https://www.bushylake.com/upcoming-events daily 0.75 2024-06-04 https://www.bushylake.com/upcoming-events/nrpas-family-health-fitness-day-at-bushy-lake monthly 0.5 2024-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/d1bead41-b2a6-4091-bfc4-85236b4ae753/Family+Health.jpg Events - NRPA’s Family Health & Fitness Day at Bushy Lake - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bushylake.com/upcoming-events/earth-day-celebration monthly 0.5 2024-04-03 https://www.bushylake.com/upcoming-events/h0i9eq6mql0z30xhxzziu7rzyf1lj7-94ykm-yhaph-5c9jd monthly 0.5 2023-03-01 https://www.bushylake.com/upcoming-events/h0i9eq6mql0z30xhxzziu7rzyf1lj7-94ykm-yhaph monthly 0.5 2023-03-01 https://www.bushylake.com/upcoming-events/h0i9eq6mql0z30xhxzziu7rzyf1lj7-94ykm monthly 0.5 2023-04-12 https://www.bushylake.com/upcoming-events/h0i9eq6mql0z30xhxzziu7rzyf1lj7 monthly 0.5 2023-03-01 https://www.bushylake.com/upcoming-events/camp-pollock-speaker-series-rising-from-the-ashes-culturally-significant-plants-and-fire-resilience-at-bushy-lake-by-dr-michelle-stevens monthly 0.5 2023-03-01 https://www.bushylake.com/upcoming-events/bushy-lake-earth-day-event monthly 0.5 2022-04-04 https://www.bushylake.com/bushy-lake-blog daily 0.75 2021-03-10 https://www.bushylake.com/bushy-lake-blog/blog-post-title-one-pfdz2 monthly 0.5 2021-03-10 https://www.bushylake.com/initiatives daily 0.75 2021-06-14 https://www.bushylake.com/initiatives/project-one-g38yd monthly 0.5 2019-08-22 https://www.bushylake.com/initiatives/project-three-b6lkm monthly 0.5 2019-08-22 https://www.bushylake.com/initiatives/project-two-pklnl monthly 0.5 2019-08-22 https://www.bushylake.com/initiatives/project-four-fpp7x monthly 0.5 2019-08-22 https://www.bushylake.com/home daily 1.0 2024-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1633376803366-1BXYBTKMB09AGWH9AW4U/Bushy+Lake+Key+Resources+Map_Final.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/95307871-c68e-4603-a02c-17d309bb7e7f/Copy+of+Photo3+by+Gunner+Michaelson.jpg Home Western Pond Turtle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/c3177f08-6ead-4a34-87fa-6e1269b386eb/Baby+turtles+%281%29.jpeg Home Baby Turtles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/10a65865-c3a6-4504-8f51-f884bf3fdf4f/Indian_Hemp-Michelle+Stevens.jpg Home Indian Hemp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/e5c0b1ff-acce-4bb8-8257-e0511c83fb14/IMG_8074+%281%29.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/b92cec48-91fd-440e-87a0-c835b1e21d5f/IMG_8095+%281%29.JPG Home California Poppies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/d4bd28d1-146a-4eb8-8994-c3da9815d8ea/Sam+Davidson+%281%29.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/89208476-c9b6-48d3-82e6-c51c880f0656/DSC06426+%281%29.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/07eb443a-af1b-4f46-ae47-3c9b6aab000c/IMG_0478+%281%29.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/8f07a673-fe0f-4797-a5ce-b159dc074249/yarrow+%281%29.jpg Home Yarrow https://www.bushylake.com/take-action daily 0.75 2021-06-14 https://www.bushylake.com/what-we-do daily 0.75 2021-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623878218170-4EKO3PISFPGQRBR4QB4X/western-pond-turtle.jpg What We Do - WHAT WE DO The Bushy Lake Restoration Project is a wetland/riparian restoration, monitoring and citizen science/community education project located near Cal Expo on the American River Parkway in Sacramento, California. This is the first time that a long-term collaborative project has been developed between the Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks and the CSU Sacramento, Environmental Studies Department. The Earth Stewardship Initiative was initiated at the Ecological Society of America Conference in Sacramento in August 2015 in collaboration with Yale University, UC Davis, Sacramento County Parks, and the American River Parkway Foundation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623864479685-F5OUW36IN03L0UK9G2DC/123_1-2+%281%29.jpeg What We Do - HISTORY The 2014 fire at Cal Expo burned over 160 acres of the American River Parkway (ARP) and provided an opportunity to create a fire-resilient landscape and establish long-term monitoring and adaptive management at Bushy Lake and in the Lower ARP. The restoration experiment was established in January 2015 with the assistance of volunteers from the American River Parkway Foundation. Monitoring of wildlife species and adaptive management on the restoration research projects has occurred continuously for two years and helps achieve policy goals designated in the American River Parkway Plan. Three students from CSU Sacramento (Mary Xiong, Tom Henry and Kayla Henry) completed their SeniorThesis in Environmental Studies and graduated in the spring semester of 2015. Matt Owens graduated in spring semester 2016. We are planning a new research project to continue the restoration after the fire; to monitor avian species, Western Pond Turtle and Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle populations; and to engage the community in education and citizen science activities. Mary Xiong, Mary Maret and Dr. Stevens plan to submit this research for publication in a peer reviewed journal in 2016. Bushy Lake provides a vital living laboratory for experiential and high impact student learning and faculty-student research. This project includes the commitment of CSU Sacramento to education, involving students in experiential learning and research, generating applied research to contribute to the lower American River and developing a Sense of Place. The College Of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies (SSIS) is the window between the University and Community. The Bushy Lake project highlights the value of the interconnection between community/ civic interests and interdisciplinary engagement / applied research to enhance, protect and preserve the lower American River Parkway as a critical ecological resource for Sacramento. The Bushy Lake project provides community service for students and citizen monitoring for Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks to fulfill obligations and policies under the American River Parkway Plan. The environmental education element of this gathering at Bushy Lake, and the follow-up STEAM science classes and research on our CSU Sacramento campus, creates a science and policy partnership that benefits the Sacramento and State area. We also are delighted that the environmental education aspect of the project incorporates under-represented minority children, building a sense of place, refuge and belonging in nature. Having all children participate in outdoor experiences is an essential element of our mission. Citizen science, positive publicity through CSU Sacramento, and public restoration projects all create goodwill in the greater community by enrolling students and volunteers in land stewardship and citizen