If you stand still at the Louis Robidoux Parkland and Pecan Grove long enough, the landscape will slowly begin to reveal its secrets. You might notice how the breeze choreographs the movement of the trees, or how birds flicker between branches and carol their territorial claims or calls of connection throughout the day. Pollinators float, hum, and buzz in an industrious rhythm, where each flower-softened landing is both a meal and a mission. Beneath your feet, unseen fungi stretch through the soil, whispering chemical messages between plants. There is a whole world of connections in the 40 acres of LRPPG. Water flows through roots while animals shape plant distribution and engineer the soil. What a treat it is to be here and witness it all! 

Lately, we haven’t had much time to stand still. We've been busy strengthening those connections and creating new spaces for both wildlife and visitors to enjoy. From repairing infrastructure to restoring habitat, each project adds another thread to the web of life at LRPPG. If you haven’t stopped by in a while, consider this your official invitation to come see what’s new!

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2/27/25: Better Birdwatching at the Bird Blind

Birds are flighty, and for good reason—anything that moves too fast could be a predator (or, even worse, an untrained birdwatcher in a bright orange jacket). The solution? A bird blind that lets humans observe without scaring the feathers off our avian guests! 

This month, we continued working on the bird blind located towards the back of the property, adjacent to the amphitheater. The structure now boasts a thatched roof made from invasive palm fronds and walls made from Arundo donax, an invasive reed. By repurposing these problem plants, we’re not only creating a functional and camouflaged space for birdwatchers, but also removing invasives from the ecosystem in the process. It’s a win-win! Newly planted privacy hedges obscure approaching visitors, reducing the telltale signs of motion that might send birds scattering. Directional signage is in place, and educational panels (currently in development) will soon explain how the blind was designed and what species frequent the area. The fully completed bird blind will be unveiled at Spring Fling on Saturday, May 3rd, where visitors will get a chance to put their birdwatching skills to the test. However, if you find yourself at LRPPG before then, it’s already open and ready for use! 

We didn’t forget about our youngest visitors. An additional opening has been added at a lower eye level, ensuring that even the smallest birdwatchers can enjoy the view. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about the feathered residents of LRPPG, we hope this space helps you connect with the wildlife that calls this place home.

2/26/25: Restoration in Motion: Partnering with SoCal Mountains Foundation

After fire events, the land doesn’t always heal in the way we might hope - especially if we leave it to recover on its own. Invasive plants move in quickly, outcompeting native plants and tipping the balance toward fast-growing species that take resources without giving back to the ecosystem. Jurupa Valley, like many communities, faces these challenges, and the Louis Robidoux Parkland and Pecan Grove is no exception.

That’s where we step in. 

This month, we joined forces with the Southern California Mountains Foundation (SCMF) to help nudge the Parkland in the right direction, thanks to their successful acquisition of Wildlife Conservation Board Funds. Together with their Urban Conservation Corps, we prepared four acres for future elderberry thickets, which will provide habitat and food for bugs, birds, and other wildlife. We also planted thirteen willow baccharis (Baccharis salicina) and 25 mixed pole cuttings. These add functional structure to the landscape and reinforce the riparian habitat that countless organisms, both seen and unseen, rely on. 

Restoration isn’t just about adding; it’s also about what’s removed! Invasive weeds, which thrive in disturbed habitats, were carefully cleared away this month to make way for native plants. And because the habitat at LRPPG is shaped not only by plants and wildlife but also by the forces that move through it, we worked with Riverside County Flood Control District to explore solutions for managing the trash and debris that wash into our beloved Sunnyslope Creek from upstream.

The takeaway? Landscapes do not heal overnight. Restoration requires patience, persistence, and partnership. But with each seed planted, each weed removed, and each conversation started, we’re helping LRPPG find its balance again. One step at a time!