Each winter, BLM chooses areas in need of attention such as unused and damaged roads or erosion scars for restoration. The restoration season highlights the shared commitment that the local communities hold for Fort Ord's Public Lands.

Volunteers spreading native plant seeds to dry in greenhouse
Volunteers planting native plants while musician plays harp
return of the native logo
Student and mother restoring Fort Ord native plants
Student planting native plants

For example, during the winter of 1999/2000  BLM, California State University Monterey Bay's Return of The Natives and over 1100 volunteers teamed up to heal 11 degraded sites. Volunteers enjoyed live reggae, folk and traditional music and art as they planted over 28,000 native plants in the newly restored sites. The plants were started from native seed collected by volunteers and staff on Fort Ord and then grown at the Watershed Institute and local school greenhouses. Students were able  to complete the restoration cycle by planting the young plants alongside other community volunteers on Fort Ord sites.

 Thanks to all volunteers and staff for your hard work. We can't wait to see you again!