Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Discovery Station – Invasive Species (Bad Plants in Good Places)

To commemorate National Invasive Species Awareness Week, drop by to talk with Ranger Nikki about local and regional efforts to manage the spread of non-native invader plants as a proactive step towards ecological restoration and to reduce fire risk. Stop by an information table to learn about the Desert Defenders program, a powerful collaboration uniting citizen scientists, the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, and agencies such as the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, McDowell Mountain Conservancy, and others. The goal of this initiative is to reduce the presence of invasive species such as stinknet (globe chamomile), Sahara mustard, buffelgrass, salt cedar and more. These invaders provide fuel for wildfires, outcompete native plants that wildlife need to thrive, and alter ecosystem health. Find out about the County Parks natural resources plan to manage these threats and how you can volunteer at restoration events held in our Parks, during National Invasive Species Awareness Week and throughout the year! Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Just stop by any time 11:30am – 1:30pm!