Work Project’s in a Grass by Itself

Although Upper Newport Bay has long been established as a state ecological reserve, the boundaries have not been impervious to invaders.

One of the most tenacious of these unwanted outsiders has been pampas grass, which crowds out native plants so crucial to the birds and other wildlife that call the wetlands area home.

Fending off the pampas grass invasion is an ongoing battle at the reserve. Runners, bicyclists, canoeists and nature lovers who enjoy Upper Newport Bay are being asked to volunteer some time and effort for the betterment of the reserve on Saturday, when REI (a recreational equipment store in Santa Ana) sponsors a volunteer cleanup there.

“It’s mostly going to be a pampas grass pull,� explained Steve Carpenter, who is in charge of the store’s outreach programs. Work also will include the planting of native berries, as well as trash removal--some of it by canoe and kayak. The all-day project will be supervised by rangers from the state Fish and Game Department.

Participants will be able to take a break from the work to enjoy bird walks and natural history talks and also will be able to take canoes and kayaks for a paddle on the bay.

Environmental groups and recreation-oriented businesses often sponsor service projects as a way for members and customers to help pay their debts to the wild areas that bring them joy.

Other local projects include an ongoing Irvine Park re-vegetation project, supported by the local Sea and Sage chapter of the National Audubon Society, and the long-running Santa Ana Mountains trail maintenance and construction program run by Ken Croker and sponsored by the Orange County Chapter of the Sierra Club.

REI sponsors one to three projects a year through its Orange County store, Carpenter said, the most recent being a major tree-planting effort at Joshua Tree National Monument. That drew about 80 volunteers. “Being that this (Upper Newport Bay project) is local, we might get a little bit more than that,� he said.

The work Saturday will concentrate on the Big Canyon area of the reserve, around a half-mile loop trail off Back Bay Drive. Carpenter recommends that participants bring work gloves and a lunch and wear long pants. There is no need to call ahead, except for additional information.

Upper Newport Bay is the largest remaining coastal wetlands system in Southern California and provides a vital food source for more than 200 resident and migrating bird species. The waters of its estuary also constitute a nursery for the young of many fish species.

What: Upper Newport Bay cleanup project.

When: Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, Newport Beach.

Whereabouts: From the Corona del Mar (73) Freeway, take Jamboree Road south. A block before reaching Pacific Coast Highway, turn right on Back Bay Drive. Follow the road past Newport Dunes Aquatic Park, then turn left onto Shellmaker Island and park.

Wherewithal: Free.

Where to call: (714) 543-4142.