A group of about 250 CMCers including new students, orientation sponsors, and Resident Assistants, will be planting Cottonwood cutoffs along the river of the nearby San Gabriel Canyon, in the Angeles National Forest, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 27, hoping to rebuild and replenish vegetation lost in the fall 2003 wildfires that devastated many Southern California hillsides and homes. The event, limited to new students, marks the College's 13th new-student orientation community service project.
Cottonwoods, a popular prairie tree, are related to poplars and aspens, and defined by triangular-shaped, tooth-edged leaves that turn gold in autumn.
Beth Ricca, assistant director of Career Services, says this year's project, coordinated in conjunction with the San Gabriel River Ranger District, is particularly meaningful because it affords the chance to rebuild a canyon near to campus. "We feel very fortunate to help."
Participants should plan to wear long pants and hiking boots or sneakers.