Working to restore the Back Bay

June Casagrande

On just about any weekend, Newport-Mesa residents can be found out

in their communities working to help the environment. But rarely do

they sweat like this.

On Saturday morning, about 40 red-faced and glistening volunteers

were hip-deep in the backbreaking task of tearing up nonnative plants

from a portion of the Back Bay. By 11 a.m., they had removed about

1,000 pounds of mustard plant, ice plant and a species of weed known

as Brazilian pepper tree.

“These species of plants choke out the plants native to this area

that the wildlife rely on to eat, to nest and to eat bugs off of,”

explained Kristina Finstad of the California Coastal Commission, one

of about a half-dozen organizations involved in removing the invasive

species.

Ice plant, for example, is a South African species that was

introduced to North America by roadway builders who thought it would

help prevent erosion, Finstad explained. But the plant has been

nothing but trouble. Its short roots actually help cause erosion and

it has spread to places like the Back Bay. There, it replaces native

species like pickle weed and varieties of coastal sage scrub, which

provide homes for endangered birds like the light-footed clapper

rail.

Volunteers will return in the coming months to plant some of these

native species. Saturday’s event was pilot project in an ongoing

series of outings to restore the entire coast.

“It’s hard work, but it’s pretty fun,” said Matt Gambler, 14, a

Newport Harbor High School student taking part in the cleanup effort

along with Boy Scout Troop 711 of Costa Mesa.

“I wanted to come out and help,” added troop mate Zac Wagner, 14,

of Costa Mesa High School. “This helps preserve nature so more people

will be able to come out here and enjoy it.”

Along with the scouts, students from CalPIRG’s Water Watch Group

took part in the effort, with members of the Upper Newport Bay

Naturalists and Friends in cooperation with the Coastal Commission,

the Orange County Harbors, Beaches & Parks and the California

Department of Fish and Game.

“Everybody makes a difference and it’s our choice to decide

whether or not that difference will be positive,” Finstad said.