Hike-in Habitat Restoration: Purge the Spurge on Matt Davis Trail!

Eggleaf spurge is an invasive plant species that excludes native plants and is toxic to native wildlife. Besides outcompeting native plants in establishing itself, its root system, once established, can prevent native plants from sprouting. Volunteers worked at this location previous years and there is already an increase in biodiversity in work locations, though this year has seen a resurgence of the spurge as the seeds remain viable for a few years. If we keep this up, we can eventually eliminate this toxic invader from this trail.

 

We will remove plants by hand-pulling and hand tools. Tools and bags (spurge cannot be left due to latex content) will be provided. Gloves are required for handling this plant. There will be a limited number of loaner gloves available, but participants should bring their own if they have them. All participants should bring water bottles and sun protection. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended as ticks and poison oak may be present.