Bureau of Land Management Learning Landscapes

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Invasive Weeds: A Growing Pain

Many weeds have pretty flowers but they are a growing pain. They crowd out native plants, harm animal habitats and increase erosion.

Hands-on Learning

• Adopt a local roadside or park area. Work with the land manager or appropriate officials on a weed removal plan. Conduct community outreach (speeches, newspaper articles, brochures, buttons, signs, videos) to inform citizens about your adopted area.
• Conduct field surveys to map the locations of invasive weeds in your community. Take photographs of invasive weeds and create a bulletin board display in your library or school. Provide information to community planners and land managers.
• Work with your county extension agent, local nature center or land management agency to put up informational signs where weed infestations occur.
• Plant a demonstration garden showing plants that are native to your community. (Some nurseries specialize in native plants.)
• Conduct a public awareness campaign to educate local citizens about steps they can take to stem the spread of weeds. Include the following guidelines. Perhaps your students can think of additional activities.
  1. Refrain from picking wildflowers or plants. They may be invasive weeds. Picking them can spread their seeds.
  2. Tell your friends and family about this problem.
  3. Check with your local nursery or nature center before adding weed-like plants to your garden. Some varieties come in a hybridized or non-invasive variety. Be aware of what is in your own backyard!
  4. Check with the local ranger/land manager before starting a backcountry hike. Find out how to identify problem weed species in the area. Report any infestations you may encounter.
  5. Clean all camping gear, clothing, and shoes before leaving an area to avoid inadvertently taking seeds along to the next campsite, county, or state.
  6. Do not camp in or hike through weed infested areas. Stay on designated trails.
  7. Drive only on established roads or trails away from weed infested areas (seeds can become imbedded in tire treads and travel to new areas).
  8. For pack animals, use only feed that is certified weed free starting 96 hours before entering backcountry areas. Remove weed seeds from the animals by brushing them thoroughly and cleaning their hooves.

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Last Updated: June 2006