42nd Annual Lupine Bash at Lanphere Dunes on February 29

This is a press release from Friends of the Dunes:

Join Friends of the Dunes and the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge as we strike a blow for biodiversity! The 42nd Annual Lupine Bash is taking place at the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, February 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to join the annual tradition of removing non-native, invasive yellow bush lupine from coastal dune habitats before these plants get a chance to produce seeds. Gloves, tools, and training will be provided, as well as bagels and coffee donated by Los Bagels! Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring your own mug for coffee or tea. RSVPs are not required unless you are bringing a large group. Meet at Pacific Union School, 3001 Janes Road in Arcata to carpool to the protected site.

Yellow bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) is a large bushy shrub with bright yellow flowers that is native to central California but is not native to Humboldt County. This species was introduced to the area in 1908 when the operator of a fog signal station on the North Spit of Humboldt Bay gathered seeds from the Presidio, where it had previously been introduced, and planted them around the station. In 1917, seeds from the new signal station population were collected and scattered beside railroad tracks along the north spit.

Fast-growing yellow bush lupine can quickly colonize coastal dune environments causing ecosystem-level changes, including increased nitrogen levels in the surrounding soil and over-stabilization our typically dynamic dunes habitats. Over time, these changes facilitate the displacement of native dune plants and introduction of species that are not common to dune environments, such as annual grasses and coyote brush.

Lupines have long-lasting seed banks, so removal efforts must be continuous as new plants will emerge from seeds that have previously been dispersed. Small yellow bush lupines are removed by physically pulling up the entire plant, including the deep taproot. Larger bushes are removed using an ax to chop the plant off at the base. It’s a tough job, and volunteers are needed to help!

Join in the annual tradition of removing non-native, invasive yellow bush lupine from the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge during the 42nd Annual Lupine Bash! Saturday, February 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up a large group, please call (707) 444-1397 or email [email protected].