Vedder River Invasive Plant Control

When we came to Lantern's Edge it was abused by machinery, neglected and overgrown with invasive plant species.

Underneath the mess, however, awaited a wide variety of native species. We've been digging up the invasives,
creating gardens and nurturing the return of biodiversity-supporting native plants.

Ecosystems don't care about property lines. It's clear that critical work is needed to preserve the entire Vedder
River riparian ecosystem from invasive species.

In our spare time, we volunteer on public land, clearing invasive plants and picking up garbage. But volunteering
isn't enough! We've created a project to expand the scope of our work along the south side of the Vedder River,
from the Vedder Bridge to Yarrow.

We are seeking funding for our project! Our annual budget is $24,000. All of the funds we raise will pay for the
hard, dirty work of clearing invasive plants.

Click here to read our project proposal in detail!

(Before: Himalayan blackberry covering hillside)

(After: hillside cleared of Himalayan blackberry and replanted)

Before and after clearing Himalayan blackberry. The slope looks barren now, but we have replanted
a variety of native plants, and will monitor to prevent reestablishment of invasives. In a few years,
native understory plants will dominate.

What are invasive species?

Invasive species are species which are:

Exotic: not native to the bioregion,
Aggressive: spread from one area to another through sexual or asexual reproduction, and
Harmful: cause environmental, economic, and/or health harm

(Diagram comparing native, exotic, invasive, and cultivated plant species)

Why are invasive species ecologically harmful?

Invasive species, having evolved outside of the region, have few natural predators, meaning:
- They provide less food and habitat for native species (e.g. insects, birds).
- They are able to outcompete native species for resources.
Invasive species can rapidly establish themselves in disturbed areas.
Their ability to monopolize resources and outcompete native species causes biodiversity loss.
In addition to harming other species in the ecosystem, invasive monocultures can increase
fire risk and harm soil stability and water quality.