Back to Natives Restoration, in a cooperative agreement with the United States Forest Service in the Cleveland National Forest, will lead a hands-on habitat restoration training course. This successful program is now in its fourth year. For more information or to RSVP, call 949-509-4787 or send an email to info@backtonatives.org.

Participants will learn how to remove invasive non-native plant species using tools rather than herbicides. They will learn how to keep themselves and others safe in the field, how to manage restoration volunteers, and how to identify native and non-native plants. Graduates are eligible to lead volunteer groups in the National Forest.

WHO: Volunteers and staff from all land managers, wild land agencies, organizations and non-profits are welcome to participate, and then share their new knowledge and skills with others. Community members who are not yet volunteers, but who have an interest in habitat restoration are also welcome.

WHEN: the series of classes begins on December 2, 2010, from 6 – 8:30PM. There are 12 classes total: 5 Thursdays from 6 – 8:30PM, and 7 Saturdays from 9:00 to 2:00PM, in 2010 & 2011. The series ends on February 12, 2011.

WHY: Nationwide, invasive plants cost us an estimated $33 billion per year. Invasive plants degrade wildlife habitat – they are the second-greatest threat to endangered species, after habitat destruction.

Habitat restoration is a means of sustaining the diversity of life on Earth and reestablishing healthy ecosystems. Successful habitat restoration ensures that native species are protected while non-native species are removed with minimal impact.
WHERE: Lecture classes are at the REI store in Tustin. Field classes occur throughout the Cleveland National Forest in Orange County, and in Mason Regional Park in Irvine.