About eight years ago I met a woman who was a weed nerd. I don’t mean marijuana but exotic plants-weeds-that don’t belong somewhere. As I associated with her around weed eradication in the park and later as a friend, it became apparent that weeds were foremost on her mind. No matter where we went or what we did, weeds came into the conversation. I thought her fixation on weeds was delightful and a little weird.
Today I see myself headed that direction, although I still nurture other interests. I, however, have come to loathe invasive weeds and am continually aware of weeds—in my neighborhood, along public roads, and in the park.
Invasives thrive on disturbed soil such as recently burned forests and meadows. Birds, wind, or unknowing humans often distribute them. Seeds can travel great distances. If left unchecked, invasive species can displace intact, healthy native plant communities and have a significant negative impact on an entire ecosystem.
Photo by Deb Bialeschki
I am part of a volunteer group in the park called the Weed Warriors. We go out twice a week all summer to designated areas called EMUs-Exotic Weed Units. Most areas are in public facing areas where we want people to see the beautiful waving grasses and sedges as well as the native wildflowers. Spraying herbicides is effective on some weeds, but other exotic plants such as Mullein, Musk thistle, Russian thistle, and Houndstongue are best removed manually.
People sometimes ask us if our cause seems futile. Removing invasive plants feels endless. Yet I get great satisfaction when I see an area where we have slayed the weeds. This week I took a walk through Aspenglen Campground where we had worked a month ago. I didn’t see one single weed, and I was happy. When we return next year, I know more weeds will emerge, but they will be minimized!
Removing invasive weeds is not always visible to the public unless people like me have tendencies toward weed nerdism. Nevertheless, as I drive through the park or walk around my neighborhood, I see what we have accomplished. This form of volunteerism is altruistic.
Although our weeding is hot and tedious, I am in the fellowship of good people who care about native beauty and working hard. It is never a bad day when I can be in the park. I am becoming a weed nerd.
Welcome to the Weed Nerd Community! 😁👏👏 We are open arms to anyone like you who can wield a shovel for at least 6 hrs and smile at the end of the day with satisfaction that at that moment, there are fewer weeds and prettier meadows, even if just for a while! 😊