I’ve noticed hundreds of small plastic tubes on the east bank of the Napa River, near the Wine Train commissary. What are they?

So that’s where all of mom’s lipsticks went! Did she finally graduate to lip gloss, or, better yet, lip lacquer? Why would she be in Napa and not call her daughter?

Alas — and luckily for her — that’s not the right answer.

Mike Forte, watershed operations coordinator for Napa County Flood Control District, impressed me with his immediate, informative response. I guess that’s what happens when it’s your niche, or, dare I say, forte?

Forte told me the district, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is in the midst of a revegetation project, which is expected to be completed by the end of summer. The purpose of the project is to bring California native plants and trees back to the area. The project begins after winter is over so that the plants have a chance to be established in the marsh. Otherwise, water can wash the young plants away.

The tubes mentioned house the plants in order to protect them from being eaten or destroyed by wildlife, such as rabbits. Silly rabbits.

What is Glad You Asked?

Glad You Asked attempts to answer readers’ questions. Do you have questions planted in your head? Send one to me at dmontanez@napanews.com or call me at 256-2224 and I will do my best in answering your deep-seeded question.