Arundo donax, what is it and why is it a threat to our Village

Arundo donax is a tall, fast-growing invasive reed that forms dense stands along creeks and waterways. It spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes and broken plant fragments. Simply cutting Arundo is not enough because it can quickly regrow unless the roots are properly treated or removed.

Risks to Leisure Village

Dense stands of Arundo can increase wildfire risk by creating large amounts of highly combustible vegetation. Along creek corridors near Leisure Village, it can also restrict water flow, displace native plants, and create difficult-to-manage areas of vegetation.

History of Arundo Management in Conejo Creek

Arundo has been an ongoing vegetation-management concern along Conejo Creek. Past efforts have focused on controlling its spread and reducing dense stands, but because Arundo readily regrows from rhizomes and plant fragments, successful management requires continued treatment and monitoring.

Current Five-Acre Removal Project

A current project is addressing approximately five acres of Arundo in the Conejo Creek area behind Village 42. The project is intended to remove or control the invasive vegetation, reduce future regrowth, and improve conditions along the creek corridor.

The Remaining Arundo Requires Abatement

The five-acre project only addresses a portion of the hazard. The remaining stretch of infested creekbed is not being managed using best practices.

How You Can Help

There is much more to do to ensure that the remaining infestation is cleared, so that our community is safe from the wildfire and potential flooding hazards that Arundo poses--and to raise awareness among other communities that might also be at risk. See the links and resources below for more information.