Weed Attack events planned in Valley

WASILLA — Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District, in conjunction with the Alaska Division of Agriculture and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is organizing Weed Attack events in Big Lake and Wasilla this month to help educate the public about non-native weed species invading the area.

The hands-on events also will include a chance for people to pitch in and help remove non-native weed species from local parks.

The Big Lake Weed Attack is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 12 at Jay Nolfi Fish Creek Park and Jordan Lake Park, adjacent to the Big Lake Library. The attack begins at 10 a.m., at Jay Nolfi Park with a brief education session to teach people to identify weeds to remove.

The event will introduce targeted weeds that negatively impact native Alaska species. Big Lake’s results will be added to Fish and Game’s invasive species database.

After the identification session, volunteers will spend some time eradicating invasive weed species in Jay Nolfi Park before moving on to Jordan Lake Park. A picnic lunch follows.

To confirm attendance, contact Cathi Kramer at cakmtaonline.net.

The Wasilla Weed Attack is from 10 a.m. to noon, July 18 at the Wonderland Park Pavillion.

Both weed attacks are rain-or-shine events.

Bring gloves, a light shovel or plant trowel and a hefty appetite. Information sheets, collection bags and food will be provided.

For more information, contact Chuck Kaucic at distmgr@wasillaswcd.org.