The project was designed to restore the lake and surrounding upland areas, improve water quality and aid in groundwater retention while providing habitat for the giant garter snake, the Sandhill crane, the western pond turtle, the western toad and the California tiger salamander, all considered threatened or of special concern species.
“We are very thankful for the generosity of the Environmental Enhancement Fund and the Delta Conservancy,” says Liz Bellas, Deputy Director of Regional Parks. “These grants are allowing us to preserve the land that threatened species need to survive.”
Construction on this project ended on Oct. 29 and seeding is underway. During construction approximately 88,000 cubic yards of invasive water primrose was removed to restore 30 acres of open water wetlands habitat, including 10 acres of perennial and 20 acres of seasonal water that previously existed in the lake bed.
This projects is working with Galt Union Elementary School District students to plant and maintain new valley oak trees to ensure the long-term sustainability of the nesting structure of the heron/egret/cormorant rookery around the lake.
