Thanks to continued support from West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, the Forest Park Conservancy (FPC) recently completed its third consecutive season of the Canopy Weeds (removal) Program. Canopy weeds are invasive plants such as Irish and English Ivy (hedera hibernica and hedera helix) and Traveler’s Joy (clematis vitalba) which climb to the tops of trees and spread their seeds. Removal of canopy weeds helps prevent seed dispersal into Forest Park, and other natural areas, and helps the newly-freed trees live long and healthy lives.
This year, FPC focused its canopy weed pulling efforts in the Northwest Industrial District along St. Helens Road and on private residential property in the Balch Creek Watershed. Through face-to-face outreach and education, FPC engaged a total of 38 landowners neighboring Forest Park and freed 3,100 trees from canopy weeds. Our Canopy Weeds Program is part of the Greater Forest Park Conservation Initiative, an FPC-led collaborative strategy to restore and enhance the Greater Forest Park Ecosystem. Since launching the Canopy Weeds Program in 2013, FPC has saved over 13,000 trees on 350 acres of privately-owned forest adjacent to Forest Park.
To help support our habitat restoration efforts in and around Forest Park, please consider becoming a member today. Your contribution will help ensure that Forest Park remains healthy and beautiful for visiting humans and resident wildlife alike.