California Native Grassland Association GRASS Award Speaker Series

Join us for the CNGA’s Virtual Speaker Series showcasing the amazing work undertaken in California Grasslands by some of our Grassland Research Awards for Student Scholarship Winners.

Talks are on Tuesdays from 6 PM - 7 PM PST featuring a one 40-minute talk, or one or two 20-minute talks, with time for Q&A. 

Members: Free      Non-Members: $10       Non-Member Students: Free with Student ID

Title: Can targeted mowing promote native species recovery in invaded plant communities?

Speaker:  Matthew Wells, Biologist National Parks Service Santa Monica Mountains NRA

January 21, 2025 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Abstract: Targeted mowing is a potential management strategy for invasive annual grasslands in the western United States. This study aimed to determine if regular mowing could reduce non-native grass cover, promote native plant recolonization, and decrease wildfire risk. By controlling invasive species and promoting native plant recovery through targeted mowing, the harmful effects of wildland fires facilitated by invasive grasses could be mitigated. The project was conducted in two locations in Southern California: Cheseboro Canyon and Rancho Sierra Vista. The methodology involved repeated mowing to prevent invasive grasslands from seeding and reintroducing native plant seeds. The results showed that repeated mowing decreased non-native cover, increased native species cover, and reduced fuel loads. Targeted mowing presents a potential solution for managing invasive grasslands, protecting native plant communities, and mitigating wildfire risks in the western United States. Implementing this technique can preserve biodiversity and create safer and ecologically valuable landscapes.

Bio: Matt is a Biologist with the National Parks Service in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. He manages restoration efforts throughout park service land in the Santa Monica Mountains. Focusing on restoring heavily degraded invasive grasslands. In addition to restoration efforts Matt is involved in invasive plant management, fuels reduction, and a native plant seed farm. Matt has a B.S. in Environmental Science and Resource Management from CSU Channel Islands, and a M.S. in Biology from CSU Dominguez Hills.

Contact Justin Luong (jluong4@ucsc.edu) with any questions.

CNGA 2024 GRASS Award Speaker Series 2024 Schedule (Tuesdays, 6 - 7 pm)

• October 29 - Annie Taylor (The Nature Conservancy)
• November 12 -  Ava-Rose Beech (UCD)
• November 19 - Carmen Watkins (U of Oregon)
• December 10 - Brooke Wainwright (UCD)
• Winter Intermission
• January 21 - Mathew Wells (Santa Monica Mountains NPS)
• January 28 - Sabela Vasquez-Rey (UCD)

Help Support Student Research - Donate to the GRASS Program

CNGA's GRASS Program: 

• Focuses student research on important grassland-related questions. 
• Inspires students to become more involved in California Grassland Conservation and Restoration. 
• Trains future employees for your agency or company.
• Creates advocates for California Grasslands