What?
Volunteers will be helping us pulling a noxious weed known as Policeman’s helmet/Jewelweed/Himalayan Balsam at our Smith Preserve.
Where?
Fisher Slough is located near Conway, WA. Volunteers will need to provide their own transportation to and from the preserve. You will receive the exact location after registration.
Why?
Spotted jewelweed has spread rapidly since it was first documented in Washington. Plants are widespread in certain lowland areas and appear to still be increasing. Seedlings of spotted jewelweed can form dense carpets that can compete with native species and are difficult to control. Spotted jewelweed is able to hybridize with the Washington native, spurless jewelweed. At Fisher Slough, we’ve started to notice the species growing in between the cattails, likely spread from another wetland area via Fisher Creek. At this site, we are attempting to remove sections of non-native cattail to encourage the establishment of native wetland plants. Removing the jewelweed will help prevent it from spreading into areas we are targeting for native establishment. It will also prevent the seeds from flowing into the Skagit River, which serves as critical wildlife and salmon habitat.
Safety
The safety of our staff and volunteers is the highest priority so we will be following The Nature Conservancy’s COVID Safety Guidelines. This includes wearing facial coverings when we cant work a minimum of 6 feet from each other, completing a self-certification health form, etc.
How to sign up:
To RSVP for this event, fill out the form below. You will receive an email confirmation from us and a more detailed instructions one week before the event. There is limited capacity for this event! If you sign up and are no longer able to attend please notify us at wavolunteer@tnc.org.
Participants will receive a reminder email with more detailed information 1 week before the event. Transportation not included.
Photo by Keith Lazelle
