CNPS-SGM Santa Fe Dam Habitat Care 9/25/2026

Interested in Making a Difference and Joining the Habitat Care Crew? The California Native Plant Society (CNPS)’ San Gabriel Mountains Chapter is hosting a Habitat Care event in the “wild” portion of the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area that is being set aside as a Natural Area. This volunteer event is in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation department (who manage the land) in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (who own the land) for habitat care within the Santa Fe Dam basin.

Volunteers will primarily be focusing on removing invasive plants, especially in areas heavily used by the public. Hand tools will be used to remove invasive plants or seeds from designated areas, so those participating can expect to be standing, bending, walking, and carrying bags or tools. Secondary goals include surveying and documenting the species and habitats within the Natural Area and educating the public about the benefits of natural habitats.

The Santa Fe Dam is located at 15501 East Arrow Highway in Irwindale, CA. Park and volunteers will meet at the Nature Center (From the main entrance kiosk on top of the dam, drive down to the first intersection/stop sign and turn right. Continue and turn left at the next intersection. Then continue and turn left again at the next intersection. The road then leads into the Nature Center parking lot.) Work will take place from 8:00am-10:30am. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early, since the group will walk or carpool from the meeting place to various locations within the recreation area.

For your safety, please wear sturdy closed-toed shoes, comfortable clothing covering legs and arms, and sun protection. Bring water. CNPS will provide some snacks. CNPS will supply work gloves sizes Medium and Large, but you may bring your own if you prefer. CNPS will have some weeding tools, but you may bring your own as well. (Be sure they are disinfected with 70% alcohol before use in the area; you can do that upon arrival.) A bucket to put your weeds into is always handy, but CNPS will supply trash bags.

If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please email Gabi and Jennifer at sgm.santafedam@cnps.org to sign up.

You do not need to be a CNPS member to participate, nor does one need to have any expertise in plant ID. Join when you can or become a regular; the San Gabriel Mountain chapter of the CNPS is happy to welcome you for any of their habitat care days planned for the third Saturday and fourth Friday of each month. For more information, please see: https://chapters.cnps.org/sgm/santa-fe-dam/.