Local Volunteers Transform Mt. Helix Park with Native Plants

Mt. Helix Park in California has undergone a remarkable transformation, now featuring 95% native plants thanks to the dedication of local volunteers. This restoration effort, which began in 2012, has revitalized the park’s ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity and providing a serene environment for visitors.

Caroline Harrod, a member of the Habitat Restoration Committee at Mt. Helix Park, expressed her enthusiasm for the changes. “We are seeing the mountain come back alive,” she said. The project has not only improved the landscape but has also created a space where individuals can connect with nature and each other.

Years ago, Mt. Helix struggled with barren soil, described by Harrod as “powdery dirt.” Over the past 13 years, passionate volunteers have worked tirelessly to replace non-native species with indigenous flora. Harrod, who joined the park’s board of directors in 2012, advocated for a policy focused solely on native plants, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Native plants have distinct advantages over their non-native counterparts. They require less water, support a wider range of wildlife, and enhance the resilience of the landscape against threats such as wildfires. Krista Powers, executive director of Mt. Helix Park, highlighted the importance of these plants in combating the ongoing pollinator extinction crisis. “We have to create these pollinator pathways from Dictionary Hill to Cowles Mountain so that all these little pollinators can eat and survive along the way,” Powers stated.

The restoration efforts have successfully brought back various butterfly species to the park. Harrod noted, “We’re getting a lot more,” referring to the increased butterfly activity observed at the mountain’s peak. The volunteers have also tackled invasive species, like the yellow-flowered mustard, which Powers described as “a matchstick for wildfires.” It took the team three to five years to manage these invasive weeds, but the persistence has paid off as native plants have begun to flourish again.

This volunteer-led initiative has created a sense of community among participants. Bruce McIntyre, chair of the Habitat Restoration Committee, became involved by participating in a workday and later adopted a section of the park through the Adopt-A-Habitat initiative. He remarked on the advantage of consistent efforts over the last decade, stating, “A lot of the weeds are under control.” With weeds contained, the team has reduced their workdays from monthly to quarterly, demonstrating the effectiveness of their approach.

Powers emphasized the critical role volunteers play in maintaining the park’s health. “Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our park,” she said. Their contributions ensure that the park remains free for all visitors, allowing families to enjoy picnics and create lasting memories without financial burden.

The next phase of restoration includes planting a dedicated pollinator garden, with volunteers invited to participate on November 8, 2023. McIntyre shared the vision for this project, saying, “We’re trying to make a butterfly garden so that we have the right plants to promote the monarch butterflies.”

As Harrod concluded, “It’s the circle of life, and it’s wonderful.” The ongoing efforts at Mt. Helix Park highlight the power of community and the importance of preserving native ecosystems. For those interested in learning more about Mt. Helix Park’s programs or native habitat restoration, additional information can be found on the park’s website and Harrod’s YouTube channel, Growing San Diego.