science. This project provides value added for Sacramento County Parks by providing publicity for the good works they are doing on the ARP, building public confidence, and letting the public and policy-makers know that Parks are doing good things in the Parkway. Another intended outcome is to create long term monitoring on the Parkway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623884258372-KLXQ5WLSPK3L6ZA7GIU5/BlueEgret_Kneitel+%281%29.jpeg What We Do - OUR GOALS A primary goal at Bushy Lake is to envision and manage the lower American River as a community. As the famous conservationist Aldo Leopold said, “We abuse land because we see it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” Bushy Lake Restoration The primary goal of the restoration experiment is to provide a cost-effective ecologically relevant prescription for the restoration of the Bushy Lake area into a sustainable wetland with fire-resilient native understory vegetation. The restoration experiment is designed to study vegetation and soil responses to fire and the opportunity to enhance post-burn recovery based on our current ecological knowledge. The area around Bushy Lake provides a suitable location for ecological restoration using native plant species that are resilient to fire. Before European settlement, the Nissenan, Miwok and Maidu tribes practiced Traditional Resource Management through burning and other tending practices of culturally significant resources. Santa Barbara sedge (Carex barbarae) and creeping wild rye (Elymus triticoides) are native species that have adapted to frequent fires, and were chosen for understory restoration because they are resilient to fire. Restoring the native understory vegetation will promote accelerated succession of habitat for ARP flora and fauna, as well as controlling invasive species. One of our experiments is directly adjacent to the public trail to provide a public education opportunity on ecological restoration and fire resiliency; we recommend expanding this area in the coming year. Project experiments will provide a visible example of the proactive effort to manage fire in the parkway with volunteer participation, public education and monitoring. Another major goal is to monitor the entire Bushy Lake Nature Study Area using the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) module for depressional wetlands, quantitative vegetation assessment soils evaluation, and monitoring for avian species and biotic structure for bird habitat. This data provides insight into habitat conditions and overall health of the ecosystem and can be used to monitor the success of conservation efforts. This project is consistent with policies of the American River Parkway Plan, listed below, and provides monitoring and adaptive management recommendations to meet ARP goals: 2.0 – Developing a collaborative relationship with colleges for assistance with research, monitoring and survey projects, 2.1 – Maintain and enhance native vegetation in the parkway, 2.2 – Reintroduce native vegetation in the parkway (Carex barbarae and Elymus triticoides), 2.4 – Removal of non-native invasive vegetation, 3 – Increase wildlife habitat connectivity and corridors, 4 – Improve parkway resources, environmental quality and natural resources including ecological restoration of degraded resources, 11 – Manage, enhance and protect riparian aquatic habitat (Bushy Lake) especially as concerns federally or state listed or watch species (for example Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetles, western pond turtles, Swainson’s hawks, wood ducks, river otters), 4 – Water Quality Protection – Beneficial uses – wildlife habitat and recreation, 19 – Operate and Manage Bushy Lake in a manner that maximizes value to fish and wildlife. This includes maintenance (monitoring and adaptive management) to provide suitable habitat, including adequate water depths and appropriate vegetation, 20 – Restore and enhance wetland and riparian habitat around Bushy Lake. and 21 – Remove non-native weeds and create grassland foraging habitat for raptor species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1630534672508-OT1CEYSQDPCI7BUMK0HU/Copy+of+Photo3+by+Gunner+Michaelson.jpg What We Do - PRELIMINARY PROJECT RESULTS Soils – Collect soil samples for area soil survey and assessment We measured the soils health at Bushy Lake in the restoration area, as well as the ability of soils to sequester carbon. Soil C stocks to a depth of 25 in were estimated to range from approximately 38-60 t ha-1 with a mean of 50.9 t ha-1. Restoring vegetation and mulch to disturbed soils at Bushy Lake is a management option that increases surface soil C and is therefore a potential strategy to increase net C storage in soils. Restoration of grasslands has been found to increase C storage at rates of 0.3-6 t ha-1 yr-1. Studies indicate that restoration of soils and native vegetation promotes resiliency to disturbance and increased the potential to out-compete invasive plant species. California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) We established baseline monitoring at Bushy Lake using the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) depressional module to determine overall wetland area health. CRAM results varied within each of the four assessment areas and closely matched the extent to which each area was impacted by fire. Statewide, CRAM points range from 39 to 94, and are compared to other depressional wetlands scores recorded on eCRAM. Index scores for Bushy Lake averaged of 67 in the northern part of Bushy Lake and 61 on the southern part of the lake. A difference of 6 points is considered significant, meaning a significant difference in “wetland health” between the northern unburned assessment areas and the southern burned assessment areas. The overall scores are low to middling compared to other depressional wetlands in the state. We intend to use the CRAM methodology to monitor changes in wetland health over time and to evaluate and the contribution of restoration and management. The Northwestern corner of the lake had the highest CRAM score (75) and was the least disturbed. That area was burned in the September 15, 20-16, fire and it will be important to revegetate in December-January with the winter rains. Key stressors include invasive species encroachment, unreliable water supply, trespassing, littering, and the constant threat of wild fire. Monitoring Avian Species, Flora and Fauna Historically, Bushy Lake has provided vital habitat for a variety of birds and is a popular birding location (Audubon Society). Birds are more easily observed than other wildlife and respond quickly to changes in their environment; therefore, they are ideal candidates to measure ecosystem improvement during the Bushy Lake Restoration Project and post-restoration monitoring. Furthermore, in the absence of a specific indicator species, birds can