Since 2009, the City of Woodland has partnered with the Yolo County Resource Conservation District (YCRCD) to enhance wildlife habitat and public recreation at a storm water detention pond known as East Regional Pond. Extensive plantings of native vegetation have improved habitat and food sources for wildlife, storm water detention, filtration, aesthetics, wildlife viewing, and educational opportunities for citizens. The pond’s proximity to residential neighborhoods and the Pacific Flyway provides a unique experience for Woodland residents to enjoy and learn about their natural surroundings.

After planning was completed in 2010, YCRCD staff installed a wide variety of native trees, shrubs, and understory plants that could potentially tolerate the alkaline saline soil conditions around the pond. There was mixed success and several replanting seasons and additional weed management was needed to bring it to its current fully established state. Replanting and weed management are minimal at this point for much of the pond. Based on these successes, newer planting areas now extend beyond the original planned planting, and there is opportunity to continue revegetation areas that are currently covered in noxious non-beneficial weeds.

Given YCRCD’s extensive knowledge of the site and of native vegetation management, YCRCD continues to work alongside the City of Woodland to protect the unusual native plant community that is naturally occurring on site. Additionally, YCRCD manages native grass plantings and other established native plantings throughout East Regional Pond. To ensure the success of native vegeation, noxious weed management occurs to combat yellow star thistle, perennial pepperweed, Russian thistle, and more.