Volunteers Needed for January Coastal Habitat Restoration in Northern California

Northern Californians looking to give back to the outdoors this month will have several chances to do so along the coast, as Redwood Parks Conservancy kicks off a series of habitat restoration days throughout January.

Northern Californians looking to give back to the outdoors this month will have several chances to do so along the coast, as Redwood Parks Conservancy kicks off a series of habitat restoration days throughout January.

Working alongside California State Parks North Coast Redwoods District, the nonprofit is hosting volunteer events at Sue-meg State Park, Tolowa Dunes State Park, and Little River State Beach. The hands-on work will focus on restoring native coastal habitats by removing invasive plant species that threaten dunes, beaches, and wildlife.

Volunteers will help remove non-native plants such as European beachgrass, a species known to crowd out native vegetation and alter sensitive dune ecosystems. Organizers say the effort plays a key role in protecting both wildlife habitat and public parklands.

The first restoration day is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Sue-meg State Park. A second event will follow on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Big Dune in Tolowa Dunes State Park, with volunteers meeting at the Lake Earl Wildlife Area in Crescent City.

Two additional workdays are planned at Little River State Beach on Jan. 24 and Jan. 31.

All events are free, open to the public, and welcome volunteers of all ages. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. More details are available through Redwood Parks Conservancy.