McNamara Putah Creek Riparian Habitat Restoration Project-Audubon California
The McNamara riparian restoration site is located on the south bank of Putah Creek approximately four miles downstream of the City of Winters in Solano County, California. The site encompasses 30 acres of valley oak riparian habitat along a 1.3 mile reach of Putah Creek, which forms the northern boundary of the McNamara Sierra Orchards property, a 320 acre working farm. Previous funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enabled the project partners to initiate a riparian buffer along 1,500 feet of the upper bank. New funding from the Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee together with Partners for Fish and Wildlife funds will support the removal of woody exotic vegetation and approximately four additional acres of riparian restoration. This proposal would complement existing funding sources to complete an extension of the riparian buffer and enhance five acres of habitat on the middle and lower terraces.
The McNamara Putah Creek Riparian Habitat Restoration Project will restore five acres of native valley oak riparian vegetation on Putah Creek in Solano County, California to provide high quality habitat for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle or VELB (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus) and Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swansoni). The USFWS considers all elderberry shrubs within the historic range of VELB (the Central Valley and foothills up to 3,000 feet) as potential habitat for this species and its Recovery Plan identified lower Putah Creek as essential habitat. Restoration activities will benefit anadromous and other native fish in the creek by augmenting riparian habitat, reducing sedimentation from runoff into the creek and increasing shade. The project will supplement ongoing stewardship efforts by the landowner and provide hands-on experience and education to high school students. Specific objectives are to:
- Increase the available habitat for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle by planting elderberry shrubs (Sambucus mexicana);
- Increase density of native overstory tree species (valley oak, cottonwood) to replace exotic eucalyptus, increase shading, and provide nest sites for Swainson’s hawks;
- Remove above ground biomass of exotic woody vegetation and control resprouts;
- Create a model of private landowner stewardship to protect listed species, provide riparian restoration and provide a demonstration site for the region and associated visitors;
- Create a buffer between ongoing agricultural activities and the creek;
- Provide place-based learning opportunities for high school students and community volunteers; and
- Document baseline habitat conditions and monitor presence and activity of target species.
