Clear invasive growth from a public stretch of Watsonville Slough (2026-07-20)

The Watsonville Slough system still carries invasive plant growth crowding out the native tule and willow that keep the banks stable and filter runoff before it reaches Monterey Bay. Hand-pulling and cutting invasive growth on the public trail edge opens room for native replanting to take hold. Standard: California Invasive Plant Council removal practice; watershed-health restoration — SDG 15. Proof: Before/after photos of the cleared stretch Method (California Invasive Plant Council removal practice; watershed-health restoration — SDG 15.): 1. Identify the invasive growth with a reference guide before cutting. 2. Cut or pull invasive material by hand along the public trail edge. 3. Bag and remove cut material for proper disposal. 4. Leave native tule, willow, and sedge undisturbed. 5. Photograph the cleared stretch with GPS and date. Done when: Before/after photos of the cleared stretch

Where

Public trail edge near Watsonville Slough, Watsonville, CA 95076

Pay

$220 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Before/after photos of the cleared stretch

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-10-19

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 30–60 minutes. Method of record: EPA dry-weather / AMD field screening

Bring

• GPS phone
• pH meter or strips
• conductivity meter
• ammonia + iron test kit as specified
• surfactant screen if specified
• gloves
• camera

Steps

1. 1. Navigate to the outfall/reach; record GPS; photograph it, capturing any visible flow or staining.
2. 2. Note whether flow is present in dry weather (yes/no).
3. 3. Measure and record pH, conductivity, and each specified analyte per kit instructions.
4. 4. Log any color, odor, floc, or aquatic-life observation.
5. 5. Enter all readings with units, GPS, time, and photos into the proof record; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Dry-weather flow present with elevated conductivity/ammonia/surfactants -> flag suspected illicit discharge for the responsible agency.
• pH < 6 with visible iron floc -> tag suspected acid mine drainage; recommend metals lab panel.

What counts as done

• pH + conductivity recorded with units
• Each specified analyte recorded with a value
• Dry-weather flow present? recorded yes/no
• GPS waypoint + timestamped photo

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.