Friends of the San Juans has launched a habitat restoration pilot project for public and private landowners on Lopez Island to prevent the spread of Italian Arum – we need your help.
Italian Arum is a noxious weed and toxic to people and animals. Noxious weeds can degrade important wildlife habitat and natural areas and outcompete native plants. Now, more than ever, we must come together to reduce the damages caused by noxious weeds.
Friends’ “Aruminator” Project Manager and Washington State University Master Gardener, Dixie Budke says, “It is important to choose your landscaping plants carefully and check to see if the plant is invasive before you buy it. The pioneers who brought Italian Arum to the islands as an ornamental didn’t know it could take over our yards and farmland.”
The goals of this project are to:
1) eradicate and prevent the spread of Italian Arum on private property and public lands on Lopez Island;
2) protect Island homes, communities, farms, natural areas, and wildlife from the impacts of Italian Arum;
3) engage Island communities in positive, collaborative efforts that will benefit us all; and
4) educate the community about their role and responsibility in noxious weed control starting with this pilot project on Lopez Island.
This project is funded through a generous donation from Lopez Island neighbors Jim and Birte Falconer.
By taking simple steps on private property and public lands, we can help restore our islands for people and nature.
The pilot project is occurring on Lopez, but please let us know if you are interested in helping with Italian Arum removal elsewhere. If you would like more information or would like to help, please contact Dixie Budke at [email protected] or 805.801.1805.
Click here for more information about Italian Arum and this project.
