This is the first installment of what will (hopefully) be a series on the restoration areas around campus. Today we look at the strange and exotic West Grinnell grassland.
 |
| Elymus glaucus (blue wild rye) are the small, lonely tufts of bunchgrass in the foreground. Evans Field is in the background. |
Site Location:
Located north of Evans Field baseball diamond, this small grassland is a veritable safari tucked away on the Berkeley campus. Whereas most, if not all, of the other restoration areas are full-shade riparian zones, the West Grinnell grassland is the exact opposite: full sunlight and far from the stream. These low-moisture conditions are ideal for grass habitat.
 |
| Bromus diandrus (ripgut brome) |
Restoration History:
Currently, the majority of the grassland consists of Bromus diandrus (ripgut brome), an invasive grass species introduced from the Mediterranean. Over past semester, we've worked hard to weed out B. diandrus and replace it with Elymus glaucus (wild blue rye), a native perennial bunch grass and lupines (see below). Though we've made some headway, B. diandrus remains the dominant species on the site.
 |
| Lupinis ssp. (lupine) |
Conclusion
So, if you're ever in the area, be sure to drop by and take a look at the grassland. It's a nice spot and will hopefully become increasingly so. As we plant more native pollinator-attractants, expect to see more bee/butterfly/insect activity.
No comments:
Post a Comment