National Invasive Species Awareness Week (February 26 -March 3, 2024) has begun! Once a year, folks from around the country take a full week to consider the many impacts that these species have on our communities, working lands, natural areas, and pocketbooks. Take a moment to celebrate with the WeedWise Program to learn a little more about the invasive species impacting our area. You might also learn how you can join your friends and neighbors in preventing the impact of these invasive weeds.
Why Worry About Invasive Species?
A study by the Oregon Department of Agriculture 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 bill for invasion of weeds species through increased food costs, higher taxes, and decreased property values. These impacts clearly show the economic benefits associated with controlling invasive weeds
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 limit our ability to enjoy our open spaces and natural areas. While other invasive weeds like giant hogweed and spurge laurel can cause burns or rashes if we come into contact with them.
These plants and animals also impact the natural beauty of the landscape. Invasive species 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!
Ten Ways You Can Help
- Learn about invasive weed species, especially those found in your region. Check out the WeedWise website for more information, or attend the Columbia Gorge CWMA Invasive Species and Exotic Pest Workshop being held during NISAW!
- Learn more about invasive pests that threaten our crops and trees through the Oregon Forest Pest Detector program.
- 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 invader.
- 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 in our open spaces and natural areas. Contact your local watershed council or visit the SOLVE website for volunteer opportunities near you!
- Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about invasive species and the impact they have on our state.
Celebrate by Attending an Upcoming Event
There are dozens of online events sponsored by partners and organizations across the country. Check out the NISAW events page for a full list of opportunities.
Want to Learn More about Invasive Species?
Take a look at The Terrible Twelve in this brochure below!
Looking for alternative to invasive plants? This Gardensmart guide has answers for you!
