12/13/2025-Cohort 8- Weeding Day
Cactus Scrub Team
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Cohort 8 visited the test plot for our bi-weekly watering and weeding. I worked in the section of the plot that contains desert-type plants. We began by reviewing the layout of the Test Plot to verify plant locations and check their overall health. Afterward, we watered the plants and removed any weeds growing around them.
Although it was winter, the soil in the desert plant section was compact and dry, which made pulling weeds a little more challenging. We carefully removed weeds without disturbing the established plants. While moving through the plot, we used the iNaturalist app to help identify plants and observe any wildlife present.
Working in the desert plant section allowed me to better understand how these plants adapt to dry conditions and why maintaining the area through regular watering and weeding is important. Overall, being surrounded by nature helped reinforce the importance of caring for native plant habitats.
Costal Sage Scrub Team
On December 13th, we visited the test plot for maintenance. The weather was very cold and foggy. My group, which is in charge of the Coastal Sage Scrub plot, went to our plot to check the health of the plants. We recorded the status of each plant and noted how they were doing. We then watered each plant to ensure proper care. Finally, we began labeling all of the plants with their names and locations to make identification easier.
Thematic Urban Wild Team
On December 13, it was cold at the La Puente Hills test plot, where my group and I are responsible for the thematic urban wild section. We began the day by pulling out weeds, which had grown significantly. The weeds were difficult to remove because their roots were deep and there were so many of them, but despite the cold weather, we continued working. After weeding, we spent extra time watering the plants, making sure the water soaked into the soil rather than running off. We then monitored the plants for any changes, checking their condition, taking photos, and recording their status on the plot chart as we moved through the plot section by section. As we worked, the sun came out, making the conditions more comfortable. While at the site, we also saw a coyote attempting to cross the street, reminding us that wildlife is an important part of the urban environment. Once the chart was updated and all the plants were recorded, we finished the day by completing the watering of the plants.
