- Author: Chris M. Webb
The California Weed Science Society (CWSS) is offering scholarships to support undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in weed or invasive plant management.
To be eligible for these awards the student must be pursuing a degree at an accredited 2-year college or 4-year university in California and be enrolled through the spring 2012 term. Preference will be given to students that demonstrate a strong interest in weed or invasive plant management.
All awards will be given at the discretion of CWSS.
CWSS Scholarships: Academic scholarships up to $2000 are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
- CWSS Internships: The internship is an award of $3000 for an 8-week full-time internship with a University of California farm advisor or other off-campus research personnel with responsibilities in weed or invasive plant management.
- CWSS Undergraduate Research Awards: The undergraduate research award is a grant up to $2000 to support a research project related to weed or invasive plant management.
All applications must be received by April 1, 2012.
For additional information and instructions on how to apply contact Oleg Daugovish at odaugovish@ucdavis.edu.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
UC Hansen Agricultural Center, in collaboration with UC Cooperative Extension will hold the third annual Ventura County Research Symposium on November 16, 2011.
Growers, policy makers, community leaders, educators, journalists, and all who are interested in the future of agriculture in Ventura County are encouraged to attend. Learn how UC researchers confront invasive species.
Symposium highlights include:
- Overview of invasive species
- Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) invasion in Ventura County
- Aquatic invader threat to water supply and native aquatic life
- Asian Citrus Psyllid – explorations for natural enemies
Scheduled speakers:
- Ben Faber, Ph.D., Farm Advisor,UC Coorperative Extension-Ventura County
- Dr. Adam Lambert, Research Ecologist, Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, UCSB
- Leigh Johnson, Coastal Resources Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension-San Diego
- Mark Hoddle, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Invasive Species Research, UC Riverside
This event will be held from 8:30 am to noon at the Courtyard by Marriott in Oxnard. There is no cost to attend; however, registration is required. To learn more or to register, please visit this page of the UC Hansen Agricultural website. Questions? Please send them to sbmiller@ucdavis.edu or call 805-525-9293 ext. 214.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
A small group of Ventura County Master Gardeners have received additional training which allows them to survey nurseries and provide information to nursery owners. This program is part of a statewide UCCE effort designed to help reduce the spread of invasive plant species.
Currently many nurseries unknowingly sell invasive plant species. Consumers many not realize the plants they are purchasing are invasive and are likely to cause harm to our local ecosystems. The Master Gardener volunteers talk to the nursery owners and provide suggestions to nursery owners for replacement plants, which have similar characteristics to the invasive species as alternatives for their customers.
Many resources are available to help consumers avoid planting invasive species. The UC Davis Arboretum has an extensive database of recommended plants for California gardens. The California Invasive Plant Council has a Don’t Plant a Pest page on their website; in addition to recommending alternatives, photos of commonly seen invasive species are provided. You can also contact our Master Gardener helpline at 645-1455 or by email at mgventura@ucdavis.edu.
Chinese fringe tree Chionanthus retusus
UC Davis Arboretum recommended plant for California gardens
Pigsqueak Bergenia crassifolia
UC Davis Arboretum recommended plant for California gardens
California pipevine Aristolochia californica
UC Davis Arboretum recommended plant for California gardens
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The Santa Clara River Invasive Weeds Task Force (SCRIWTF) has been created to restore the Santa Clara River through the management of invasive weeds in the watershed. The task force includes people with a variety of perspectives, representing both the upper and lower Santa Clara River watershed as well as Los Angeles and Ventura County weed management areas.
The SCRIWTF website is a great way to learn more about this subject and stay informed about upcoming meetings. Past presentations and meeting minutes are also available.
The website is also the place to sign up for the Santa Clara River Invasive Weeds Task Force mailing list. The mailing list “will be used to announce meetings and share information of relevance to invasive plant management in the Santa Clara River, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, California.”
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) was introduced into North America from Europe in the mid-1800s. It was initially used as an ornamental, but due to their fast growth were also used for erosion control. Unfortunately, these fast-growing shrubs quickly crowd out native plants and offer very little to local wildlife. They are a problem in our local watersheds. Like many other invasive plant species, Scotch broom is a dangerous fire hazard.
Scotch broom can grow up to 10 feet tall and can live up to 25 years. They have an abundance of yellow flowers from April through June. Each plant produces approximately 20,000 seeds each year. Seed pods ripen during the summer months. The plant ejects its seeds several feet away with small popping explosions. About 40% of seeds germinate immediately, while some others germinate the following year. However, the remaining seeds can remain dormant for up to 50 years making long-term management difficult.
Scotch broom is able to increase nitrogen levels in soil, which increases soil fertility. This is advantageous to other non-native plants that thrive on high nitrogen levels, but is another blow to local native plants as they do not grow as well in these conditions.
You can help reduce the problems from Scotch broom by not planting them in your yard. There are many alternative native plants that have similar attributes but are not invasive. If you have them in your yard it is best to remove them. Please see UC ANR’s Scotch Broom publication for additional information and removal advice.