The diseased eucalyptus trees posed a safety issue due to fire and hazard and falling limbs.
A special project took place in late 2012/early 2013 at University City High School due to its close proximity to Rose Canyon. Through a partnership between TCLC, Friends of Rose Canyon , and the San Diego Unified School District , a grove of over 1,000 invasive, diseased eucalyptus trees along the north hillside below the access road which extends into the canyon were removed.
Eucalyptus trees created a “dead zone” along this slope of Rose Canyon where no native plants or animals could be found.
UCHS science students are helping restore the site now that room has been created for native plants to thrive. They are planting native oak trees and shrubs, assisting in watering and studying the rate of regrowth. The project presents a unique opportunity for the UCHS science teachers to connect classroom-based science with hands-on, real-world research experience. The restoration site can serve as a unique outdoor “living laboratory” for future generations of science students.
UCHS Native Plant Restoration Project Fact Sheet
One year after the eucalyptus trees were removed, native oak saplings are sprouting and UCHS students document the return of native birds to the area.
In 2013, UCHS Science Teacher Tara Howell’s AP Environmental Science students conducted small-scale research projects of the site soon after the eucalyptus trees were removed. Many of the students made posters displaying their work and findings regarding a variety of topics such as soil chemistry and wildlife recruitment. A few of their posters can be viewed below: