By Rachel Spadafore, Restoration Ecologist, Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary

Over the spring and summer, Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary staff worked hard to use hand-pulling and saline irrigation (safe and effective methods) to battle the high number of invasive species on the island.  We also collected a variety of seeds from native plants to begin propagation efforts in our on-site nursery.

Moving into the fall season, we have begun Phase II of the restoration project, which involves all of the upland grading work, as well as digging the seal channel to allow for harbor seals to have deep water access to the island. So far, the construction efforts have been a great success, with all features of the island taking shape on time.  The final enhancement design involves the establishment of several new ecosystems: oyster shell/gravel/sand beach (to slow erosion and handle impact of winter storms events while provide nesting and foraging opportunities for shorebirds), freshwater vernal pool habitat (which will temporarily hold winter rains providing habitat for a variety of amphibians and native freshwater vegetation), saline wetlands/ flats, saltgrass meadow, and grass-sedge meadow (providing habitat for small mammals and foraging and nesting opportunities for passerine bird species) . The foundation of the new features of the island are in place, and final steps of placing the sand along the shoreline and digging the seal channel will begin within the next few weeks.

Come November and December, aggressive re-vegetation efforts will begin in time for the winter rains and will continue throughout the spring.  The Watershed Nursery and  Richardson Bay Audubon Restoration team have done an impressive job of propagating native plants for this effort, and RBAC will continue to grow as much native vegetation as possible to expedite the re-vegetation process.

We here at Richardson Bay Audubon are very excited about our progress on Aramburu, and looking forward to watching the re-colonization of both native plants and wildlife on the island as we move through winter and into spring.  Should you have any questions about the project, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 415-388-2524.