be used to gauge overall ecosystem success. The following fauna were observed while monitoring. The Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) relies on a permanent water source with floating woody vegetation and muddy banks for basking. We observed over 20 pond turtles at one time, and believe Bushy Lake provides a refuge for the population. We also observed two female turtles heading toward the levees to lay their eggs. The Western Pond Turtle has suffered a 99% decline in some areas and is listed as a species of special concern in California. Although this species is not yet recognized as federally endangered in California, its status is currently under review (Center for Biological Diversity, 2015). If Bushy Lake is allowed to dry up, the 700m distance to the American River may result in extirpation of the turtles from the area. The North American River Otter (Lontra Canadensis) is keystone carnivore and another Bushy Lake resident that requires a permanent water source. We observed a pair of river otters swimming up to us, barking at us with nasal vocalizations, and demonstrating they wanted us out of their territory. This behavior may indicate a denning site. Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) is spouting and growing prolifically through the study area. Lengthy spring rains and nutrient supplements from ash have resulted in rapid re-growth. The elderberry provides habitat for the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus), a threatened species known to occur on the American River. We looked for but did not observe any exit holes, and recommend monitoring next year. Nesting pair of Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) were observed on the west side of Bushy Lake with an occupied nest in 2015 and 2016. We also observed many species of woodpeckers, northern flickers, yellow bellied sapsuckers, wood ducks, mallards, great blue herons, tree swallows, great horned owls, spotted towhees, and many other species recorded in our survey data. We observed one species of flycatcher in the Southwest assessment area. Although we were unable to identify the exact species, it is important to note because there is an endangered species of flycatcher that migrates through the Sacramento region in the spring. The Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailii) shows a nearly exclusive preference for areas with riparian cover (Sedgwick & Knopf, 1992). This species is listed as level S1 endangered by ESA (CNDDB, 2015). Monitoring Vegetation Fifty-two percent of the plants sampled were native. The prolonged spring rains and additional nitrogen from ash stimulated invasive species, with 39% invasive plants, and 9% non-native plant species. The poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) (23% relative cover) and prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) (3.8% relative cover) were over six feet tall and dominate the site. Tall whitetop (Lepidium latifolium) (0.4%) were beginning to invade the disturbed sites. Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) was patchy; without management, these tall invasive species are shading and eliminating the native understory species. Monitoring and Adaptive Management Long-term monitoring and adaptive management will be necessary on this site. A weed control plan will be essential to implement. Weeds, with the stimulation of nutrients from ash and extended spring rains, grew over six feet tall in 2015. The best way to control invasive species is to establish healthy soil and competitive vegetation on site. Watering new plants will also be important to get plants established if drought conditions continue to persist. The experiment demonstrates a proactive effort in restoring a riparian habitat into a fire resilient area which would allow for increase in habitat value and native plants. Recommendations to ensure that proactive efforts will continue to expand restoration and protect this region are to: Utilize the public, community, CSU Sacramento students, and American River Parkway Foundation volunteers to engage in citizen science for long-term monitoring and adaptive management of the project, and Improve public outreach to community to bring together and educate the public about the significance of wetlands, riparian forests, and wildlife residing there. Restoring native plant species, removing non-native weeds, enhancing the ecological resiliency of Bushy Lake and its surroundings, strengthening community outreach, stewardship, and accessibility along the Parkway are all consistent with the policies and goals of the American River Parkway Plan (County of Sacramento et al., 2008). With the continuation of the experiment and future research, the plan would be one step further to reaching its goals. In order to help the Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks achieve these goals, we recommend that volunteer Sacramento State students “adopt” the Bushy Lake Restoration Project and that these and other volunteers manually weed and replant experiment areas. We would also like to expand experimental research and long-term monitoring and adaptive management, to establish a long-term and reciprocal relationship with Regional Parks. https://www.bushylake.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2021-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1633376803366-1BXYBTKMB09AGWH9AW4U/Bushy+Lake+Key+Resources+Map_Final.jpg Contact Us - Make it stand out Bushy Lake is located in the American River Parkway, behind Cal Expo Gate 12, enter at the end of Ethan Way. https://www.bushylake.com/education daily 0.75 2024-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1634158357287-NO4ED8D4KNZU3S0UHFWP/western-pond-turtle-bushy-lake.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1633379483431-8GVRBTXP6GRID34JO2FT/black-crowned-night-heron-d-williams.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623880283104-2RYM2E9W75OV6U1760DT/butterflies-busy-lake.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632518216359-DZTZ9AAXR5SG6JQ017P2/bushy-lake-bees.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632771976735-2097DM5MHYVJD282DEH9/bushy-lake-soils.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623870212304-NFE1MCSKPSBKUPGV1LOD/acorn-flour-in-california-indian-basket.jpg Education & Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631563864559-TXHCDZAKZ12ZNHQ0HNVB/western-pond-turtle-bushy-lake.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1633390883896-9WL8837GU1T3OT79GUF7/chinook-salmon.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Adult fall-run Chinook salmon in the American River, Carl Costas (CDWR) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632264789884-4JOMI34UKUOWXI3DH09Z/basket-materials.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632774410305-43F1TLOZG0OGM6VC02H2/western-pond-turtle.