Scotch Broom Pull Challenge

Note: The Scotch Broom Challenge scheduled for Saturday, March 26th has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 16th due to stormy weather.

Scotch Broom is a pernicious plant and its successful removal is a boon to all. The plant is noxious and even toxic to most animals and displaces other vegetation used for food and habitat. During a fire, it can provide a very hot and flammable fuel source for the fire to travel from the ground into the tree canopy. Each mature plant can produce up to 60,000 seeds that remain viable for 5-6 years, so early removal and maintenance of the reclaimed area is important to prevent new plants from emerging. Eradication is an improbable goal, hence instead to "challenge" to remove as much as possible from our communities.

Last year with the help of our volunteers we were able to remove over 30 cubic yards of broom from 10 acres of protected land. The removal was particularly impressive at the Adam Ryan Wildlife Preserve where the broom had invaded the grassland and grown to be over 6 feet tall with trunks so thick they had to be cut with a saw.

We're at it again this year with 2 opportunities to participate:

Saturday, April 9th, 9:00am - 12:00noon
Adam Ryan Wildlife Preserve at the intersection of Alta Sierra Drive and Dog Bar Road, Grass Valley

Saturday, April 16th, 9:00am - 12:00noon
Hirschman Trail Access on Indian Trail Road, Nevada City

Bring:  Gloves, loppers and hand pruners
Recommended:  Long-sleeve shirt, hat
No open toed shoes or shorts!

Questions? Email Chris Gee.
For additional information go to the Fire Safe Council website.