Press release from Friends of the Dunes:

Join Friends of the Dunes and partners as we strike a blow for biodiversity! The 48th Annual Lupine Bash is taking place at the Ma-le’l Dunes Cooperative Management Area on Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to join the annual tradition of removing non-native, invasive yellow bush lupine from coastal dune habitats manually before these plants get a chance to produce seeds. Gloves, tools, and training will be provided, as well as snacks and coffee! Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring your own mug for coffee or tea. Guests are welcome to bring their own tools (no power tools please), but are responsible for their safety and wear and tear on the items. RSVPs are not required unless you are bringing a large group. We will meet at the Ma-le’l Dunes North parking lot, then briefly hike to the Bureau of Land Management’s Ma-le’l Dunes South for lupine bashing. Carpooling is highly encouraged.

Want to start your morning with a little hike? Arrive early and park at Ma-le’l South (Vera Linda Ln, Arcata, CA 95521) and walk the road to the meeting area. It is approximately a 0.7 mile scenic walk to Ma-le’l North.

Yellow bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) is a large bushy shrub with bright yellow flowers that is native to central and southern California but is not native to Humboldt County. This species was introduced to the area in the early 1900’s and intentionally planted throughout the North Spit in order to stabilize sand movement. The fast-growing yellow bush lupine has caused ecosystem-level changes by increasing nitrogen levels in the surrounding soil and over-stabilization of 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. Small yellow bush lupines are removed by physically pulling up the entire plant. 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 a 45-year long community tradition and help the planet today! For more information or to sign up a large group, please call (707) 444-1397 or email info@friendsofthedunes.org.

Who: Friends of the Dunes, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Bureau of Land Management‘s Arcata Field Office

What: 48th Annual Lupine Bash

When: Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Meet at the Ma-le’l Dunes North Parking Lot, 1 Young Lane, Arcata, CA 95521 (Drive north past the gun club until you see a large parking lot.)

Cost: FREE

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ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE DUNES

Since its establishment in 1982, Friends of the Dunes has actively engaged the community in the conservation of the coastal environments of Humboldt County, California. They envision a dynamic, naturally diverse coastal environment that is restored, sustained, and enjoyed for generations to come through the involvement of community members who embrace learning about and caring for the land. ​Friends of the Dunes is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization​ dedicated to conserving the natural diversity of coastal environments in northern California through community-supported education and stewardship programs.