Restoring a Dynamic Ecosystem

Restoration of Ma-le’l Dunes in northern California – one of the more pristine dune

ecosystems on the West Coast -- is nearing completion thanks to more than 200 volunteers, labor by inmates with the California Department of Corrections (CDC) and approximately $700,000 in combined funding from CDC and the California Coastal Conservancy.  Restoration of the dunes in Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Arcata was begun in 2005. 

Dunes are a dynamic ecosystem and include forests, swamps, and swales. Winds shift the sand swamping forests and allowing herbaceous plants to replace the trees.  The Ma-le’l Dunes restoration will create new habitat for the endangered Humboldt Bay wallflower and beach layia plant populations.  Peak season for these blooming wildflowers extends into August.

Inmate labor was used on the project because it is part of mitigation of impacts on neotropical birds resulting from building correctional facilities.

Ma-le'l Dunes will open to the public in late 2008 or early 2009.  Currently, visitors can tour Ma-le'l on free, guided walks by Friends of the Dunes or by permit from Humboldt Bay Refuge.

Contact: Eric Nelson, Humboldt Bay Refuge manager, 707-733-5406 or Andrea Pickart, refuge ecologist, 707-822-6378