Planting for the Future

Taking the Land Back in Time

Rebuilding What Once Was

Once, the land thrived with biodiversity, balancing the ecological systems of air, water, and soil with human and wildlife needs. ReWOW aims to restore this balance, taking us back about 600 years to a time of ecological health and abundance.

Today, invasive grasses dominate the landscape, threatening native species like Monarch butterflies, native bees, and various wildlife. California’s grasslands are among the most heavily invaded habitats in the nation, particularly as climate change intensifies.

In 2023, we will launch a one-acre pilot project that will eventually expand to forty acres. This project will utilize cultural fire for soil preparation, implement water storage systems, and install wild pig exclusion fencing. Students will monitor the growth of plants and wildlife through real-time cameras while planting 700 indigenous plants—donated by the Xerces Society for Invertebrates—on the initial acre. These plants are vital for pollinator habitats and provide food for both wildlife and humans.

Indigenous plants are resilient, evolving to withstand drought and other climate challenges, requiring little to no water. Through hands-on experience cultivating indigenous food, students will become the stewards of the future, actively participating in planting, project evaluation, and annual BioBlitz counts of flora and fauna. They will also engage in harvesting, food preparation, and community feasting. Ultimately, this initiative aims to develop a community co-op to market the products generated from this restoration effort.