Since it first took root in the parks and forests of America long ago, the invasive weed Scotch Broom has systematically choked our native plants of the light and nutrients they need to survive, and changed the natural landscape across thousands of acres of vital wildlife habitat.
More than 150 years after Scotch Broom was first introduced in California, as an ornamental plant, it is still continuing to spread, as evidenced by reports of its range expansion to the east of the Cascade Mountains.
But in Sammamish, the people are fighting back. Armed with shovels and saws, giant weed wrenches and bolt cutters, for the past few months they have been fighting the Scotch Broom head on.
Their goal is to beat back the hardy weed to allow the native species to thrive, and so too the native birds and animals that complete the ecosystem.
On Saturday morning, near the dog run at Beaver Lake Park, about 20 Sammamish residents took part in the city-led effort against the Scotch Broom in the latest in a series of invasive species removal events.
Under the leadership of City of Sammamish Volunteer Coordinator Dawn Sanders and Elaine McEnery of the Sammamish Community Wildlife Habitat Project, students from Pine Lake Middle School, and other energetic locals, pulled the Scotch Broom, some plants more than 10 feet high, out by the roots. At the same time, they battled the blackberry which is just as big of a problem, and armed with spiky thorns as well.
As Pine Lake student Kelvin Brandt waged war against the Scotch Broom, schoolmates Sudarshan Bala and Cole Swanson picked up hammers and made some improvements to a fence designed to keep humans and dogs out of a pond.
All agreed that getting stuck into a bit of hard work was a great way to start the weekend, coupled with the feeling of making a positive difference to Sammamish and the natural environment we all enjoy.
On April 24 – Earth Day – the city will be hosting another volunteer event at Pine Lake Park. For more information, contact Dawn Sanders at dsanders@ci.sammamish.wa.us., or 425-295-0556.
