The Woodland Regional Park Preserve sits on the former site of the Woodland landfill southeast of the city. It features some low hills and a pond along with an ADA trail and two picnic tables and it is home to several rare and protected plant species as well as vernal pools. The preserve is currently closed to the public while weed removal efforts and other improvements continue. Learn more at the Preserve's website: Woodland Regional Park Preserve
The focus of this CITO will be to remove an invasive annual weed called stinkwort. It flowers in the fall, so we are going to remove the plants before they go to seed and exacerbate the infestation. This plant is easily removed by hand. However, it produces a sticky resin that can cause contact dermatitis, so wearing gardening gloves is required. There is also a heavy infestation of yellow starthistle in the preserve, so if time permits, we can make a dent in that also. Here's a photo of our target weed, as seen in mid-July:
Due to the presence of spiky yellow starthistle in the vicinity of the stinkwort, it is HIGHLY suggested that participants wear the following:
- sturdy close-toe shoes
- long pants
- gaiters
- long sleeves, gardening protection sleeves, and/or elbow-length gardening gloves
It is also suggested that participants bring the following:
- drinking water
- sunscreen/protective clothing
- sun hat
- garden clippers/pruners for clipping starthistle
- old bedsheets (for bundling up the stinkwort to carry to the dumpster)
Each participant will need to complete this Woodland Regional Park Preserve waiver prior to attending. Participants do not need to stay for the entire 3 hours - come and go as it fits your schedule.
I am hoping that this CITO will be the first in a series at this preserve to help remove weeds, build new trails, and other improvements.