WEEDIN - Willamette Education & Early Detection of Invasives Network
Attention! Click here for a list of invasive species and file a report if you see them anywhere in the southern Willamette Valley.
Report them!
There is an exciting new invasives-prevention initiative in the West Eugene Wetlands: the Willamette Education & Early Detection of Invasives Network (WEEDIN). The goal of WEEDIN is to prevent the establishment of harmful invasive species by creating a network of citizens looking for, reporting, and controlling invasive species before they become a problem.
Our approach is to incorporate invasive species awareness, prevention, and early detection as part of all of WEW volunteer and educational programs. By participating in a Stream Team event, by leading a nature walk in the wetlands, or attending upcoming trainings, you can become part of this effort! As part of the program, we will hold an annual WEEDIN workshop where people can learn more about invasives species, their impacts, and how to identify and report them. It is not too late to join WEEDIN, even if you missed this year's training. All you need to do is learn the species, report the species, and control them on your land.
What do WEEDIN volunteers do?
1. Watch out for and control weeds on your land. You can help prevent these plants from decreasing the value of your land and spreading across the watershed by watching for and controlling these species in your own back yard!
2. Watch for and report invasives while you hike, bike, or boat! The best part about being a WEEDIN volunteer is that you can protect natural areas while you have fun! If you are familiar with the species of concern, all you need to do is look out for them and report them if you see them!
3. Prevent the spread. Take care not to spread invasive seeds, plant materials, or live animals as you hike, bike, boat! Brush off your boots, bike and dog. If you get in water, clean and dry your boat and gear before going to a new place.
How to report
Contact Tania Siemens (tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu, 541-914-0701) with the name and location of the species you found.
Report Form (pdf)
Report Form (Word)
It is useful if you can mark the location on a map and take some digital photographs. If you are outside the southern Willamette Valley, you can call the state reporting hotline at 1-866-INVADER or report online at oregoninvasiveshotline.org.
What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?
Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that were introduced outside their native range and take over the environment. Once introduced, they spread easily and rapidly, and are very difficult to control. They exclude native wildflowers, birds, and butterflies, and are a major threat to the beauty, integrity, and function of Oregon's wetlands. Basically, they impact the landscape we care about by displacing wildlife, degrading farms, and even have a huge cost to the economy. For example, the Oregon Department of Agriculture estimated that invasive species cost Oregon citizens about $100 million annually!
WHY WEEDIN?
Invasives species don't stay put. They are blind to property boundaries, jump fences, and become a problem for everyone. That's why we believe that forming a cooperative network of land managers and private citizens is the best approach for solving the problem. Weeds are everyone's problem and not one person can do it alone. For more information about WEEDIN, contact Tania Siemens at tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu or 541-914-0701.
Additional Links
Want to learn about more invasive species in the South Willamette Valley?
Emerald Chapter Native Plant Society's INVASIVE ORNAMENTALS LIST:
http://www.emeraldnpso.org/inv_ornmtls.html
The Western Invasives Network's list of species to watch for in the Upper Willamette Cooperative Weed Management Area:
http://www.westerninvasivesnetwork.org/pages/
cwmapage.php?cwma=upperwillamette
Photo: Yellow flag iris is an aggressive plant that is invading Oregon's Wetlands
