Watershed Stewardship, Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge

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Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge is critical habitat for the endangered California Condor, but is also home to many threatened and endangered species including the San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, Tule elk, and pronghorns, all of which benefit from open space and a healthy water supply.

In the American West, where water for wildlife is a dwindling commodity, invasive plant infestations such as tamarisk are one of the most serious problems our watersheds face. In the heart of the Wildlife Refuge, Bitter Creek is suffering a loss of critical water and native flora due to the infestation of water-greedy, invasive tamarisk.

Saturday, we will have the fun and easy job of hiking Bitter Creek, deep within the wildlife refuge. We'll look for tamarisk seedlings and shrubs, and cut them to grade with lightweight hand tools that we provide. It is entirely satisfying to see the tangible results of our efforts.

Last time out, though miserable weather in Los Angeles, it was magical on the Refuge. We watched a gray fox successfully hunt a gopher meal, and wild endangered condors keeping us under constant surveillance.

This is a rare opportunity to visit Bitter Creek, which is entirely closed to the public. We'll be staying over at the bunkhouse, with kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms for our comfort. You are also welcome to sleep out under the starry night sky if you like. We'll enjoy a commnity feast and the company of like-minded folks, like YOU!

Sunday, we'll have the opportunity to see the condor release pen, and no doubt, a few adults in the wild. Directions come out a few days before to registered participants. To sign up for the project, please send the following info to wildlife@habtitatwork.org:

Name:
Project: Watershed Conservation at Bitter Creek
Project Date: Oct.
24/7 e-mail:
Cell phone:
Age:
City (if Los Angeles, give region):
Vehicle make, model, 4WD?
Vegetarian, Vegan or Omnivore?
Category of food you prefer to bring for the feast:
Do you have any physical limitations in rugged backcountry?
Do you need to be done by a certain time?
How did you hear about us?
Any questions?