Annual Lake County invasive weeds tours to be held May 11 and 12
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Mark your calendar — the Lake County Weed Management Area has announced its annual invasive weeds tours.
For 2023, they will offer two tours on consecutive days: the first, showcasing weeds that affect Clear Lake and efforts to restore tules along the shoreline; the second, featuring weeds of grasslands and oak woodlands and restoration of native wildflowers at the McLaughlin Reserve.
Both great tours are free.
The public is welcome and encouraged to join one or both.
The first tour will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 11, at Clark’s Island in Clearlake Oaks.
Join staff from the Lake County Water Resources Department and Resource Conservation District as they dive into the world of aquatic plants and wetland weeds of Clear Lake and Lake County.
Aquatic and wetland plant specimens and examples will be presented to facilitate hands-on learning and education.
They also will learn about recent invasive plant management efforts at Clark’s Island and the successful tule replanting effort that has been ongoing for the past two years.
This effort has been led by Lake County Watershed Protection District, Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance and tribal partners at Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Robinson Rancheria. Outreach materials and display tables will be available.
Attendees are asked to park on the west side of Clark’s Island, by the Adobe sign; extra parking is available along the north side of the channel, adjacent to PowerMart.
Then, on Friday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, learn about weeds and wildflowers at the McLaughlin Reserve.
Join staff from the University of California McLaughlin Reserve to learn how invasive plants, especially annual grasses, have reduced native wildflower displays in Lake County.
Participants will view areas of the reserve where wildflowers have been restored by removing invasive species.
They will discuss the use of prescribed fire, cattle grazing, herbicides, mowing and hand pulling as tools to control weeds and restore wildflowers.
Robust wildflower displays are expected in May this year, so bring your cameras.
The group will meet at the McLaughlin Reserve Headquarters at 26775 Morgan Valley Road, then carpool for the field tour, which will involve walking about a quarter mile on gentle terrain.
For both tours, please bring hats, sunscreen, lunch or a snack, drinking water, and your questions about plants and the lake.
Please wear sturdy shoes free of seeds and mud, and bring gloves if you want some hands-on weed removal experience.
This event is sponsored by the Lake County Department of Agriculture and the Lake County Resource Conservation District. No reservations are required.
Please contact the Agriculture Department at 707-263-0217 if you have any questions.