Tracking down Nederland’s most wanted: Brian Biggs of the Parks Department models a handful of pre-flowered Scentless Chamomile. PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER KELLEY[/caption]

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board (PROSAB) Chair Katt Barr organized the first of the season’s Nederland Community Weed Pulls, presenting an opportunity for locals to get involved in the mitigation of invasive species. The first of several volunteer events began on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and focused on Nederland’s “Most Wanted” weed: Scentless Chamomile.

Noxious weeds are described as “non-native plants that displace native vegetation, disrupt hydrologic processes, alter soil chemistry, and disturb the native ecosystem stability and diversity, while negatively affecting environmental and recreational resources.”

The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (CNWA) specifies Scentless Chamomile under “List B,” meaning it is required by the Act to be contained, among many other species including Musk Thistle and Diffuse Knapweed.

Cypress Spurge, Knotweed, Myrtle Spurge, and Orange Hawkweed are labeled under “List A,” meaning they are required by the Act to be eradicated. According to the CNWA and Nederland Municipal Code it is the property owner’s duty to be educated and vigilant about controlling noxious weeds on their property.

Scentless Chamomile is wanted for invading Nederland lands, suppressing the growth of native plants. Because each flower head can produce 300 seeds, a single plant can produce 300,000 seeds, and because seeds are expected as soon as a flower is formed, Scentless Chamomile must be pulled and bagged immediately.

Brian Biggs of the Parks Department drew in volunteers with his infectious spirit and positive attitude as the hunt for Scentless Chamomile began at Chipeta Park’s entrance and continued down the part of the park adjacent to Lakeview Drive.

Ecologist and Botanist Rea Orthner visited to provide useful information on differentiating invasive species from native weeds, and during a short tour around the park pointed out some of the rarer non-harmful plants that can be found, such as Orach, which is also known as mountain spinach, and the fairly rare Sweet Coltsfoot.

Guercio Field will be the location for the next Nederland Community Weed Pull, scheduled for Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., organized by Barr as a collaborative project from PROSAB and the Nederland Parks Department. RSVP at katbarr07@gmail.com or just show up!

For more information on Nederland’s Noxious Weed Management Plan visit: http://nederlandco.org/noxious-weeds.

Noxious weeds can be placed in compostable bags and brought to the Community Forestry Sort Yard, 291 Ridge Road, free of charge, open May 1 to December 17, Wednesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.