replanting

Some species are especially important to replace in the forest understory – they are generally wide spread in the region, and often reproduce poorly by seeds, so may not have spread naturally.  An example is Mountain Misery.  It reproduces poorly from seed, but is an important component of area forests because it fixes nitrogen for trees and holds soil in place after disturbance.  The native species appropriate for replanting may include any species naturally found in the list above.  Also, there are many native species that may thrive under the conditions in the Nature Area, the reference list below is not exclusive, just a suggested guide.

http://www.edcfiresafe.org/fire_safe_vegetation.htm

Annual Program

In order to achieve the management goals outlined in this plan the following minimum program areas need to be maintained and funded annually. If interest on the Nature Fund account is less than five (5) thousand dollars in any year, portions of the principal, not to exceed five (5) thousand dollars may be spent to manage minimal program needs. In order to maintain the endowment into the future, when revenue increases above five (5) thousand dollars in any subsequent year, any additional interest above five (5) thousand dollars would be allocated to repaying borrowed principal until the amount spent out of the principal is repaid in full. Amount of funding would increase in good financial years or with receipt of grants and other additional funds. Additional program areas may be added as funding allows.    

Minimum Annual Program Areas
        Maintenance Supplies – Purchase of needed material for the annual maintenance of the area in the current condition and provide for trail use safety including purchase of herbicide to control re-growth of blackberry and scotch broom in areas previously cleared, material needed to perform annual maintenance of trails and dams, new and replacement tools needed to perform this work.
        Maintenance Personnel – Funding of one employee for an amount of time equivalent to 8 hours per month
        Mini-Grants –Provide support and encouragement for teachers in the Black Oak Mine Unified School District to use the Nature Area to teach Life and Earth Science, Ecology, Art, California History, and Writing with grants that support transportation, purchase of materials, time for resource experts, and other needed resources for teachers who use the nature area in education programs.  
        Greenhouse support – Provide support to the Georgetown School Greenhouse program to propagate plants desired for out-planting into the Nature Area and programs that provide students familiarization with and understanding of native California vegetation.
        Website – Maintenance and updating of the Friends of the Nature Area website.  
        Nature Fest – Coordinate and organize the annual festival show casing music, art, nature, Native Culture, and history. Encourage participation from and exhibits and activities for students and other children in the community.

Other Associated Program Needs:
        Postage – Mailing of correspondence, announcements and other letters associated with the Nature Area programs.
        Indirect Costs – Funds paid to the school district associated with administering the annual budget.