Broom Bash 

Brooms- Scotch, French, Spanish - line the roadsides in many parts of Mendocino County. Their names give the clue- they are not native to this area, but were introduced as horticultural plants and then escaped into the wildlands. Although the blooms are beautiful, these plants are devastating for wildlife and increase wildfire risk because they are very flammable. Along roadsides, they also pose a safety hazard as they reduce visibility and obstruct pedestrian corridors. What can we do about it?

BASH IT! The California Native Plant Society and the Inland Mendocino Cooperative Weed Management Area are hosting a broom bash on Saturday, March 14, 2009 in our Adopt-A-Road corridor along Orr Springs Road near Montgomery Woods State Reserve. Manual removal of the broom, including the roots,  followed by annual monitoring to remove seedlings is a proven effective strategy to be rid of broom on roadsides. However, it takes a lot of  time and effort. Come help us pull out the broom! Mild to strenuous exertion according to your ability and desire. Meet at the north side of the Mendo Mill parking lot in Ukiah at 9AM for a safety training.

Wear long-sleeved shirt, long pants, bring gloves. Participants must be 16 or over.

Trip Leaders: Chuck Williams 462-8984, Tara Athan 485-1198 (coord at imcwma.org)