At the Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary, invasive weeds are giving way to resurgent coastal sage scrub.

The 4,000-acre Starr Ranch in the Orange County foothills is one of Southern California’s crown jewels, with a running stream, majestic sycamores, wildflower fields, and slopes covered with aromatic coastal sage scrub. Coastal sage scrub is home to the threatened California gnatcatcher and many other rare species, and has been severely depleted compared to the historic landscape. Due to prior cattle grazing, disturbed lands were often taken over by dense patches of notoriously tough artichoke thistle, which supports little native wildlife.

Sandra DeSimone, PhD, Director of Research and Education at the Ranch, has pioneered chemical-free restoration. Over a multi-year period, the thistle is cut back by hand, and regrowth exhausted. Coastal sage scrub is actively planted from seed and also returns on its own from adjacent areas. The richness of bird and mammal life has increased in the restored areas, and the Ranch is well on its way to restoring 700 acres of thistle-dominated land.

Scientific research is integrated into the restoration work, which is meticulously documented. Another benefit is job creation for youth, including stints by the Orange County Conservation Corps.

The Ranch’s real-time broadcasts of nesting birds are a good way to introduce yourself to this marvelous place.

Before and after photographs courtesy of Starr Ranch