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623879972951-H7S0KS3L3T3MPESUY68V/beavers.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632773769709-TR3HYTDY6PP0GI4OYUQA/2016-09-13+20.03.56.jpg Education & Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631563156392-SANJ9EI7ZFTXCFX897FC/bushy-lake-hydrology.jpg Education & Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623870803858-2ND0857JMWZP6KQFGNR2/bushy-lake-students.jpg Education & Research https://www.bushylake.com/field-guides daily 0.75 2021-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631736004440-ZXYKIZF7V0R3AOXFO41P/black-crowned-night-heron-d-williams.jpg Field Guides - Avian Diversity Bees Many bees can look alike – especially when in flight. Knowing the basic anatomy of a bee can be critical in identifying its’ species. Bee Field Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623879972951-H7S0KS3L3T3MPESUY68V/beavers.jpg Field Guides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623881163529-N59TYDD5V56SHRRLEHUT/bushy-lake-bees.jpg Field Guides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623880283104-2RYM2E9W75OV6U1760DT/butterflies-busy-lake.jpg Field Guides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623878218170-4EKO3PISFPGQRBR4QB4X/western-pond-turtle.jpg Field Guides https://www.bushylake.com/beavers-at-bushy-lake daily 0.75 2021-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1634160962152-58YF0YQDR1CRVOWUI8QZ/Felled+Tree.jpg Beavers at Bushy Lake Tree Felling Beavers cut down, or fell, trees to use as a food source and as a building material. Beavers are herbivores that primarily consume the inner bark of woody vegetation (Lundquist & Dolman, 2018). Several felled trees have been observed on the eastern and northern sides of Bushy Lake. This is significant for increasing vegetation biodiversity through allowing greater abundance of understory species, promoting straighter and taller vegetation growth, and attracting insects for avian prey (Naiman, et al., 1988; Wright, et al., 2002; Longcore & Müller-Schwarze, 2007). Pictured at right: A felled tree Lodges There are two large beaver lodges located on the southern edge of Bushy Lake. Both structures featured freshly cut vegetation in March of 2021, showcasing their continued usage. Lodges and dens serve as a refuge to protect beavers from predators and often include an underwater entrance for easy access (Naiman, et al., 1998). Turtles can utilize the lodges for basking in the sun or for protection from submerged vegetation beneath the water (Metts, et al., 2001). Canals or “Beaveways” There are several beaver-made canals throughout the Southern portion of Bushy Lake; we have referred to these as “beaveways.” Beavers create these canals by pushing vegetation, mud, and any debris to the sides to extend the water system. These structures allow for easier mobility and improved access to vegetation for beavers. It is hypothesized that beaverways improve mobility for turtles as well. Access to the uplands is crucial for turtle nesting. In June of 2020 and April of 2021, two female red-eared sliders were observed near the beaveways, heading towards a canal. The rear ends of their shells appeared wet and muddy, indicating a nesting attempt. Additionally, a comparison study of turtles in back channels versus the mainstream channel in a habitat unmodified by beavers found that turtle richness and abundance was significantly higher in the back channels (Zadnik, 2003). It is hypothesized that beaver-made channels at Bushy Lake would have similar results. Dams Beavers construct dams from woody vegetation, sediments, rocks, and sticks. Dams retain water, creating gentle and slow-moving pools, expanding wetted areas, improving resource accessibility, and providing protection from predators (Naiman, et al., 1988). In addition to water quantity, dams can improve water quality. Water below beaver dams have seen a decrease in pollutant phosphorus (Baker & Hill, 2003). The early stages of a beaver dam on the eastern side of Bushy Lake was observed in November of 2020, and has continued to grow. This is especially significant because the dam is located near the water inlet; preliminary water quality data showcases high levels of phosphorus in this vicinity. Additionally, Western pond turtles have been observed basking in the eastern portion of Bushy Lake. It is hypothesized that a beaver dam could improve the aquatic habitat for Western pond turtles. References Baker, B. W., & Hill, E. P. (2003). Beaver (Castor canadensis). in G. A. Feldhamer, B. C. Thompson, and J. A. Chapman (EDs). Wild Mammals of North America: Biology, Management, and Conservation. (2nd ed., pp. 288-310). The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Longcore, T., Rich, C., & Müller-Schwarze, D. (2007). Management by assertion: beavers and songbirds at Lake Skinner (Riverside County, California). Environmental Management, 39(4), 460-471. Lundquist, K., & Dolman, B. (2018). Beaver in California: Creating a culture of stewardship. Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, WATER Institute. Metts, B. S., Lanham, J. D., & Russell, K. R. (2001). Evaluation of herpetofaunal communities on upland streams and beaver-impounded streams in the Upper Piedmont of South Carolina. The American Midland Naturalist, 145(1), 54-65. Naiman, R. J., Johnston, C. A., & Kelley, J. C. (1988). Alteration of North American streams by beaver. BioScience, 38(11), 753-762. Wright, J. P., Jones, C. G., & Flecker, A. S. (2002). An ecosystem engineer, the beaver, increases species richness at the landscape scale. Oecologia, 132(1), 96-101. Zadnik, A. K. (2003). Wildlife use and habitat quality of back channel areas associated with islands on the Ohio River, West Virginia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/b3c1fcb6-c60b-4521-8c60-2bf56a685bd7/beaver-dam.jpg Beavers at Bushy Lake Beavers construct dams from woody vegetation, sediments, rocks, and sticks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/fff78afe-d9e5-42a4-9bfd-08bb361870cc/Lexi+and+Beaveway2-Michelle+Stevens.jpg Beavers at Bushy Lake There are several beaver-made canals throughout the Southern portion of Bushy Lake; we have referred to these as “beaveways.” Beavers create these canals by pushing vegetation, mud, and any debris to the sides to extend the water system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/9ef53a18-f991-4744-ae69-7e4d86f278d7/Two+Beavers.jpeg Beavers at Bushy Lake Beavers were first discovered at Bushy Lake in 2019. They are a keystone species and an ecosystem engineer. https://www.bushylake.com/in-the-news daily 0.75 2024-07-16 https://www.bushylake.com/about-bushy-lake daily 0.75 2021-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631565264785-HODAG2GFLOW5N0WP0XVA/IMG_20200630_095551.jpg About Bushy Lake - Bushy Lake Bushy Lake is located within the Cal Expo Area of the 2008 American River Parkway