Davis Ranches West Mural Barn Habitat Restoration

Restoring former cultivated orchard land to oak and shrub woodland habitat. Hedgerows will be established along the former orchard boundary. The hedgerow will include native trees and shrubs to support pollinators and birds while providing a buffer from agricultural operations. Additional native grasses and forbs will be planted throughout the interior of the restoration area. The project will be approximately 0.35 acres of hedgerows established along the former orchard plot, and 3.26 acres of native grass and forbs, with sporadic oaks and shrubs planted throughout. This project will enhance habitat throughout the working landscape by diversifying an area that has been predominantly non-native invasive weeds in the years following the removal of the orchard. Hedgerow and grass and forb plantings will include species native to California and maintained for a minimum of 10 years. The maintenance plan includes invasive weed removal, mowing native grasses, and pruning plants to maintain farming operations. “Colusa County RCD will use funds to implement a portion of the Davis Ranch Carbon Farm Plan. This project will restore an area of a former cultivated orchard that is located in close proximity to Sycamore Slough off the Sacramento River that flows west towards the Colusa Basin Drain and Colusa Wildlife Refuge. This is an important wildlife corridor; the project funds will go toward the RCD providing an implementation design and habitat restoration supplies (irrigation, plants, tree tubes, etc). Plant species selected will focus on pollinators and monarchs, among other large species such as wood ducks, giant garter snakes, and other important riparian and wetland species. The project will take place on land from a maintenance road that runs along active agricultural property. For the habitat restoration of the former cultivated orchard, the RCD will first work on project management; putting together a written plan, species list, implementation design. Species of types and amounts will be selected from a local native nursery that is within the project site. Site preparation will include light earth moving such as moving the farm road and discing the ground. The invasive weeds will be treated prior to planting. CCRCD will recommend mulch, tree tubes and other methods to increase plant survivability. A simple irrigation system will be established with drip line and tied into an existing system. During and after the implementation of the project, the RCD will conduct bimonthly site visits, taking photos for documentation, and recommending best practices for maintaining hedgerows based on the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Practice Standards (CPS). Throughout the implementation process, the RCD will work with the farm to develop the project design, plant selection, and best management practices for the hedgerow.