Ventura X Games Cleanup

*Trail building volunteer group framing pathway with rocks.*

In support of their sustainability initiative, X-Games partnered with VLT and Visit Ventura on ecological stewardship work in the Ventura River on the morning of Monday, June 24th. With the sun radiating above and a cool, ocean breeze passing by, 50 sweaty, enthusiastic volunteers gathered at Willoughby Preserve, VLT’s 9-acre property on the Ventura River. For over three hours, volunteers collected and removed approximately 500 pounds of invasive plant biomass and trash from the property’s riparian habitat, targeting invasive smilograss (Stipa miliacea), shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), and white sweetclover (Melilotus albus).

With two exceptionally wet, consecutive winters, both native and invasive species are now thriving along the river. Invasive species are one of the primary threats to biodiversity and ecosystem health–second only to habitat loss–and can impact water quality and wildlife, increase bank erosion, and decrease water storage capacity in this riparian zone (2016). Invasives are introduced species that can spread rapidly and take away necessary resources from native species, hindering their ability to thrive in an environment (Andrew & Rosa, 2023). Being part of a healthy environment means that in order to function properly all parts must work in relative balance to one another. Managing invasive species is essential for protecting our local ecosystems and promoting biodiversity in sensitive riparian zones like Willoughby.

VLT relies on the invaluable support of our community to fulfill our mission of protecting and stewarding open spaces. Many thanks to our sponsors and volunteers for the crucial role they provide in safeguarding these natural areas for both current and future generations..

VLT staff, Katie Daniels and Jaison Quilantang, lead volunteers and community members in removing invasive sweet clover (*Melilotus albus*).

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Video by Visit Ventura

References

Andrew, C., & Rosa, L. (2023, July 23). 5 Threats to Biodiversity and How We Can Counter Them. Defenders of Wildlife.
Importance of protecting riparian areas. Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners. (2016, September 9).