Plan (Sacramento County). The area is part of an ongoing eco cultural restoration project, providing wildlife habitat, culturally significant plants, recreation and education opportunities. In the American River Parkway Plan, the lake is designated as a Nature Study Area and further protected by the 1976 Bushy Lake Preservation Act. The 86-acre Bushy Lake site provides a vital living laboratory for high-impact faculty-student research, citizen science, and community engagement. This project seeks to contribute to the conservation of the lower American River Parkway and the development of an inclusive “Sense of Place” for California communities. The Bushy Lake project highlights the value of interconnection between community interests and interdisciplinary research. Together, these elements work to enhance, protect, and preserve the lower American River Parkway as a critical ecological and cultural resource for Sacramento. The Cal Expo floodplain and Bushy Lake are owned by the California Exposition and State Fair but are managed by Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks through an agreement with Cal Expo consistent with the Parkway Plan and the Bushy Lake Preservation Act of 1976. The Bushy Lake Preservation Act (California Public Resources Code, Chapter 9, beginning with Section 5830) designates the approximately 86-acre site as a State Nature Preserve, with the primary intent of preserving important vegetation and wildlife species and their supporting ecosystems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631725171657-Y0GSS0VN5RDKBSUZD8HD/Picture3+mugwort+.jpg About Bushy Lake - Land Acknowledgement Statement We acknowledge, with respect, the land Bushy Lake is on today was and continues to be the traditional homelands of the Native peoples of this area, the Miwok, Nisenan, and Maidu. Additionally, in the larger Sacramento area the homelands of the Wintun and Patwin. Sacramento State recognizes these lands and riverways as unceded traditional territories of these Native peoples. We further recognize the California Indian Nations as sovereign, and their cultures that are rich with spiritual ties. By offering this land acknowledgement, we affirm the University’s commitment to build relationships and foster a university environment of success to better serve these Nations and communities. https://www.bushylake.com/background-and-history daily 0.75 2021-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632265814054-IQYG5GF56DBPDTKBP46E/bushy-lake-2016.jpg Background and History - Background: Bushy Lake Restoration Project In 2015, Dr. Michelle Stevens, Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, Sacramento State spearheaded the Bushy Lake pilot restoration project. This pilot project is an eco-cultural restoration project that has incorporated experimental design and adaptive restoration methods to inform restoration practice, wildlife monitoring and adaptive management. It is a collaborative effort involving Sacramento County Parks, local community engagement, environmental groups as well as Sacramento State faculty, students, and the University’s offices of Public Affairs and Advocacy and Sustainability. The six-acre pilot project on the east side of the Bushy Lake area provides an in-situ reference site and template for restoring culturally significant and fire-resilient habitat. In the process of monitoring, we discovered that the site is a refuge for the Northwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata marmorata). The pond turtle is the only native freshwater turtle left in California and is designated a species of special concern by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Ongoing drought, wildfires, elimination of wetland and aquatic habitats, and competition with non-native turtles continue to raise concerns about California’s sustainable native turtle populations. The overarching goal of this planning project is to prepare a Bushy Lake Conceptual Restoration Plan (CRP) with the following goals: Protect, enhance and restore a sustainable habitat refuge for pond turtles; Enhance and restore habitat for fire resiliency; and Enhance the education and interpretation of resources in the Parkway, specifically showcasing tribal cultural use of the Parkway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1633391879959-BKX7ENRJ4SJ6TTS7C45B/2016-09-23%2B20.29.16.jpg Background and History - Michelle Stevens Co-Project Investigator; CSUS Environmental Studies Dept. Professor Dr. Michelle Stevens, Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, Sacramento State spearheaded the Bushy Lake pilot restoration project. This eco-cultural restoration project has engaged students, faculty and the community in experimental design and adaptive restoration methods to inform restoration practice, wildlife monitoring and adaptive management. It is a collaborative effort involving Sacramento County Parks, local community engagement, environmental groups as well as Sacramento State faculty, students, and the University’s offices of Public Affairs and Advocacy and Sustainability. In 2020, we received a grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board titled “Grant Agreement for Bushy Lake Conceptual Restoration Plan WC-1943CA”. On June 6, 2021, a wildfire burned 60% of the Bushy Lake area. Again, on July 6, wildfires were started on the east and west side of Bushy Lake. The entire Bushy Lake in-situ restoration project on the east side of Bushy Lake was burned to the lakeshore. Sacramento State awarded funds from the President’s Circle Fund to restore and monitor Bushy Lake. While the fire was disappointing after five years of work and research, it turns out to be a blessing in disguise. We can use the six-acre pilot project on the east side of the Bushy Lake area to study the impacts of fire on the lower American River, and determine the factors that contribute to resiliency and adaptations to disturbances on the lower American River Parkway. Pictured at right: Dr. Michelle Stevens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632265941498-2VUV9QSY3P1LI4Q9J7PV/Mary+and+bushy+LakeIMG_6708.jpg Background and History - History In 2014, a fire at Cal Expo burned over 160 acres of the American River Parkway (ARP). This fire coincided with the Ecological Society of America (ESA) Conference being held that year in Sacramento. These events initiated a collaboration between California State University of Sacramento (CSUS); Yale University; University of California (UC), Davis; Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks (County Parks); and American River Parkway Foundation. The Earth Stewardship Initiative was developed from the ESA Conference with a goal of creating a fire-resilient landscape with long-term monitoring and adaptive management at Bushy Lake and throughout the lower ARP. The Bushy Lake Restoration Project was established in January