Introduction to Native Plant

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Watsonville Wetlands Watch
Introduction to Native Plant Restoration
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Todays Agenda

• Impacts to the wetlands
• Introduction to native and non-native plants,
  Restoration, and a reintroduction to Biodiversity
• Learn about the history of Bristly Ox Tongue
  Plant with a candy game
• Do Bristly Ox-Tongue math exercise

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Californias disappearing wetlands
Why do you think wetlands are disappearing?
150 years ago Now
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Harming wetlands reduces habitat
Habitat Loss

• Can the wetland animals live here?

A wetland habitat that was filled in for Farming
Litter around the Watsonville wetlands
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Filters pollution
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Why are plants important?

• Oxygen
• Shade
• Hiding place for animals
• Food for animals
• Slow erosion
• Beautiful

The Yellow Willow plant provides shade around our
wetlands.
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Healthy Wetlands Need Variety

• Wetlands need many types of plants to be healthy.
• Animals need a diversity of plants as a source of
  food and shelter.

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What is a Native Plant?

• Native plants are plants that come from
  California.

Blue-eyed grass
Beeplant
Seep monkeyflower
California poppy
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Animals Depend on Native Plants

• Many native plants have formed special
  relationships with
• native animals. They need one another to survive.

California Wild Rose produces Rosehips that are
eaten by House Finches
California Bee Plant attracts large amounts of
Honey Bees
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What is a Non-Native Invasive Plant?

• Invasive plants come from another part of the
  world, but were moved by people to California.

Harding grass
Bristly ox-tongue
Foxtail barley
Bull thistle
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Non Native / Invasive Plants can be harmful
because they

• Compete with native plants for light, nutrients,
  water and space
• Can be toxic to plants and animals
• Reduce Biodiversity
• Take away Habitat

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What is Restoration?

• To help our wetlands, people can remove invasive
  plants and plant native plants. Also, we can
  clean up trash and litter. This is called
  restoration.

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Removing bristly ox-tongue
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Collecting seeds of native plants
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Cleaning seed before planting so that it is
easier for the seeds to Sprout
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Planting Native Plants
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What are some ways that you can help the Wetlands?

• Pick up Litter
• Grow native plants in your garden
• Do not feed or pet wetland animals
• Get the oil leak on your car fixed right away
• Do not dump house chemicals like cleaning
  products, fertilizer, or soapy water down the
  street drain.
• Tell your Family and Friends what you have
  learned about the Watsonville Wetlands

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What we have planned for our 2nd Field Trip at
the WERC!

• Transect Study- you will be non-native plant
  Detectives
• Classroom Math Activity
• Restoration work- creating soil mixtures and
  Transplanting seedlings
• Art Activity- Native Plant Drawing

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Pictures of Bristly Ox Tongue Plants