CCC Delta Crews Plant, Restore a Wildlife Corridor

A quiet patch of land adjacent to Cache Creek — not far from the capitol — is abuzz with activity. CCC Delta Corpsmembers are transforming the riparian habitat. They’re planting native species to support wildlife migrating through Yolo County and the City of Woodland.

“I’ve never planted in my life until this week. I think it’s really fun. My favorite thing is just how calm it feels, how peaceful,” said Corpsmember Isabell Adorno. “Mentally, I wanted to try something new and get out of my comfort zone. This for sure is different.”

Together, the Corpsmembers are helping 900 native plants – such as elderberry shrubs – take root in the Haller Muller Restoration Area. With guidance from the Yolo County Resource Conservation District, the crew is also adding fencing and installing irrigation lines to help the young plants get off to a good start.

“Sometimes there’s a breach with the irrigation, so we’ll have to patch that up with an adapter. All of it looks official and makes me think of piping in a city,” said Corpsmember Michael Cherry III. “I think for the typical person, they just see all this stuff and are like ‘oh, cool greenery’ but for me, going forward in life, I’ll know how much work and effort are put into things that are seemingly simple.”

Every individual task adds to the bigger picture: bringing vital habitat back to the river’s edge. In approximately three years, the native plants will mature, and the 4.5-acre site will be able to support deer, coyotes, and even bears as they migrate past.

“In California, about 95% of riparian habitat adjacent to rivers and streams – these corridors have been converted to other uses,” said project sponsor Amy Williams from the Yolo County Resource Conservation District. “So, the opportunity to add a wider corridor and make them more intact, it’s extremely valuable for the wildlife because there’s so little of it left.”

Right now, the plants at Cache Creek are less than a foot tall. Once they grow, they’ll shade animals in need of rest and also feed wildlife moving through the area. For Corpsmembers, it may take time to see the full benefits, yet this project is nonetheless worth remembering.

“I’ve always wanted to find a way to help and have an imprint of myself somewhere. I finally have done that, and it feels great,” said Corpsmember Isabell Adorno. “It’s something really cool to be proud of and come back to later.”

For young adults 18-25, and veterans up to age 29, the California Conservation Corps provides a chance to make an impact. With more than 60 resource crews located across the state, there are many opportunities to support the environment and learn by doing. Get started by visiting our website at ccc.ca.gov.