of 2015 with the assistance of volunteers from the Parkway Foundation and County Parks. Pictured at left: Mary Xiong, experiment with Carex barbarae and Elymus triticoides 2016 https://www.bushylake.com/our-goals daily 0.75 2023-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631725504270-5AAXCS0G9QAQWAH514XA/Bushy-Lake-Goals.JPG Our Goals - Goals: Bushy Lake Restoration Project 1) Protect, enhance, and restore sustainable habitat for Western Pond Turtles (WPT) (Actinemys marmorata) Conduct studies on Western Pond Turtle (WPT) (Actinemys marmorata) biology Evaluate invasive species impacting Western Pond Turtles and provide education on invasive Red-Eared Sliders (RES) (Trachemys scripta elegans) Design key habitat elements for turtles to successfully reproduce, forage, and bask at Bushy Lake Develop a public education plan 2) Enhance habitat for fire resilient, culturally-significant native flora and fauna 3) Enhance the education and interpretation of resources in the Parkway, specifically showcasing tribal cultural use of the Parkway. https://www.bushylake.com/fire-resiliency daily 0.75 2021-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631726568042-AGLJRDW5OUWUELK7ISU3/Picture3+mugwort+.jpg Fire Resiliency - Revegetation and Natural Recruitment after Fire Report on 2021 Fire at Bushy Lake [PDF] California is a culturized landscape. California Indians utilized Traditional Fire Management to tend culturally important species for thousands of years. Bushy Lake is the traditional Territory of the Nissenan Maidu people. Results of the monitoring will be incorporated into the draft Conceptual Restoration Project planting design to promote fire resiliency. Plant species selection will focus on showcasing Native American cultural knowledge and ethnobotany to the public. Recommendations for a fire resilient and culturally significant plant palette and planting specifications will be included in the final Restoration Project monitoring, design and implementation. Pictured at left: California Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632773769709-TR3HYTDY6PP0GI4OYUQA/2016-09-13+20.03.56.jpg Fire Resiliency - Ecological Restoration The area around Bushy Lake provides a suitable location for ecological restoration using native plant species that are resilient to fire. Before European settlement, the Nissenan, Miwok and Maidu tribes practiced Traditional Resource Management through burning and other tending practices of culturally significant resources. Plants that are outstandingly resilient to wildfires and that are culturally significant include Santa Barbara sedge (Carex barbarae), California mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), willow (Salix spp), elderberry (Sambucus nigra), California grape (Vitis californica) and California blackberry (Rubus ursinus). These native species have adapted to frequent fires from thousands of years of relationship with California Indians who practiced Traditional Fire Management. These species were chosen for understory restoration because they are resilient to fire. Project experiments will provide a visible example of the proactive effort to manage fire in the parkway using culturally significant and fire adapted plants, with the help volunteer participation, public education and monitoring. Pictured at right: Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra). This fire resilient native plant provides habitat for the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle. The flowers, berries, and stems are tended to provide important cultural resources. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632782223616-DQ9D8A0HPC0FTUO6RTHO/willow.jpg Fire Resiliency - Native Californian Traditional Fire Management We will use data collected since 2016 to redesign and implement native revegetation and monitor natural revegetation and recruitment of native vegetation. The original data indicated that fifty-two percent of the plants sampled were native. We are concerned that the fires may add nitrogen to the soils and simulate propagation of invasive non-native species. We are monitoring and weeding poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), (23% relative cover, prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), tall whitetop (Lepidium latifolium), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). Without management, these tall invasive species are shading and eliminating the native understory species. Funds were awarded to Dr. Michelle Stevens from Sacramento State Presidents’ Emergency Fund to conduct restoration and study natural regeneration in the pilot project area after recent fires. Natural recruitment is already occurring in July and August with no rain (see below). This provides a good opportunity to test our fire resilience plant palette design, based on native plants adapted to Native Californian Traditional Fire Management (Stevens 2019, Zedler and Stevens 2018). Observed Natural Recruitment: Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) Willow (Salix species) California Grape (Vitis californica) Elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. caerulea) Gumweed (Grindelia camporum) White Root (Carex barbarae) Various species sprouting from rhizomes (underground stems) Pictured at left: Willow (Salix species) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/f58e52ac-ddcb-402a-839d-01ea864ba904/fire-before-after-1.jpg Fire Resiliency 2021 BUSHY LAKE FIRE: BEFORE AND AFTER Left: CSU Sacramento students Alexandra von Ehrenkrook (left) and Jake Kincaid (right) working with newly planted pilot restoration plots, Spring 2020 (pictured by Michelle Stevens. Right: Same restoration plots post fire (pictured by Alexandra von Ehrenkrook). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/ee3f04c9-abd9-4c3e-b311-768dc83662a5/fire-before-after-2.jpg Fire Resiliency 2021 BUSHY LAKE FIRE: BEFORE AND AFTER Left: Dr. Michelle Stevens and CSU Sacramento students planting native vegetation, Spring 2021. Right: Same vegetation plots post fire. (pictured by Kathleen Colima) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/eaa92b8f-118d-4493-8061-e4993b0881a9/fire-before-after-3.jpg Fire Resiliency 2021 BUSHY LAKE FIRE: BEFORE AND AFTER Left: Dr. Michelle Stevens (left) and research assistant Alexandra von Ehrenkrook (right) observing native plant plots, Spring 2020 (pictured by Jake Kincaid). Right: Same native vegetation plots post fire (pictured Michelle Stevens). