Its National Invasive Species Awareness Week!

National Invasive Species Awareness Week (February 26 -March 2, 2018) kicks off today!
Once a year, folks around the country take a full week to consider the many impacts that non-native invasive species have on our communities, working lands, natural areas, and pocket books.  So 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 Should We Worry About Invasive Species?

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 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 pocket books, 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.

Invasive species also impact our the natural beauty of 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!

Ten Ways You Can Help

Want to learn more?

Check out this great introduction from Oregon Public Broadcasting’s program and watch the entire episode on the Silent Invasion site!

 

 

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WeedWise Program