For the 11th year running, JCWC has had the assistance of a dedicated crew of interns to address priority weed species in the Johnson Creek watershed. These good folks dedicate a minimum of 30 hours (and most do a lot more!) to working in the field to survey and hand-pull infestations of target species, mainly focusing on garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Starting last year, they added small-flowered impatiens (Impatiens parviflora) as a species to map and remove (particularly in Gresham), and this year knotweed was added to the list for surveying (with Gresham intending to provide control later).
This year, a total of 11 interns (10 of whom will receive stipends) came out to help with the effort. Together, they’ve surveyed, mapped and treated more than 40 acres for garlic mustard so far this year, with two more weeks to go! The even better news: areas that have been treated for many years are showing HUGE improvement in cover of this species, and last year’s work on new sites in Gresham is already showing up in reduced cover this year. Thank you to Masa Beppu, Bodhi Brasille, Katie Green, Jess Gustafson (back for a second time!), Sam Hall, Joyce Koerber, Bird Loukides (back for an astonishing EIGHTH year!), Dii Mazuz, Lehua Morley, Ash Ordonez, and Paloma Richeson for your dedication and willingness to get dirty, scratched, and stung to improve the health of Johnson Creek!
