Habitat Restoration September 2019

Falling into Fall

August on the Refuge was a month of removal. Our Ricefield Bulrush pulling events on Wednesdays and Saturdays continued with much searching and some pulling. Numbers of plants are down this year, but we also found plants in areas they had not been seen in for a few years so the work continues. It can sometimes be tedious, or dare I say boring work, compared to the joy and satisfaction of blackberry removal, but it is a priority invasive and we still depend on our volunteer’s participation so a big thanks to all those who have joined us in this year’s efforts.

We also had an early bloom and increased numbers of purple loosestrife this year. Thanks to the visitors who turned in sighting reports.  If you do not know of the plant I’m speaking of and you own a copy of “Weeds of the Northern US and Canada”, it made the cover. This is a plant that can still be found in local stores so if you come across it in a box store or commercial nursery maybe mention to someone in charge that it is an invasive in Southwestern Washington.

Another of our priority invasive plants, water primrose (Ludwigia hexapetala), an escaped aquarium plant, had a late bloom this year. Once again thanks to staff and the volunteers clearing Canvasback of bulrush for spotting it.

For our Oaks fans we have been spraying once a week in the “Oak Release” area as aggressive invasives try to claim the increased light and nutrients as their own. Please respect the trail closed signs on Thursdays as we hike and spray the area. Closures are only for the day and the area can be entered again on Friday, but keep in mind, and tell your friends, that we do spray blackberries on the Refuge and it is against refuge rules for the public to graze or browse on refuge plants.

As we head into the fall and start planning for this year’s planting season we are looking at fundraising to purchase a variety of bulbs for starting stock for the soon to be completed “High Tunnel”, and to begin the restoration process in the oak area and along the Oaks to Wetland Trail. Bulbs cost us .50 each and we are hoping to raise enough to put out close to a thousand on the Carty Unit this year. So if you have spare change and you pass a Friend’s employee with their hat out feel free to drop in a little something for the cause.  -Keith Rutz

OR donate to our Give More 24! event on September 19th! A dollar from every donation made during this day of giving will purchase two bulbs for the restoration project! Bookmark this link, and save the date for September 19th!