Anza Borrego Desert State Park® Botany Society

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Chris McDonald to Speak On Invasive Plants in January

Dr. Chris McDonald, UC Cooperative Extension

Dr Chris McDonald is the Inland and Desert Natural Resources Advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension and his expertise is in managing plants in wildlands with an emphasis on managing difficult weeds, He will present a talk on Managing Invasive Weeds in Borrego Springs: Sahara Mustard and Volutaria,

Sahara mustard and Volutaria are two invasive weeds that are spreading in the Borrego region. Sahara mustard has been in Southern California for nearly a century and is a widespread problem, while Volutaria is a newer introduction and is confined to just a few locales. These two species pose a threat to desert wildlife, wildflowers and tourism.

Sam Webb, ABDSP Volunteer, holds a just-pulled sahara mustard plant

Many people have been working to contain Volutaria before it spreads across the California Desert as well as reduce local Sahara mustard populations. Learn about how to identify and manage these species, how quickly they are spreading, and how you can help make Borrego Springs a better place for yourself, your neighbors, and for the environment.

Who: Dr, Chris McDonald, University of California Cooperative Extension
Topic: Managing Invasive Weeds in Borrego Springs: Sahara Mustard and Volutaria
Where: Steele/Burnand UCI Desert Research Center, 401 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs
When: Monday, January 6, 2020
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Cost: Free lecture; public is invited.
Parking: Free