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/cbb6e8fa-0b26-4505-b331-eb9d9f299a6e/fire-before-after-4.jpg Fire Resiliency 2021 BUSHY LAKE FIRE: BEFORE AND AFTER Left: Basking turtle observation site 1 on May 1st 2021. Right: Turtle observation site 1 post fire, pictured on June 8th 2021. (pictured by Kathleen Colima) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/c95197e1-1e70-4245-86c5-11b14c312c4c/fire-before-after-5.jpg Fire Resiliency 2021 BUSHY LAKE FIRE: BEFORE AND AFTER Left: Entrance to basking turtle observation site 2 on April 2nd 2021. Right: Entrance to turtle observation site 2 to post fire, pictured June 8th 2021. (pictured by Kathleen Colima) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/4f7c3231-4bf5-4cd3-aa32-bcccdf3fe5b2/fire-before-after-6.jpg Fire Resiliency 2021 BUSHY LAKE FIRE: BEFORE AND AFTER Left: The unburned levee, a critical turtle nesting area. Right: Burned levee post fire. (pictured by Kathleen Colima) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/ed17f3bc-294e-4364-b46b-8de8998db931/fire-before-after-7.jpg Fire Resiliency 2021 BUSHY LAKE FIRE: BEFORE AND AFTER Left: Predated turtle nest. Right: Burned turtle nest that became predated. (pictured by Kathleen Colima) https://www.bushylake.com/sacred-pollinators daily 0.75 2021-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/8f07a673-fe0f-4797-a5ce-b159dc074249/yarrow+%281%29.jpg Sacred Pollinators - Sacred Pollinators Bees - Field Guide [PDF] The experimental design and data collection and analysis were originally developed with the objective of developing a fire resilient native plant palette. In 2021, we began planting pollinator species, including plants that are important for sacred pollinators such as bees, monarchs and other butterflies. We intend to continue working with culturally significant plant species, with the thesis that they are adapted to centuries of traditional fire management. Plant species selection will further provide an opportunity to showcase Native American cultural knowledge and ethnobotany to the public. We will monitor the burned area to determine the response and resiliency of native plants to wildfire. Fire resilient species important for pollinators will be incorporated in the restoration plantings and seeding mixes when the rains come in Winter 2021. The experimental design and monitoring for bees and butterflies were established by the Xerces Society (Minnerath et al. 2014). The plants used in the pollinator experiment are also culturally important species used for fiber and pinole, a food source (Zedler and Stevens 2018, Stevens 2020). Milkweeds are both a cultural keystone species and ecological keystone species, essential for the survival of dwindling Monarch butterfly populations. The palette used for experimental plantings included the following: gumweed (Grindelia camporum), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), soaproot (Chlorogalum species), showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis). The pollinator seed mix contained Woodland clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata), Fort Miller clarkia (Clarkia williamsonii), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Bolanders sunflower (Helianthus bolanderi), chick lupine (Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus), rock phacelia (Phacelia californica), Great Valley phacelia (Phacelia ciliata). Pictured at left: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) https://www.bushylake.com/soils daily 0.75 2021-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631735458939-1I5QWCJ69Q39PS3PMRKE/15+June+bushy+lake+digging2jpg.jpg Soils - Bushy Lake Geology and Soils Before European settlement in 1849, the floodplain along the American River consisted of continuous, extensive riparian forests and vegetation. The riverine fluvial geomorphology and soils characteristics were transformed by European human settlement, upstream dam and levee construction, and gold and gravel mining. When the lower American River levees were built, topsoil from the Bushy Lake area was used to construct the levees. The Bushy Lake site was graded to become a golf course in the mid-1900’s, and soils have been compacted, resulting in a highly modified soil profile. Pictured at left: Dr. Andrew Margenot and students digging soil pit at Bushy Lake for analysis of sequestered carbon in the soils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632772304972-SEEL40X1THH9XQGB5STD/June+15+Soils+Bushy+Lake+plot+4.jpg Soils Soils of Bushy Lake are formed by a combination of human compaction and alluvial deposition. Soils are mapped as the Rossmoor fine sandy loam (Fluventic Haploxeroll) and Columbia sandy loam (Aquic Xerofluvent) (NRCS Soil Web Survey). Both soils share similar physical and chemical properties. The Rossmoor and Columbia series formed from alluvial depositions on floodplains with low (0-2%) slope. They are distinguished by a mollic epipedon in the Rossmoor series indicative of higher soil organic C in the surface (0-6 in) horizon and reflective of this series position on higher floodplains, whereas the Columbia is typically located on lower floodplains lacks stratification including this organic-rich surface horizon. However, the high degree of human activity and landscaping at this site, including leveled terraces for a golf course, suggests homogenization of these differences in surface horizons, further increasing similarity of soil properties at the site. Additionally, past and recent fires have modified C concentrations in the surface horizons, further altering taxonomic classification. A soil analysis was done at the Bushy Lake area in 2014 by Dr. Andrew Margenot, who analyzed soils sampled from two soil pits. The observations showed that the top 6 in of the soil upper horizon contains soil organic matter (SOM) darkening, consistent with the mollic epipedon mapped in the Rossmoor series. The soils at Bushy Lake have a limited ability to sequester carbon. Soil C stocks to a depth of 25 in were estimated to range from approximately 38-60 t ha-1 with a mean of 50.9 t ha-1. Restoring vegetation and mulch to disturbed soils at Bushy Lake is a management option that increases surface soil C and is therefore a potential strategy to increase net C storage in soils. Restoration of grasslands has been found to increase C storage at rates of 0.3-6 t ha-1 yr-1. Studies indicate that restoration of soils and native vegetation promotes resiliency to disturbance and increased the potential to out-compete invasive plant species. Pictured at right: Soil profile of disturbed Rossmoor Soils (#247 on NRCS soils map, below) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632772740702-K0E26JNFF85XA3VA4F9C/bushy-lake-soils-map.jpg Soils - Pictured Above: Soil Survey Map of Bushy Lake produced by NRCS. 247 – Rossmoor, 118 – Columbia (NRCS Soil Web Survey, https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov). Pictured Above: Soil Survey Map of Bushy Lake produced by NRCS. 247 – Rossmoor, 118 – Columbia (NRCS Soil Web Survey, https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov). https://www.bushylake.com/stressors daily 0.75 2021-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632517818505-JMCZE9SX3R0RIYYXYLCB/20210613_103104+%282%29.jpg