Fallopia-sachalinensis, or giant knotweed, grows near streams and has been spotted in Bonny Slope.

Watch out for these weeds!

Tualatin Basin partner agencies hope for everyone's help in fighting invasive weeds. The Early Detection, Rapid Response (EDRR) approach employs a two-part strategy: surveying newly identified aggressive plants that displace and crowd out native plants in our natural areas; and moving rapidly to begin control of these species. By training lots of folks to watch out for and report invasives, partners hope to get the jump on them before they become endemic.

A number of new invaders have entered the eastern Washington County area. These species include garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed, spurge laurel, Italian lords and ladies, lesser celandine, policeman's helmet, yellow archangel, old man's beard, butterfly bush, and slender false brome. Information on each species is outlined in a Tualatin Basin EDRR ID guide that participants received. Additional information on each can also be found on each of these sites:

4countycwma.org; cleanwaterservices.org/; westerninvasivesnetwork.org/. You can report these species online through the Invasive Species Hotline website, oregoninvasiveshotline.org. Or you can report weed outbreaks by calling the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District at 503-648-3174.

Participants at the April 24 Leedy Grange presentation learned about their role as weed watchers in a larger Tualatin Basin program to identify and report newly-identified aggressive invasive non-native plant species.

Humans transport most invasive plants. These plants often get a start in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and stream areas and are then spread through various means. You can help stop the spread of invasive plant seeds, roots and vegetation that can start new infestations by doing the following:

• Walk around infestations.

• If pulling weeds, work from the outside in.

• Clean boots, clothes and pet's fur after walking through weeds.

• Do not move soil that has had weeds growing in it.

• Plant natives and non-invasive plants wherever possible.

Two additional Tualatin Basin EDRR evening workshops will be held on May 10 in Forest Grove and June 5 in Sherwood. Register for future workshops online at SOLVE, www.solv.org through its Calendar of Events or contact Lacey Townsend, 503-648-3174, x 102.

Tualatin Basin partners working to implement this EDRR approach include Clean Water Services, SOLVE, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Tualatin River Watershed Council and Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District.

NEWS HOME