Saving Bushy Lake (From left) Alexandra von Ehrenkrook, Dr. Michelle Stevens and Madeleine Sierra at Bushy Lake.
SAC STATE PROFESSOR LEADS RESTORATION, PRESERVATION EFFORTS
CR By Cathryn Rakich Animals & Their Allies
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cattered patches of smoldering ash emit wisps of grey smoke—10 days after the fire. The once verdant flora is now black. The air hints of scorched grass underfoot. “These hot spots are not out. I worry about what’s going to happen,” says Dr. Michelle Stevens, professor of environmental studies at Sac State. “Just let it all burn? Will we have nothing left?”
Bushy Lake, 20 acres of riparian landscape and wetland, located behind Cal Expo along the lower American River Parkway, has burned three times in recent years—2014, 2017 and this past June. Under a collaborative effort between Sac State and Sacramento County Parks Department, Stevens has led herculean efforts over the past five years to restore and protect Bushy Lake’s fragile habitat.
Stevens and her students plant fire- and drought-resistant native grasses, pull invasive weeds, and clear trash from homeless camps and other human activities, while monitoring and researching the abundant wildlife. Thanks to such work, the Environmental Council of Sacramento named Stevens 2021 Environmentalist of the Year. In addition to grants and other funding, the Bushy Lake Restoration Project
