Central California Invasive Weed Symposium part 2

Last Friday, people gathered at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds to learn about invasive non-native plants. The theme was fire, water, action. Jon Keeley was the keynote and the evaluations said he was fantastic. (I was dealing with a coffee crisis so I didn't get to hear his talk.) We had some time for laws and regs so folks could get continuing education units.

Tool tailgate.

 

complete with goats

 

and a hydro-obliterator, but no picture of that. Apparently the obliterator can cut down a small tree with a fast stream of water. Good for cape ivy. Can be dangerous of not used properly.

We tried to green the event as much as we could, serving mostly local and organic food, composting, and recycling.

And we had wonderful sponsors; Cal-IPC, CHCF, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Target Specialty, Big Sur Land Trust, CNPS, and so many more.

Thankfully, a good percentage of people filled out and turned in evaluations so we can make next year even better. The number one most favorite thing about the event - the chance to get together with others in the field, collaborating, and connecting.

Saturday was a field trip to Watsonville Wetlands Watch, High Ground Organics farm, and Ellicott Slough. It was fantastic. Such a great opportunity to see projects in action and talk about methods in the field.