Hassayampa River Preserve Tackles Invasive Species for Ecosystem Restoration
In a bid to revitalize the ecosystem of the Hassayampa River Preserve near Wickenburg, volunteers gathered on Saturday for a significant invasive species removal event. This initiative marks the preserve’s first organized effort to curtail invasive plant growth and mitigate wildfire risks.
The volunteer group, Desert Defenders, dedicated their Saturday morning to uprooting invasive species that have proliferated within the preserve. Among these are stinknet, Sahara mustard, and cattails, which not only outcompete native plants but also exacerbate water consumption and heighten fire hazards.
Currently, across Phoenix and much of the state, bright yellow, globe-like flowers known as stinknet have become a common sight. Although they may seem like attractive wildflowers, they pose a significant ecological threat.
Leading the volunteer effort was Maricopa County Park Ranger Eric Hough, who highlighted the predominant presence of invasive species in the preserve’s undergrowth. Hough remarked, “When these invasives take hold, they can really shift the whole ecosystem and the frequency of fire happening out there. So by doing this, we can try to make a dent in that.”
Arizona State University professor Liza Roger, who conducts research with her students in the riparian preserve each spring, emphasized the need for continuous invasive plant management. “The same as in your garden, you need to trim the hedges, you need to mow the lawn. You need to take out the weeds. Well, the Preserve is the same. You can’t just leave it to just live its own life,” Roger stated.
Maricopa County continues to support invasive species removal initiatives across various parks, ensuring sustained conservation efforts.
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