Weeds In The Woods
Thanks to contributing author Skye Pelliccia, Education Specialist, King County Noxious Weed Control Program.
Noxious weeds and invasive plants. You’ve no doubt seen them on disturbed grounds, along roadways, and under power lines. In reality, they are all around us! In our gardens, parks, forests, and everywhere in-between. That’s why it is no surprise that they’ve gotten into the Alps, and that fact has gotten our attention. Working with experts, IATC is organizing some upcoming hikes that will focus on these plants, and you are invited to join us to learn what you can do to help protect our forests.
Thanks in part to the “NOX WEED” line item on our property tax bills, we in King County are fortunate to have one of the most robust noxious weed control programs in the entire country. “Noxious” weeds are invasive plants that are legally recognized as a threat to people and nature. Some of these weeds are “regulated”, which means property owners are required to control them on their property (controlling a weed means doing something to contain the current infestation and prevent its spread). The County’s own staff are charged with controlling them often on public lands, and private lands where their help is needed. Other weeds are “non-regulated”, meaning that they are listed for educational purposes and strongly recommended for control, but landowners are not required to do so.
English Holly
A popular ornamental plant, this “weed of concern” thrives in the Alps and is difficult to control. See this blog for more information.
We(ed) Care
The King County Noxious Weed Control Program (KCNWCP) is the best way to keep up with the latest weed updates and resources. This group of professionals offer assistance to the public in creating weed management plans and have an education specialist dedicated to free public education for individuals and groups on noxious weeds and why it’s important to control them.
So why IS it important to control them? Many of our invasive species in WA come from other locations where the specie’s growth may be controlled by climate, pests, or other plant species. In their new home, these weeds have less competition and easily outcompete our native plants which in turn destroys native habitat and food sources for wildlife.
An example of this is English ivy. Originally planted in landscaping, this escaped garden plant carpets the ground and strangles trees. Infestations often start as small patches on the ground, but with time can grow high into the treetops and take over entire understories. Mature vines grow woody and tree-like. This added weight and all the ivy leaves act like sails in the wind, contributing to the downing of trees and shrubs of all ages. Its dominance prevents native plants from taking root and disrupts the natural forest cycle (forest succession). Humans introduced the plant, and thankfully, humans can remove it too. Controlling any invasive species takes time, but the efforts are always worthwhile.
See what’s happening
Like this English Ivy and 160+ other invasive plants, learning to identify them is just the first step.
In The Alps
English ivy, holly, tansy ragwort, blackberries, scotch broom are all making their way into the Alps and are just some of 169 invasive plant species listed on the King County noxious weed list. While species vary in impacts and distribution, they all have the common thread of posing a threat to our natural environment. Another thing they have in common is that they were brought here by fellow humans either by accident or intentionally, and it is up to us whether we allow them to continue to overtake our natural landscape. Weeds did not ask to be brought here, rather they are just another byproduct of colonization. Learning about the weeds around you is the greatest first step you can take in being a steward of the beautiful place we call home.
Join us on a hike and learn what you can do. Visit our events calendar
We are in the process of planning hikes where an expert on the identification and removal of invasive plants will join us. The experts will help you identify these plants, teach about their impact to the natural environment and what could happen if nothing is done, talk about how to control them, and in some cases even demonstrate removal. Do you have problem weeds on your property? Bring a photo to the hike for our experts see and they will provide advice and resources based on your needs. The first hike is on the calendar for March 19th, and will be led by local noxious weed and invasive plant expert Janet Wall. Keep an eye on our events calendar as we work with KCNWCP to schedule more throughout the year.