The Inland Mendocino Cooperative Weed Management Area (IMCWMA) is hosting a series of meetings in October and November to raise awareness and increase participation in invasive weed management. Each meeting will feature an invited speaker and conclude with a poster session including refreshments and opportunities to obtain more information about weed management from a number of experts.

Speaker: Noelle Johnson, Circuit Rider Productions, Inc.

Abstract: The invasive bamboo-like weed Arundo donax has spread throughout nearly 5,000 acres of riparian habitat throughout the Russian River watershed, and poses a serious threat to both landholdings and ecological health by contributing to bank erosion and destroying sensitive riparian habitats. A large-scale effort is currently underway to eradicate the weed from the river and its tributaries, beginning at the top of the watershed. Over 1,000 acres of the infestation have already been removed throughout Mendocino county, but landowner participation for all infested properties is essential for success of the project. This talk will describe the project and its benefits to the landowner, for whom participation is completely free of charge.

Photo caption: Giant reed (Arundo donax) obstructs a drainage ditch in Hopland.