Join Ken Himes and Don Thomas of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter and members of the Yerba Buena Chapter for our spring fountain thistle habitat restoration work party near the intersection of I-280 and Hwy. 92. We’ll meet on Saturday, May 25 and work from 10am to noon.

Fountain thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. fontinale) is a federally endangered plant species that grows in an unusual specialized habitat, serpentine seeps, and is only found at our work location and in few other nearby locations on the Peninsula.

Its recovery here is a restoration success story. Once almost completely displaced by jubatagrass (Andean pampas grass), it has largely recovered here, as a result of the work done by CNPS volunteers. However, fountain thistle is still under threat from invasion by new jubatagrass seedlings, by other non-native plants and by woody plants threatening to convert the area to shrubland or woodland.

In addition, the bordering dry serpentine zone is habitat to another rare plant, Crystal Springs lessingia (Lessingia arachnoidea), which is threatened by invasion of yellow star-thistle, fennel, tufted wallaby grass (Rytidosperma caespitosum) and other non-native plants. During our work, we expect to observe some late-flowering spring wildflowers.

Sturdy gloves are recommended; you might also want to bring sunscreen, water, a hat, layered clothing and wear long sleeves/pants. If you have them, bring tools, such as trowels, spades and shovels. Some tools will also be provided.

We’ll meet at the end of Lessingia Court in San Mateo. For more information, contact Don at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..