We found out in late January 2024 that there is an infestation of the gold-spotted oak borer (GSOB) at our 39 acre Big Oak Canyon in southern California. This invasive beetle has already devastated 10+ mature oak trees to the point where they are standing fire hazards that need to be cut down to the ground, and there are 100 other infected mature oak trees that need help to push out the beetle, or they too will need to be cut down in the coming years. In our region, different areas have 60-90% Coast Live Oak mortality once an infestation has occurred.
There is no known natural predator for GSOB in our area that can reduce an infestation once it has gotten to this stage. As an organization, we are stretched thin. With your support, the oaks will have a better chance of survival.
Forest Tending Volunteer Work will include but is not limited to:
HEAVY LABOR
Send us strong teenagers, adults and able bodied workers!
- tools used may include hand saw, pole saw, chainsaw, hatchet, knife.
- hauling/dragging and de-barking heavy logs that have been cut down. Save some infested bark to put in cages for caged GSOB study, send the rest of bark to Aguinaga. This involves moving heavy logs, lots of axe work.
- prepare selected trees for lime spray - scrape off loose bark and lichen on the lower trunk. Lots of hand work that takes some umph. No experience necessary.
- clear brush under the oaks to get good access to them, for fire clearance and for reducing competition. May require walking on steep slopes.
- save and peel straight shoots and poles taken out, save and cut dead wood for firewood, load other brush into trailer and take to Aguinaga. This involves lots of work with handsaw, chainsaw, hatchet, and knife, and driving with a trailer.
- mix lime wash and apply with a sprayer to trunks and branches 10” and greater diameter, lower trunk may be painted by hand with a brush. Very messy and awkward and tedious work, wearing clothing that will get lime on it. (Lime wash can be a skin irritant - protective clothing, gloves and eye protection is required.)
- driving your own truck or trailer full of branches/bark to Aguinaga Green Waste Facility
LIGHTER TASKS
- making aluminum screen cages for GSOB caged study. This is sitting work with scissors and hands.
- raking bark into piles
- hospitality: bringing good energy and serving drinks and snacks to other volunteers
Please join us for one of the following time slots:
Tuesday May 14, 21, 28
Session 1 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Session 2 - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Session 1 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Session 2 - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Session 1 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Session 2 - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday, May 4, 11, 18
Session 1 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Session 2 - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, May 5, 12, 19
Session 1 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Session 2 - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
For more information about the GSOB, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cleveland/home/?cid=stelprdb5279813
