Native plants perfect for Buck Gully
Thank you for covering the Buck Gully study session (“Overgrown gully
targeted,” Wednesday).
I spoke at the meeting regarding the opportunity to convert the
Buck Gully landscape to native plants, specifically coastal sage
scrub, consistent with the area’s original flora.
The city’s report states that the area should be planted with
native-type species. My point is that the city should make a
commitment to the following:
* Use native plants appropriate for the area. The definition of
“native-type plants” is open to interpretation, and the opportunity
to create a true California coastal habitat could be lost if we are
not careful. For example, many drought-tolerant plants commonly grown
in Southern California are not necessarily native to Orange County’s
coastal area and should be avoided. We have an opportunity to extend
the amount of local habitat for native birds who frequent Crystal
Cove State Park by planting with native plants. Local examples of
native vegetation can be seen at Crystal Cove State Beach or
Castaways Park.
Several local organizations, including California Native Plant
Society and Surfrider, have in the past helped with park planning --
for example, at Castaways -- and could provide assistance with
information on native plants that grow well in the garden, while
reducing fire danger.
* Inform residents and provide incentives for residents to use
native plants. For example, one homeowner spoke about his concern
that his privacy would be reduced if the existing (nonnative and
highly flammable) eucalyptus trees were removed. The city could help
address this issue through public forums and tours of existing city
native plant areas such as Castaways Park, where oak and sycamore
trees flourish.
Furthermore, since this project is impacted by water usage from
multiple sources, it could be an ideal opportunity to introduce the
use of tiered pricing for water usage in order to encourage residents
to plant native, drought-resistant plants, reducing water usage and
runoff into the oceans.
LAURA CURRAN
Corona del Mar
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