Tag Archives: native-plants

Alameda Encinal Sand Dunes Restoration Project

Dear Earth,

When I first started volunteering at the Encinal sand dunes in Alameda four years ago, I didn’t fully understand how much impact a handful of dedicated people, and a lot of patient weed-pulling, could have on a fragile ecosystem. Back then, the dunes looked tired. Ice plant sprawled across the sand like a heavy blanket, choking out the native species that once thrived here. Even walking the site felt like stepping into a long-forgotten corner of the Bay.

But over time, I’ve seen something incredible happen: the dunes have begun to breathe again.

Every Saturday morning, armed with gloves, a bucket, and a slightly questionable amount of optimism, our small group of volunteers gets to work removing invasive plants like ice plant, mustard, and pampas grass. It’s repetitive, slow, and sometimes pretty exhausting, especially on windy days when the sand stings your ankles. Yet with every weed we pull, we make just a little more room for native species like beach sagewort, California poppies, lupine, and beach bur to reclaim their space.

What I didn’t expect was how quickly those small efforts would add up. Over the years, I’ve watched pockets of bare sand turn into islands of native growth. I’ve seen snowy plovers nest in places that were once covered in invasives. Even the wildlife feels more at home now; lizards dart across the path again, and coastal birds return to forage among plants that evolved alongside them.

One of my favorite moments happened earlier this year. I returned to an area where we had cleared ice plant months before, expecting to see empty sand. Instead, I found a patch of silver beach lupine glowing in the morning light. The contrast was striking: a species that had struggled to survive was now returning on its own, simply because we gave it the chance.

These dunes are more than a weekend project. They’re a lesson in resilience. They’ve taught me that restoration isn’t about instant results. It’s about trust. Trust that ecosystems remember how to heal. Trust that consistent care, even when it feels small, matters. And trust that community stewardship can transform a landscape.

Live, Laugh, Love,

Jessica Ngok 🌏

Poison Hemlock

What’s up!

Back at the Huckleberry Botanical Preserve on a chilly, muddy morning was an experience that combined both hard work and a deep appreciation for nature. My task for the day was to remove poison hemlock, a notorious invasive plant that poses significant risks to local ecosystems and human health. As I pulled the plants from the earth, I couldn’t help but reflect on the historical significance of this species. Poison hemlock is infamously linked to the death of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who was sentenced to drink a concoction containing this toxic plant.

This connection adds a layer of intrigue to my work, reminding me that the natural world is intertwined with human history in profound ways. The presence of poison hemlock in our environment is a pressing concern for conservationists and botanists alike. This plant, with its delicate white flowers and fern-like leaves, may appear innocuous at first glance, but it is highly toxic to both humans and animals. Its invasive nature allows it to spread rapidly, outcompeting native flora and disrupting local ecosystems.

By volunteering to remove this plant, I felt a sense of purpose, contributing to the preservation of the botanical preserve and helping to restore balance to the local environment. Each hemlock I uprooted was a small victory against the encroachment of invasive species that threaten biodiversity. Engaging in this hands-on conservation work not only educated me about the challenges posed by invasive plants but also fostered a deeper connection to the land. The muddy conditions of the morning added a layer of authenticity to the experience, reminding me that environmental stewardship often requires hard work and perseverance. Volunteering in such a capacity is a powerful reminder of our role in protecting the natural world, and I encourage others to seek out similar opportunities to engage with and learn from their local environments.

Live.Laugh.Love

Jessica Ngok