February’s Weed of the Month: Scotch Broom
February is the one month of the year that many of us associate with love and romance. We cut out paper hearts for Valentine’s Day cards and wrap cut flowers for that special person in our lives. But there is another reason to celebrate. February 14th is also Oregon’s birthday! Way back in 1859, Oregon […]
Welcome Brendan!
We are very pleased to welcome the newest member of the WeedWise team! The WeedWise program is pleased to announce our newest staff member Brendan Fordyce! Brendan joins our team as a WeedWise Specialist and Coordinator for the 4-County CWMA and Columbia Gorge CWMA. This complex but rewarding position not only helps to support invasive […]
January’s Weed of the Month: English Ivy
English ivy (Hedera helix) may conjure up images of cozy, country cottages, but don’t be deceived. This invasive weed can destroy buildings, poison pets, and topple trees. The very characteristics that made it a popular ornamental plant – grows quickly, requires little maintenance, and provides a “no-mow,” evergreen ground cover — are the things that […]
December’s Weed of the Month: English Holly
English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a popular evergreen frequently noticed during the month of December when festive decorators “deck the halls with boughs of holly”. For many people, the shiny, dark green leaves and red berries of holly are synonymous with the holiday season. This popular plant, however, is not native to Oregon. In fact, […]
Join the WeedWise Team!
We are now accepting applications for two WeedWise Specialists The Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking qualified candidates for two WeedWise Program Specialist positions to help protect local and regional working lands and natural areas. Our goal is to create a high-quality job experience for a conservation-minded leader. Closing Dates: WeedWise Specialist-CWMA Coordinator: […]
November’s Weed of the Month: Spurge Laurel
The Scourge of Spurge Laurel Spurge laurel (Daphne laureola) is neither a spurge nor a laurel, but rather an invasive plant in the Daphne family. This perennial plant has poisonous berries, spreads aggressively in our native forests, and is increasingly being found in Clackamas County. Native to Europe, spurge laurel was introduced in Oregon as […]
New Adventures for Bee Sinichko!
We are saddened to announce the departure of WeedWise Specialist and CWMA Coordinator, Bee Sinichko. Bee has been an important member of the WeedWise team. Bee’s work has supported the 4-County CWMA and the Columbia Gorge CWMA and has managed our invasive species control efforts in the Sandy River Watershed. Although Bee was with us […]
October’s Weed of the Month: Himalayan Blackberry
The Thorn in Our Side Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) tantalizes us with its sweet fruits in the summer and tortures us with its prickly vines all year long. Also known as Armenian Blackberry, this widespread and aggressive weed is native to Armenia and Northern Iran. It is considered an invasive species in many parts of […]
September’s Weed of the Month: Knotweed
September is the Time to Control Japanese Knotweed Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) has been called a “nightmare” and a “botanical bully,” and is one of the 100 worst global invaders. These characterizations give you a pretty good idea of just how unwelcome this invasive weed is in our community. Japanese knotweed is fast-growing and hardy, […]
August’s Weed of the Month: Puncturevine
Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is aptly named! This invasive weed has spiny seed heads that can easily puncture a bike tire, inflatable raft, animal paw, or footwear. Be on the lookout because it is beginning to make its way into Clackamas County from eastern and southern Oregon. Also known as “goathead”, puncturevine is native to southern […]
