Gold Creek Fire Restoration - Spring 2025 Update

yunsoo
Apr 30
2 min read

Updated: May 28

YKD is conducting daily field observations to monitor invasive plant removal in Gold Creek Reserve. This 240-acre reserve, managed by the Los Angeles Community College District, is used for academic research and education. Following the severe damage caused by the Creek Fire in December 2017, invasive species spread extensively across the disturbed areas.

The site in November 2018, approximately one year after the Creek Fire.

To restore the site to its pre-fire condition and to ensure recovery in a way that preserves both its educational value and ecological diversity, YKD developed a restoration strategy with clearly defined goals and objectives for invasive species removal and native species planting. Informed by site-specific recovery data, the strategy is designed to remain flexible and adapt to changing site conditions.

With spring in full swing, invasive plants are rapidly proliferating. YKD is working closely with crews from Exbon and HRS to remove these species before they bloom and disperse seeds.

Crews are using long-handled loop hoes and hand-pulling methods to remove the invasive plants. Since invasive species are often clustered among native species, these techniques help minimize damage to native plants during removal.

Invasive species often found in site were:

Ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), red brome (Bromus madritensis), yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), white horehound (Marrubium vulgare), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), and black mustard (Rhamphospermum nigrum)

These invasive species are primarily concentrated in disturbed areas and along the Gold Creek Road and the perennial creek. Crews are targeting both dead and newly emerging invasive plants in these zones.

Examples of area where invasive species are concentrated

Despite the spread of invasive species, native plants are also blooming. Diverse range of native species were observed, with thickleaf yerba santa and black sage being the most abundant.