On February 19th and 20th volunteers planted over 800 native plants in the 27 acre field adjacent to the Picnic Gorunds at the mounument. Each plant was also surrounded by a chicken wire cage to protect it from deer and javelina. Volunteers also sowed the remaining grass seed. And just when we were finishing up, the rain came. The wet winter and early spring have really been a boon to our project and almost all the plants have made it and are showing new growth.
Background:
The 5-year Montezuma Well Pasture Restoration project, funded by the Arizona Water Protection Fund, was initiated in 2008 with our project partner Natural Channel Design, Inc. The purpose of this project is to: 1) restore and enhance riparian vegetation/habitats by removing invasive weedy species, and replacing them with native species along the flood terrace of Wet Beaver Creek; 2) reconnect the riparian habitats that are created by Wet Beaver Creek and the irrigation ditch, 3) restore and enhance the declining riparian desert bosque and grassland habitats, and 4) to provide educational opportunities for Monument visitors regarding the importance of
riparian plant communities and their habitats. During the five years of
the project, invasive and non-native vegetation that now dominate the project area will be removed mechanically and chemically. The invasive/non-native vegetation will be replaced by native vegetation plots designed to maximize diversity, creating a rich mosaic of plants and habitats.
Restoration Grant Application .pdf
Friends of the Well
P.O. Box 864
Rimrock, AZ 86335-0864
info@friends-of-the-well.org