Restoration in progress at The Ponds in Clifton

Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest Management is making steady progress on native restoration efforts at the Clifton Nature Park (The Ponds disc golf course), located at 3227 D Road. Following a successful drill seeding and with the help of recent precipitation, slender wheatgrass and western wheatgrass in the area have begun to sprout.

With invasive species like Russian knapweed and tamarisk under control for now, the next phase is focused on reintroducing native plant species that once thrived in this area. That includes forbs like scarlet gilia and penstemon, as well as hardy grasses and shrubs like sand dropseed, blue grama and rabbitbrush.

“The goal is to give people a glimpse of what the native landscape in this part of the valley might have once looked like,” said Noxious Weeds Coordinator Ryan Surad. “And it makes my life easier when Mother Nature cooperates.”

The entire park has been reopened for a few weeks now, and residents are encouraged to come enjoy the course and check out the progress. Much of the seed mix is made up of winter-germinating species, so even more growth is expected later this year and into early 2026.

This work is made possible thanks to grant funding that supports both noxious weed treatment and restoration through native vegetation.

Please follow the Mesa County blog for other updates on local land restoration, weed mitigation and park improvements.