One of the biggest threats to a new riparian restoration project is invasive species. Non-native vegetation can outcompete recently installed native species. This problem can persist for years.
Blackberry – Who hasn’t seen blackberry canes intertwined with a cedar? Blackberries can overtop desirable vegetation and shade it out. Preventing photosynthesis is one way invasive species eliminate competition from native species. Knotweed is especially adept at this survival strategy. Blackberry canes are also capable of overtopping 10 foot tall trees then pulling them down and shading them out.
Blackberry
English Ivy – Most people are familiar with English Ivy and think that it adds a classic look when it climbs buildings and trees. This extra weight and bulk causes trouble for native trees because the ivy leaves act as a sail and can catch more wind during storm events. Native trees are not accustomed to this extra stressor and can breakoff and fall under the extra weight and pressure.
English Ivy
English Holly – Another invasive species from England that thrives in the Pacific northwest are holly trees. This species brings to mind Christmas. It is also one of the few species that is capable of growing and reproducing in an established, mature forest. Typically invasive species prefer disturbed sites to become established, think abandoned lots, clearcuts, agricultural fields, etc. Established forests, especially ones with dense conifers, are one of the best defenses against invasive species establishment. English Holly is capable of becoming established in these habitat.
English Holly
It can get overwhelming when one thinks of all the invasive species across the landscape (and we have only touched in plants, there’s a whole other category of invasive animals). While some invasive species will never be eliminated, it is possible to achieve local control. If you’re interested in more information, contact your local Noxious Weed Control Board.
Invasive Rundown
Blog, Featured, From the FieldOne of the biggest threats to a new riparian restoration project is invasive species. Non-native vegetation can outcompete recently installed native species. This problem can persist for years.
Blackberry – Who hasn’t seen blackberry canes intertwined with a cedar? Blackberries can overtop desirable vegetation and shade it out. Preventing photosynthesis is one way invasive species eliminate competition from native species. Knotweed is especially adept at this survival strategy. Blackberry canes are also capable of overtopping 10 foot tall trees then pulling them down and shading them out.
Blackberry
English Ivy – Most people are familiar with English Ivy and think that it adds a classic look when it climbs buildings and trees. This extra weight and bulk causes trouble for native trees because the ivy leaves act as a sail and can catch more wind during storm events. Native trees are not accustomed to this extra stressor and can breakoff and fall under the extra weight and pressure.
English Ivy
English Holly – Another invasive species from England that thrives in the Pacific northwest are holly trees. This species brings to mind Christmas. It is also one of the few species that is capable of growing and reproducing in an established, mature forest. Typically invasive species prefer disturbed sites to become established, think abandoned lots, clearcuts, agricultural fields, etc. Established forests, especially ones with dense conifers, are one of the best defenses against invasive species establishment. English Holly is capable of becoming established in these habitat.
English Holly
It can get overwhelming when one thinks of all the invasive species across the landscape (and we have only touched in plants, there’s a whole other category of invasive animals). While some invasive species will never be eliminated, it is possible to achieve local control. If you’re interested in more information, contact your local Noxious Weed Control Board.
Himalayan Blackberry Removal
Blog, From the FieldThis week our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew was busy cutting Himalayan blackberry at a new project along the Samish River. Removing invasive species like blackberry is often the first step in restoration, and creates the opportunity for our field crews to plant native trees and shrubs. Over the next two years, SFEG will plant 2,300 plants across 13 acres at this site. When completed, this project will improve over 1,500 linear feet of stream habitat.
Before and after photos of blackberry brush removed by a WCC member
At a site near the town of Sedro-Woolley, SFEG crews used a tractor to till an area that was previously a dense thicket of invasive Himalayan blackberry. Tilling helps break up the compacted soil and makes blackberry roots easier to remove by hand. Our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew then planted native trees and shrubs in the tilled area. When the project is completed, 2,500 native plants will be planted to improve over two acres of riparian habitat.
(Left) Joe George, our Restoration Coordinator, tills the ground to make blackberry root removal easier.
(Right) Removed blackberry roots
Earth Day at Riverfront Park
Upcoming Events, Work PartyWe would like to invite you all formally to our Earth Day event on April 23rd, located at Riverfront Park in Sedro-Woolley. This event is hosted by Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group with the City of Sedro-Woolley Public Works Department, and will last from 10am-1pm, with everyone adding mulch to plants and trails, and removing any nonnative invasive vegetation that we find. Thousands of plants have been planted at this site and in-stream habitat work will commence this summer. Earth Day efforts are one step in the process of restoring this site for people and wildlife, so it would be an honor to have each and every one of you a part of this yearly event.
We also plan to host a food drive with Helping Hands Food Bank of Skagit County, so we encourage you all to donate shelf stable foods. A booth with more information about Skagit Fisheries and salmon populations will be included. To thank our volunteers, we plan to have a raffle with special prizes as well as tote bags for everyone with commissioned artwork from PNW artist Gray McKenna.
Thank you to Haggen, Starbucks, LaFeen’s Donuts, and Jimmy John’s for providing food, drinks, and prizes for volunteers at this event!
All ages and abilities welcome- please contact Alison Studley astudley@skagitfisheries.org) if you need special accommodations.
Bring gloves if you have them, or borrow ours. Sturdy shoes recommended. Refreshments provided, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Register HERE