The Inland Mendocino Cooperative Weed Management Area (IMCWMA) is hosting a series of meetings in October and November to raise awareness and increase participation in invasive weed management. Each meeting will feature an invited speaker and conclude with a poster session including refreshments and opportunities to obtain more information about weed management from a number of experts.

Speaker: Sherry Adams, Restoration Ecologist, Audubon Canyon Ranch

Abstract: Vernal Pools are seasonal wetlands, found in depressions in some California grasslands. While the surrounding grasslands are dominated by invasive grasses of European origin, vernal pools have historically been presumed resistant to invasion due to their unique and challenging hydrologic regime of complete inundation in winter followed by complete desiccation in summer. Recently it has become clear that vernal pools are not resistant to invasion, with species such as pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) and waxy mannagrass (Glyceria declinata) invading some pools. The stunning wildflower displays that typify vernal pools are of conservation concern because they contain many species which are found no where else, and because most vernal pools in the state have been destroyed for agriculture or development. After an introduction to vernal pools of the region, the invasive species which threaten them, and how management practices influence invasion, an instructive case study of vernal pool restoration in Sonoma County is presented. Finally, I explain the important role of informed citizens in vernal pool conservation.

Photo caption: Colorful native vernal pool specialist calicoflower (Downingia concolor) growing surrounded by the invasive waxy mannagrass (Glyceria declinata); also present is the non-native rabbitfoot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis).