Himalayan Blackberry Removal

This week our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew was busy cutting Himalayan blackberry at a new project along the Samish River. Removing invasive species like blackberry is often the first step in restoration, and creates the opportunity for our field crews to plant native trees and shrubs. Over the next two years, SFEG will plant 2,300 plants across 13 acres at this site. When completed, this project will improve over 1,500 linear feet of stream habitat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Before and after photos of blackberry brush removed by a WCC member 

 

 

At a site near the town of Sedro-Woolley, SFEG crews used a tractor to till an area that was previously a dense thicket of invasive Himalayan blackberry. Tilling helps break up the compacted soil and makes blackberry roots easier to remove by hand. Our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew then planted native trees and shrubs in the tilled area. When the project is completed, 2,500 native plants will be planted to improve over two acres of riparian habitat.

(Left) Joe George, our Restoration Coordinator, tills the ground to make blackberry root removal easier.

 

(Right) Removed blackberry roots