Stressors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1632517746329-UBAHM9V2ZP1C15O5W3IJ/2021+homeless+Aug+280824_083354.jpg Stressors - Stressors Since 2014, Bushy Lake has faced many natural and anthropogenic stressors. The most notable events include ongoing homeless encampments; a 2016 fire that burned the highest-quality riparian habitat of Bushy Lake; a 2017 flooding event; and a 2021 fire that burned over 125 acres, including the in-situ restoration study area. Read the report on the 2021 fire at Bushy Lake. While each of these events have been distressing, they provide an opportunity to expand our research and fortify our conceptual restoration plan for science-informed policies and conservation efforts for the ARP. Recently, off-road bicycles have posed a threat to nesting adult female turtles moving to the uplands to nest, and to juveniles attempting to return to the aquatic habitat after hatching. Pictured at left: Trash from a homeless encampment near the water inlet to Bushy Lake Pictured below: Burned restoration area near Bushy Lake https://www.bushylake.com/community-outreach daily 0.75 2021-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631735057569-BFSOAN5EPTQX8D788U4Y/123_1-14-Michelle+Stevens.jpeg Community Outreach - Community Outreach, Citizen Science & Anchor University The Bushy Lake project provides community service for students and citizen monitoring for Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks to fulfill obligations and policies under the American River Parkway Plan. The environmental education element of this gathering at Bushy Lake, and the follow-up STEAM science classes and research on our CSU Sacramento campus, creates a science and policy partnership that benefits the Sacramento and State area. We also are delighted that the environmental education aspect of the project incorporates under-represented minority children, building a sense of place, refuge and belonging in nature. Having all children participate in outdoor experiences is an essential element of our mission. Citizen science, positive publicity through CSU Sacramento, and public restoration projects all create good will in the greater community by enrolling students and volunteers in land stewardship and citizen science. This project provides value added for Sacramento County Parks by providing publicity for the good works they are doing on the ARP, building public confidence, and letting the public and policy-makers know that Parks are doing good things in the Parkway. Another intended outcome is to create long term monitoring on the Parkway. Contact us to learn more. https://www.bushylake.com/monitoring-avian-species daily 0.75 2021-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1631736825070-TDDRW46PDZ04C6UTZI0S/2021+Bird+Daniel+Aug+27+0828_094318.jpg Monitoring Avian Species - Avian Diversity Historically, Bushy Lake has provided vital habitat for a variety of birds and is a popular birding location (Audubon Society). Birds are more easily observed than other wildlife and respond quickly to changes in their environment; therefore, they are ideal candidates to measure ecosystem improvement during the Bushy Lake Restoration Project and post-restoration monitoring. Furthermore, in the absence of a specific indicator species, birds can be used to gauge overall ecosystem success. Audubon Collaboration Daniel Williams, Audubon, has been conducting avian point count surveys at Bushy Lake every other weekend in 2020 and 2021. He has recorded 140 species of birds at Bushy Lake . Swainson’s hawks nested near Bushy Lake this year; their nest was destroyed in the fire, probably with eggs or young birds. In the past, red-shouldered and red-tailed hawk pairs nested in the large cottonwoods near the lake. Families of Mallards and Wood Ducks grew up on the lake, while Red-winged Blackbirds and secretive Virginia Rails and Soras called from the cattails. As spring turned into summer, scores of Cliff and Barn Swallows and a few Purple Martins from nearby nesting colonies came to hawk insects over the lake. An Osprey is currently patrolling the area and using the last large standing cottonwood snags to perch and devour its catch. A Peregrine Falcon made several appearances throughout the year, occasionally making high speed pursuits after ducks. With Fall will come several new species of birds using the dense willow riparian and grapevine thicket habitat which frames the lake to rest and refuel for their journeys: Orange-crowned, Yellow, and Wilson’s Warblers, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Swainson’s Thrush, Western Tanager, and many others. Gradually the migrants in this habitat gave way to the return of the winter resident species: Cedar Waxwings, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Lincoln’s Sparrows, and many, many Northern Flickers just to name a few. The avian diversity of Bushy Lake is truly astounding. Our monitoring goals are to determine the impacts of wildfires on avian habitat. Many different birds use the area in many different ways as the seasons progress and change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/7228ffd2-fd6c-45d4-80ab-95954f881a73/Daniel+Western+Tanager+WETA_20200523+%281%29.jpg Monitoring Avian Species Western Tanager https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1623884258372-KLXQ5WLSPK3L6ZA7GIU5/BlueEgret_Kneitel+%281%29.jpeg Monitoring Avian Species Blue Egret https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/7ad5cf98-b743-4f99-afc8-99f8d39450e3/Daniel+black+crowned+night+heron+BCNH_20200418.jpg Monitoring Avian Species Black Crowned Night Heron https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/ab916f10-ceeb-41c8-886e-4d2179bf3838/Daniel+Warbleer+thumbnail_YRWA_20200418.jpg Monitoring Avian Species Warbler https://www.bushylake.com/our-team daily 0.75 2021-10-30 https://www.bushylake.com/donate daily 0.75 2022-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8dc706a942e82ade99397d/1634158357287-NO4ED8D4KNZU3S0UHFWP/western-pond-turtle-bushy-lake.jpg Donate - Support Our Work Donations to support the Bushy Lake Restoration Project go towards our restoration efforts. Green Incubator has gratefully agreed to accept donations on our behalf. These donations will directly support restoration efforts at Bushy Lake. Online Donations To make an online donation, please donate via PayPal: https://paypal.me/GreenIncubatordonate?locale.x=en_US IMPORTANT: Note “Bushy Lake” when you make your donation. You can also donate via PayPal using the Green Incubator email. Select Send Money and enter info@sacgreenincubator.org to find the Green Incubator account and make a donation - use “to a friend” to avoid fees. Note “Bushy Lake” when you make your donation. https://www.bushylake.com/volunteer-opportunities daily 0.75 2022-02-02 https://www.bushylake.com/new-page daily 0.75 2023-12-03 https://www.bushylake.com/comment-letters-to-usfws daily 0.75 2023-12-03