The soil along this whole slope is pretty erodible at present, after the heavy brush cutting and traffic of the past couple of weeks. And for much, much longer it has not had a healthy, diverse complement of plants to hold it. As an interim measure, such things as erosion blankets or vegetation bundles can reduce the impact of rain droplets, slow the rivulets, and give water a chance to sink in rather than run off. And even in the heavy showers of this past day these broom bundles did the trick! The young plant below is Wyethia angustifolia, or mule ears — a dramatic native with big, beautiful, yellow flowers at maturity.
Field Notes: Greater East Bay Hills Ecosystem 