Get to know the WeedWise program, through our people!
The success of the WeedWise program is in great part due to the hard work and dedication of our staff. If you have ever called the office or stopped by for assistance with your weed problems, you have undoubtedly worked with one of our hard-working employees. If you’ve ever wondered what our program is all about, we first recommend checking our ABOUT, our HISTORY and our STAFF pages to fill in many of the gaps. But we know you want more! So we are continuing our Staff Spotlight feature to give you the opportunity to get to know our staff better. So take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the people behind our program.
20 questions you’ve always wanted to ask WeedWise Specialist, Lindsey Karr
Q1. What is your favorite thing about working at the WeedWise program?
A1. I like that I get to spend time outside, and knowing what I do makes a difference for the plants and animals that call this area home.
Q2. If you had to choose a different career what would it be?
A2. If I had to change careers, I’d probably try out teaching again.
A3. The western flanks of Mt. Hood… for the trails and wildflowers in the summer, and the snow sports in the winter
Q4. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
A4. Patagonia
Q5. What invasive weed do you think has the greatest impact on Clackamas County?
A5. Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons)
Q6. What book has influenced you most?
A6. Many books have influenced my life, but professionally speaking, I would say The Hidden Forest inspired me because it was one of the first books that got me thinking about a career in ecology.
Q7. What has been your greatest challenge working for the WeedWise program?
A7. I don’t like that we have to prioritize weed control, I wish we could help everyone that has an invasive weed problem on their property.
Q8. Pancakes, waffles, or French toast?
A8. French toast, with my homemade apple butter
A9. I enjoy the summer, because I really enjoy hiking mountain trails with wildflowers
Q10. Who is your hero?
A10. My best friend… or maybe John Muir or Wendell Berry
Q11. What is your favorite native plant and why?
A11. I can’t choose just one! I like huckleberry plants for their tasty summertime berries, Indian plum because it’s one of the first shrubs to burst leaves and flowers in the spring, chocolate lily because it’s so beautiful and interesting, Oregon sunshine because it’s so bright and cheery, lupines because they remind me of Mt St. Helens, which is one of my favorite places.
Q12. If you could have any special power, what would it be?
A12. I’d like to be able to transport myself to other places so that I wouldn’t ever have to sit in traffic (or use fossil fuels), and I could easily enjoy dinner with friends who live far away.
Q13. Why should folks care about invasive weeds?
A13. Not only do they impact water quality, but they often form dense patches and push out many wonderful and important native plants.
Q14. What activities or hobbies do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Q14. Hiking, snow sports, gardening, cooking, reading
A15. We are conducting invasive plant surveys in the upper watershed of the Clackamas River, which is inside the Mt. Hood National Forest. I’m excited because I love the forest, and this survey will help us know where to focus our efforts in protecting such a wild and beautiful place.
Q16. If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be?
A16. A hammock… they represent quiet and peace, and make me want to relax outside with a good book
Q17. What invasive weed do you think is the most difficult to manage?
A17. Knotweed. It grows fast, it’s difficult to kill, it can spread even more when you mow or pull it, there’s a lot of it near water, and its height and density are just downright intimidating.
Q18. Name one of the coolest places you’ve been.
A18. Inside the crater of Mount St. Helens
Q19. Name one thing that most people don’t know about you.
A19. I used to be a snowboarding instructor
Q20. What do you think is the most often overlooked aspect of responsible weed management?
A20. I think the importance of keeping the native plant community healthy is overlooked