Rabbit Island Restoration Education Initiative

The Rabbit Island Restoration & Education Initiative project restored 2-acres of infested dune area on a 55-acre island in the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve known as Rabbit Island. The project will protect and restore a coastal wetland ecosystem by enhancing a diverse salt marsh and dune habitat conducive to supporting an array of native plants and wildlife. This was achieved through the removal of non-native and invasive plants, especially highway Iceplant (Carpobrotus edulis), and the installation of California cordgrass (Spartina foliosa) by community-based volunteers, school groups, and at-risk youth organizations. Volunteers also assisted with the creation of five nesting rafts for Ridgway’s rails (Rallus obsoletus). At the volunteer service events, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy presented information on the history, ecology and overall importance of the land and restoration.