Invasive Species Removal

A Corpsmember carries a large bundle of tarp-wrapped plants over one shoulder.

A Fresno Center Corpsmember hauls invasive Red Sesbania plants away from the San Joaquin River in Fresno, CA.

Invasive plants have an impact on water quality, biodiversity, fish and wildlife habitat, tree cover, fire risk and costs.

The CCC is often called in as a skilled and affordable way to rid watersheds of non-native plants like canary date palm, Mexican fan palm, Spanish broom and eucalyptus and plant native species like willow that can minimize bank erosion following heavy rains and promote a healthy native riparian zone.

Key Functions:

  • Native species reintroduction – Seed gathering, plant propagation, planting, weed removal, establishment watering, and broadcast planting of native grasses
  • Non-native plant removal – European beach grass, English ivy, eucalyptus, and other invasive removal using chainsaws, brush cutters, burning (at some locations), chipping, hand removal, or herbicide
  • Nursery work – Raising native plants for planting and restoration projects
  • Meadow restoration – Re-vegetation and rehabilitation of meadows to restore to the natural state