Native plants are blooming along Foss Creek for the first time in years, the result of an ongoing restoration project for the downtown Healdsburg waterway.
Flannel Bush, Sticky Monkeyflower, Yarrow and blue-eyed grass are among the species putting on new foliage, according to Russian Riverkeeper, the conservation organization coordinating the effort.
"We have plants out there that have been missing from the environment for some time," Riverkeeper Executive Director Don McEnhill said Wednesday.
"They're great food sources for different birds and wildlife. They add color and are aesthetically pleasing plants to the creek environment. Most are starting to bloom."
On Saturday, more volunteers are being sought for a Foss Creek restoration workday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Purity lot, 3 North St.
It's part of a series of volunteer days, with the next one set for May 21.
On Saturday participants will install new plants and prepare several areas for future planting. They will also finish laying out a path and perhaps work on the irrigation system. Tools, gloves and other equipment will be provided.
The restoration effort is intended to improve wildlife habit along Foss Creek, reduce flooding impacts, increase the visibility and attraction of the creek and educate the community on the value of watershed stewardship.
Organizers have completed the first phase of the project, which began in April, 2009 and expect to wrap up in the fall of 2013. More than 18 tons of invasive plants have been removed and 752 new native plants installed with a loss rate of less than four percent.
Debris, concrete and pavement weighing 31 tons were disposed of or recycled. There have been more than 40 volunteer days with about 165 individual volunteers.
A native plant demonstration garden also has been started at the Purity site adjoining the creek. The project a partnership with the City of Healdsburg and supported by community donations.
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