May 14, 2011 10am-3pm
On May 14, 2011 mark your calendars for the 5th Annual “Purge Your Spurge” weed exchange. This program provides an incentive for gardeners to voluntarily remove the noxious invader, myrtle spurge and exchange it for 5 free native plants.
The weed exchange will take place at the Salt Lake REI located at 3285 East 3300 South from 10 am to 3 pm. To participate in the event, dig up your myrtle spurge, trying to get as much of the root as possible. Care should be taken to prevent the plant’s sap from contacting your skin or eyes as it can cause severe irritation. It is recommended that one wear gloves and protective eyewear when removing it. Bring your spurge to REI, where volunteers will be on hand to take your spurge and provide you with 5 free Utah native plants to revegitate your landscape in exchange.
In support of the weed exchange program, the Salt Lake Conservation District will hold its 3rd Annual Native Plant Sale. This sale will give you the opportunity to add to the natural beauty of your landscape with high-quality, low-cost native trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials. Each native is sold as a tubling; perennials are 7 cubic inches and trees and shrubs are 10 cubic inches. For a list of plants and prices, please visit the Salt Lake Conservation District website, www.saltlakeconservation.org or call 801-542-8208.
The “Purge Your Spurge”is a grant sponsored program aimed at community awareness and education about the noxious weed, myrtle spurge. Myrtle spurge is an introduced ornamental that damages Utah’s landscapes by spreading rapidly; displacing native vegetation and reducing forage for wildlife, and is a public health threat because of its toxic sap.
For more information on the Myrtle Spurge Program, contact Salt Lake County Weed Program Staff at 801-468-2861 or on the web at www.weeds.slco.org.
Sponsored by the Salt Lake County Weed Program, Salt Lake Conservation District, REI, Utah Native Plant Society, US Forest Service, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, and the Bonneville CWMA.
