Pulling together to eradicate noxious weeds.

Let’s Pull Together is a multi-county noxious weed eradication event consisting of partnerships and incredible volunteers all joining together for good times and clean country (city) living. Helping control noxious weeds is something every weekend gardener and concerned citizen can do to become more involved. Learn how you can help protect our native Oregon ecosystem.

WHY PULL NOXIOUS WEEDS, YOU ASK?

Noxious weeds are non-native invasive species which threaten our ecosystem. They not only crowd out native plants, but they starve wildlife, use water and create allergens. Noxious weeds also provide tremendous ladder fuel which during wildfires can radically change the speed and fury at which wildfires burn. And yes…they are trying to take over Oregon!

Native plants are species that occur naturally in a particular region and are adapted to climate and elevation of a particular area. Native plants are appealing to humans and wildlife and are friendly to their environment.

We need volunteers. Scout troops, church groups, sportsmen and farming organizations, school groups and folks like you can help protect our ecosystem from these non-native invasive species!

How to get involved:

• Bring your weeding tool of choice, your friends, and family, and join in!
• Meet us at our weed pull locations. Our site coordinators and noxious weed experts will assist you in identifying native plants and noxious weeds.
• Sites are family friendly for children of all ages and for all physical ability levels.
• Mobile/Walking groups will depart the meet-at location after orientation.

Upcoming events:

Sign up to be notified about future events:

KNAPWEED

DALMATIAN TOADFLAX

ORANGE HAWKWEED

Why are noxious weeds a problem?

• The problem of noxious, non-native weeds proliferating in Central Oregon is severe.
• Many noxious weeds overrun native vegetation, reducing habitat for other plants and wildlife, destroy ecosystems by altering soil, hydrology, steal scarce water, and increase fire danger.
• Noxious weeds infest crops and cost local communities in terms of visual blight, a reduction of property values and lost agricultural production.
• Some noxious weeds are poisonous to humans, livestock, and wildlife.
• Seeds from noxious weeds are spread by foot and vehicular traffic along our roadways and through our public lands.
• Many property owners unknowingly have these non-native, noxious weeds growing in their yards and fields, which aggravates the situation.
• Sometimes this damage cannot be undone except by sustained effort over decades.

DALMATIAN TOADFLAX - WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU PULL

Dalmatian Toadflax Stem Weevil, Mecinus janthiniformis (formerly known as Mecinus janthinus): This insect is having a profound impact on Dalmatian toadflax infestations. Adults feed on the foliage and flowers while larvae mine out the stem. Plants are often stunted and tops of the plant are riddled with holes caused by adult feeding. This insect flies well and seeks out new toadflax patches. Because the insects’ only source of food is Dalmatian toadflax, as the density of the weed decreases, the insect’s population also decreases, a classic predator-prey relationship.

Please leave Dalmatian toadflax undisturbed if you suspect weevils are present. The plants will appear to have boring on the stem and may display some damage.

Need help identifying noxious weeds?

Please visit any of the following noxious weed displays for complimentary noxious weed id material

• Deschutes County, 1300 NW Wall Street
• Deschutes County Road Department, 61150 SE 27th St
• City of Bend, City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street

Got Weeds?

Complimentary yellow weed bags and identification material are available at:

• City of Bend, Public Works, 62975 Boyd Acres Road
• City of Bend, City Hall, 710 NW Wall (2nd Floor Admin)
• Deschutes County Road Department, 61150 SE 27th Street

Complimentary bagged noxious weed drop off June 16th from 9 a.m. till 12 p.m. at the Westside Venue in the Old Mill District. Look for our partner, Wintercreek Native Restoration’s trailer, at the festivities.

• Site Visits are available for property owners
• Educational Presentations can be made to your group or neighborhood
• The Deschutes County Weed Wagon boasts a ton of helpful information, id material, education videos and is available for larger events
• The Deschutes County Weed Advisory Board meets monthly and welcomes your participation and involvement.
• Oregon State weed laws provide governing agencies the authority for enforcement and compliance. In Deschutes County, fines for failure to control noxious weeds can reach up to $2000 per day, in Bend fines can reach up to $750 per day.
• Deschutes County offers technical advice and may have financial assistance for landowners with noxious weeds.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• In Deschutes County, visit deschutes.org/weeds or contact Ed Keith at (541) 322-7117 or ed.keith@deschutes.org for more information.
• In Bend, visit bendoregon.gov/weeds  or contact Julie Craig at 541-388-5527 or jcraig@bendoregon.gov for more information.