The Governor proclaimed May 15-21, 2022 Oregon Invasive Species Awareness Week.
This week is Oregon Invasive Species Awareness Week. Spread the word — not the weeds!
Oregon Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity for all Oregonians to learn how invasive, noxious weeds hurt our natural areas and our agricultural economy.
Why Worry About Invasive Species?
Invasive weeds are expensive. A recent study found an estimated annual loss of almost $83.5 million in personal income to Oregon’s economy from just 25 selected weed species. These costs are estimated to balloon to $1.8 billion if invasive weeds are left untreated. We all pay the for this through increased food costs, higher taxes, and decreased property values.
Invasive weeds not only impact our pocketbooks, but they also impact the livability of our communities. Invasive weeds like blackberry and gorse have long thorns that hurt. Puncturevine can pop tires and inflatables and injure our pets. Weeds like these can limit our ability to enjoy our open spaces and natural areas. Other invasive weeds like giant hogweed and spurge laurel can cause burns or rashes if we come into contact with them.
Invasive species also impact the natural beauty of the landscape. They replace our native plants that fish and wildlife depend upon for food and shelter. In this way, they replace our natural wonders with a weedy and degraded landscape that is less “Oregon-like”.
So join your friends and neighbors in helping to stop the Silent Invasion!
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- Himalayan Blackberry infestation
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- Scotch Broom provides a highly flammable fuel for wildfires. (Photo S. Leininger)
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- The weight of ivy in tree canopies can cause them to fall during storms.
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- Tansy ragwort is highly toxic to horses.
Ten Ways You Can Help
- Learn about invasive weed species, especially those found in your region. For example, our WeedWise Program is a local and trusted resource.
- Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles, and other gear to stop invasive species from hitching a ride to a new location. Learn more at PlayCleanGo.org.
- Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways. Learn more at Habitattitude.org.
- Don’t move firewood – instead, buy it where you’ll burn it, or gather on site when permitted. Learn more at DontMoveFirewood.org.
- Use forage, hay, mulch, and soil that are certified as “weed free.”
- Plant only non-invasive plants in your garden, and remove any known invaders.
- Report new or expanded invasive species outbreaks to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline. Early detection is the key to success!
- Volunteer to help remove invasive species from public lands and natural areas. Your local watershed council provides many volunteer opportunities!
- Talk to your political representatives at the state, local, and national level about your concerns related to invasive species control efforts.
You can also take a look at The Terrible Twelve for Clackamas County in this brochure below!
Are you looking for alternative to invasive plants? This Gardensmart guide has answers for you!
