In collaboration with Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed, Conservation Corps North Bay crews have been supporting the Lower College of Marin Corte Madera Creek Habitat Restoration efforts. When completed, the project will create approximately 0.6 acres of new tidal wetland and 0.8 acres of new transitional and upland riparian habitats by removing or lowering 625 lineal feet of concrete flood channel wall. The new habitats would use appropriate native vegetation and be designed at elevations that would accommodate sea-level rise so they would be resilient to climate change.
In the first phase of the project, corpsmembers helped to salvage and protect native wetland and transitional zone vegetation ahead of construction. After assisting with the installation of weed mats and irrigation, the crew followed up the native habitat preservation efforts by replanting the salvaged vegetation to restore ecological functions and keep sediment runoff away from the creek. The crew worked on reintroducing native vegetation, including oak trees, by cutting holes into preexisting erosion fabric in hopes of aiding further stabilization of the eroding creek banks. Although the crew had to traverse extremely muddy conditions and the occasional rainy day, they gained valuable experience on this unique project and made connections that will contribute to their ability to start their careers when they complete their time at CCNB.