| This project studied the vegetation of the upland transition habitat within the Tijuana Estuary to determine the survival rate of reintroduced native vegetation following the eradication of invasive non-native tamarisk (Tamarix spp.). Within the upland transition habitat, seven sites were selected for restoration. Five native plants were selected for restoration: Alkali heath (Frankenia salina), boxthorn ( Lycium californicum), glasswort (Arthrocnemum subterminale ), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and pickleweed (Sarcocornia pacifica). During 19 May 2004 to 8 October 2004 the plants were hand watered biweekly and survival rate data were documented weekly. The overall survival rate percentages for the restoration sites ranged from 0 to 41%. The survival rates for the individual species were: Alkali heath 61%, boxthorn 43%, pickleweed 18%, glasswort 4% and saltgrass 0%. While definitive answers to the underlying mechanisms that determined survival rate differences between sites were not possible, the study does suggest future directions for restoration projects and research. |
