January found us at Starr Ranch Audubon Sanctuary with Sandy DeSimone hosting us. http://www.starrranch.org/ Sandy gave us an introductory talk on the non-chemical methods applied at Starr Ranch for artichoke thistle eradication.
After Sandy's intro we dove right in to non-native mustards and recommended control methods. This was followed up with native mustards found in the area (mostly Orange County Species with some from the Santa Ana Mountains just outside of OC). Also included was an alternative seeding selection to possibly out compete or crowd out non native mustards.
This was followed by the second half of our Chemical Control agents, recommended applications as well environmental and health impacts of chemical usage. Overall the same number if not 
more site visits and applications were required of chemical treatments than mechanical removal methods. Alarmingly many mustards are already resistant to most LEGAL chemical control methods.
more site visits and applications were required of chemical treatments than mechanical removal methods. Alarmingly many mustards are already resistant to most LEGAL chemical control methods. We finished the last portion of the session following Sandy out to a field recently cleared of Artichoke thistle. We removed mustard rosettes that had invaded the soon to be seeded field. Hopefully we made a dent in a very sizable area. The session was called to a close after reviewing safety protocol with a circle session of safety with everyone taking turns pointing out safety tips and methods. Call us out again next year Sandy!
Special Thanks to Sandy DeSimone PhD for hosting us at Starr Ranch. Continued thanks for Debra Clarke - Wilderness / Trails Manager District Volunteer Coordinator Cleveland NF, Trabuco Ranger District who attends each session.
For more information on how to become involved in this training please visit our USFS collaboration page : www.backtonatives.org/usfs.htm
Look to the right for one reason we Restore Habitat!
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