The San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge provides an important stop-over for many species of migratory birds as well as a rare mammals, such as the endangered riparian brush rabbit. This on-going restoration project has been critical in the recovery of Aleutian cackling geese. As native habitats are used and altered for human purposes, the ecosystems endure the impact.

Students, teachers, and parents came from both of Turlock's high schools to plant a variety of indigenous tree species over a couple of acres of land. They planted arroyo willow, black willow, sandbar willow, buttonbush, California blackberry, Oregon ash, box elder, Fremont’s cottonwood, and valley oak. The plants going into the ground assumed all shapes and sizes. Vegetatively reproducing willows only needed a cutting to be stuck into a hole in the ground. The valley oaks were planted by simply placing acorns on the surface of the dirt and covering them with plant protectors. In other cases, the planters dug holes for the young trees, then filled the holes in.

As the habitat returns to its natural state, hopefully the folks involved in this project will return to see the fruits of their labor in their local wildlife refuge.

Thank you River Partners, Laura and Ryan Hollister, planters, and drivers!