Resource Challenge Headwaters Corner is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats, including riparian (or streamside), coast live oak/walnut woodland, coastal sage scrub, grassland and fresh water wetland. It is also of cultural significance, as the original homestead house built at the turn of the century still stands on its grounds. The challenge faced by the partners and participants includes restoration of the perennial stream to its original meander, removal of non-native invasive plants and the planting of native flora to return native fauna to its natural habitat, as well as restoration of the historic home.
The Headwaters Corner Board of Directors includes two representatives from the Mountains Restoration Trust, a nonprofit land trust who acquired and manages the site and two representatives from the City of
Calabasas , who assisted in the acquisition and now owns the land, and a fifth Director who is the Superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The Board of Directors has primary oversight of the design and implementation of the ongoing plans for the
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Center . There are numerous organizations and individuals that are currently adding their expertise to the project, including historical and archeological research and natural resources best management practices recommendations.
| Examples of Key Partners Primary participants include the Mountains Restoration Trust, City of Calabasas,
County of
Los Angeles , Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, State Department of Water Resources, State Coastal Conservancy, and the National Park Service. Also included in the research and planning process are institutions of higher education students and professors and a science advisory committee.
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Results and Accomplishments Thousands of volunteer hours have contributed to the restoration of the
Headwaters
Corner
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Center land and streambed. Invasive riparian and terrestrial plants have been removed and oak and native flowers and vegetation have been planted in their stead. The
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Center currently houses the Youth Naturalist Program where children are learning about the natural and cultural landscape in a unique and suitable setting. Programs include stream ecology, insects, reptiles and amphibians, geology, astronomy, birds, paleontology, and Native American culture. The site is also used for environmental education fairs, such as the Stream to Sea Family Fun Day and the natural landscape inspired art exhibit of the Allied Artists of the
Santa Monica
Mountains .
Design charettes involving the key players have resulted in concrete plans including a wetlands riparian “interaction zone,” historic and cultural landscape interpretation, native plant nursery, a children’s garden, wildlife habitat restoration and education of the ecosystem interplays. The headquarters visitor center will demonstrate energy efficient resource conservation including storm water retention and filtration, photovoltaic passive solar power and solar heating, water conservation and irrigation, and waste reduction and recycling and use of materials.
The
Headwaters
Corner
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Center is in its infancy and is destined to become a premier educational center for all of southern
California citizens and visitors about the natural and cultural significance of the region. It is the collaboration and partnerships of various agencies, organizations, and individual professionals that are making this dream into reality.
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Private Landowner Network
Conservation Tax Center
Maine State Conservation Center
Houston Intra-Met
Northern California Conservation Center
Katrina Reforestation Outreach Program
Resources First Foundation