On Thursday, October 24 from 2-4 pm, the Sages Topanga Garden Club will present a very special program in the Sages Room, located behind the Topanga Community House.
Rosi Dagit, who has served for years as leading biologist with the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, will speak about our native Oak Trees – Why We Need Oaks and Why They Need Us. Many may remember her leading Topanga school kids to build homes for bats and volunteers into the creek to count frogs and search for steelhead trout. Going further afield, she has even led groups counting Penguins in Antarctica. She’s been a fixture in the ecological fabric of Topanga for many years.
In this “Oak-tober” meeting, she will provide historical and cultural perspective on the oak’s traits and ecological benefits, such as their fire resilience. Most importantly, she will describe current threats to oak forests and what we can do about them.
In addition, Kat High will offer a blessing of the oaks and Alyssa Morgan will be speaking on the Bad Beetle project and what we can do to preserve our oaks.
This will be an interactive discussion and includes a short hike to explore the oaks surrounding the TCC grounds Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
You will also learn how to report your observations by uploading iNaturalist on your phone to join the Ventura and Los Angeles Bad Beetle Project. Observations by local docents led to the discovery of several infestations. Detecting the spread of the Invasive Shot Hole Borer and Gold Spotted Oak Borer is critical. Participating in this monitoring is a great way to help our trees!
Rosi Dagit, Principal Conservation Biologist and Certified Arborist, has been learning from oak trees for many years. Learning their role in the local ecology has been one of her passions, resulting in her leading a variety of research and restoration projects. She led development of the Early Detection Rapid Response Plan for Los Angeles County adopted in 2020, and previously coordinated the development and adoption of the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan (2011). While she was formally educated as a marine biologist, Rosi loves helping folks understand why fish need trees!All are welcome to join the Sages for this singular event. If you want to join or volunteer to help the Canyon Sages, Topanga’s senior organization, you can sign up there or go to canyonsages.com to join online.
