The conservation of coastal creatures.

Since our vote on a previous blog post was tied, I get to choose what the Mikey's Farm Arid ground will be modeled after: the California Coastal Bluffs!! Yay! Here's a reminder. The California bluffs are the scrub that exists after the sand. Think about hiking in Marin headlands. Coyote brush, Pacific asters, wild succulents, coastal willow ans beach strawberries thrive here. So does pacific poison ivy. The reason why I chose bluff over dune is because in the dunes, it is sandy. In the backspace, it is not sandy enough for plants that live in the dunes to survive.

What do you think of when it comes to California's Mount Davidson? Probably tall majestic eucalyptus trees with ivy around their trunk s and pampas grass billowing in the wind. Right-but those are invasive species. Before the eucalyptus trees came from Australia, the ivy from Europe, and the pampas grass from Africa, tall native cedar trees use to thrive up on the peak. Then, the invasive species came and took over the plants and the animals. Some animals, like hawks are less common because they have not adapted to the new habitat (i.e the new trees, whose roots wreck the soil) Here are some benefits of planting native plants to conserve animals

1. They attract native animals back. It's important to conserve natives because they are super beneficial. From big banana slugs, who decompose the earth, to humpback whales, who eat invasive shrimp, our lives and other animals lives wouldn't be the same. For example f native worms were extinct, our environment would be (more) dirty because of the lack of decomposees. We hope to plant Coyote brush to protect native rodents, such as native bush rabbits (RIP Dewey), and the wood rat.

2. They attract pollinators. Not surprisingly, the Beach strawberries actually produce edible fruit, which can't be made without the help of bees, wasps and flies. We are hoping to bring back the California Yellow Jacket (which I have observed pollinating Coyote Brush during the fall), and the Tarantula Hawk (a giant black wasp with red wings).

3. Native trees such as willows are good shade for animals who love moisture, such as various slugs, snails, and worms. Without the trees to keep them moist, they will die out.

4. No pesticides. Native plants are strong and can withstand any bugs. Besides, native animals hiding in the bushes will eat the bugs

5. You can study animals without having to go places. Why go across the bridge when you have a hummingbird sanctuary in your yard?

6. Like #5, you can film animals without traveling.

We are planning on planting a big willow tree near our pond. This will provide shade during the spring and summer seasons; leaves fall for the rest of the year. Willows are easy to grow. You take a cutting from a willow tree about 12 inches long or longer, and stick it in the soil. The next week, it will magically grow roots.

We are also planing on planting varieties of some common fruits: California Black Currant, Gooseberries, strawberries and blackberries. Did you know that the domesticated forms of these fruit came from these native species? The next time you eat one of these fruits, thank California.

The Mikey’s farm un-arable land just got over 0.8 inches of rain—enough to penetrate the thick soil. Some Coastal prickly pears, which have deep roots, were planted. More plants will be planted through the week. Scheduled to be done modeling in early 2024.