10 Ways to Celebrate Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week!

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Có thể 15-21 is the week that we celebrate Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week!

This is the one week of the year to reflect on the invasive weeds impacting Oregon and for us to begin taking steps to combat these aggressive and harmful invaders.  This year we want you to join others across Oregon in learning more about invasive weeds.

Cỏ dại xâm lấn là gì?

When many people think of “weeds” they conjure images of a common yard or garden pest like dandelions. While these weeds may be bothersome in home landscapes, their overall impact is minimal.  These weeds are best described as “opportunistic” in that they spread only into areas that have been disturbed or artificially maintained.    More troubling are those plants that are characterized as “invasive weeds”.

Invasive weeds are plants that live outside their historic geographical range, and whose aggressive growth has a detrimental effect on our social, economic, or ecological resources.  The three key components of invasive weeds are that they:

1. Do not historically occur in our area, but have been brought in either intentionally or unintentionally through human action.
2. Exhibit aggressive growth which displaces native or desirable vegetation, and will continue to spread unless actively managed.
3. Have a negative impact on our community.

Tại sao bạn nên quan tâm?

Photo: Lindsey Karr, Clackamas SWCD

Invasive weeds can have a negative impact on us in a variety of ways.  Invasive weeds are known to:

Bằng cách ngăn chặn các loại cỏ dại xâm lấn này lây lan và chủ động kiểm soát các loài gây hại đã biết, chúng ta có thể giảm thiểu tác động của chúng.

Biết nó trước khi bạn trồng nó

One of the primary ways that our invasive weeds spread is through the unintentional introduction by unwitting gardeners and homeowners.  In fact, many invasive weeds were first introduced through the horticultural trade in part because they are hardy and easy to grow. Unfortunately, many of the traits that make a plant desirable, also lend themselves to becoming invasive.  Because of this, it is very important to Know It Before You Grow It.

Trước khi đưa cây mới vào sân, hãy dành thời gian tìm hiểu về cây. Nghiên cứu cây để biết nhu cầu của cây và xác định xem cây có thể xâm lấn hay không. Nếu cây xâm lấn, đừng phát tán thêm. Thay vào đó, hãy chọn một giải pháp thay thế không xâm lấn có thể mang lại cho bạn diện mạo tương tự trong sân, nhưng không trở thành vấn đề. Các hướng dẫn như GardenSmart Oregon và Western Garden Wise là những hướng dẫn tuyệt vời giúp bạn chọn cây không xâm lấn cho sân của mình.

10 ways you can celebrate Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week!

1. Learn more about invasive weeds in our area.  Check out the WeedWise program’s weed list.  Learn to recognize some of our common invaders and keep an eye out for signs of new ones. Walk around your property or neighborhood and learn about the invasive plants growing all around you.  Finding an infestation early on is crucial to stopping its spread!
2. Join the effort.  Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week is the perfect time to commit yourself to participating in a volunteer weed pull or restoration event in your community.  There are many volunteer opportunities occurring across the state, so find one in your neighborhood.
3. Become a Weed Watcher.  One of the best strategies for combating invasive weeds is to identify new infestations before they have a chance to spread.  You can learn how to identify and report new infestations, by attending a remotely held weed watcher training.  Check the Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Council web page for an upcoming webinar training.
4. Visit a natural area. Spend an afternoon at a local park, garden, or natural area and familiarize yourself with the flora in your area.
   

   Photo: Emily Stevenson, Skamania County Noxious Weed Program

5. Read a book.  There are countless field guides about invasive species.  But for a quick introduction, we recommend that you download a free copy of Field Guide to Weeds of the Willamette Valley If you want to get really serious you can download a copy of one of the most influential weed guides ever made, Weeds of the West.
6. Consider a donation. Our watershed councils and many local nonprofits are actively working to control invasive weeds.  They rely upon grants and donations to support their efforts.  Learn more about local organizations working to control invasive weeds and consider donating your time or resources.
7. Start a garden. Replace your invasive landscape plants with native alternatives. Our partners at the Backyard Habitat Certification Program have resources available to help you manage your home landscape for invasive weeds, and plant hardy native plants to benefit wildlife in our area.
8. Help make policy.  Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week is the perfect time to share your thoughts with policymakers.  Write a letter to your local lawmakers.  Express your opinions and concerns about the impact of invasive weeds on our communities and natural resources.
9. Pledge to give invasive weeds the brush off!  One of the primary ways that invasive weeds spread is through dirty boots and equipment.  Join others in pledging to clean boots, shoes, and tires before and after recreating in an area.
10. Spread awareness. Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and others about invasive weeds.  Pick at least three people to talk to this week to raise awareness about invasive weeds. Encourage them to get involved with Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week in their own way!

Enjoy Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week and thanks for helping to spread the word and not the weeds!