Effort to restore native plants to Los Jilgueros planned for first day of spring

FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Land Conservancy’s Native Plant and Wildflower Team (NP&WT) together with Save Our Forest volunteers invite the public to join them in celebrating the first day of spring on Saturday, March 20, at Los Jilgueros Preserve.

On that Saturday morning, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., volunteers will plant 1,500 native California plants at the preserve, located just north of Fallbrook High School on South Mission Road. Participants should bring a shovel, hat, gloves and a love of nature.

A similar NP&WT habitat restoration event that took place last year on November 14 had such an amazing turnout that over 400 native plants were planted within one hour.

The FLC has received grants from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, enabling them to restore 10 acres at the preserve to its original natural habitat as a haven for birds and other wildlife. Over 3,100 native plants will be planted in the preserve over the next two years.

Some of the plants selected for the March 20 event include Coast Live Oak, Encelia, Coastal Sage, Mexican Elderberry, Toyon, Monkey Flower, White and Black Sage, and California Wild Rose. These are all plants that grow naturally in this area.

The preserve is privately owned by the Fallbrook Land Conservancy and provides shady meandering trails, ponds and wetlands. It is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature, right on the edge of town.

For more information on the Fallbrook Land Conservancy and how to become a member or volunteer, visit http://www.fallbrooklandconservancy.org or call the FLC office at (760) 728-0889.