Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego State Park Reports that the Invasive Sahara Mustard has started to sprout.  They are seeking volunteers to help control the alien weed that poses a serious threat to the local wildflowers.  Here is the posting from their website:

“Sahara Mustard is Starting to Sprout!
You can join the Sahara Mustard (Brassica tournefortii) Control Program in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park®

Sahara mustard, an invasive annual weed, has become a serious threat to our native wildflowers. Early treatment is essential. If you would like to help control Sahara mustard within the park, you are invited to attend one of the scheduled training sessions and fill out volunteer registration forms. If you have been a volunteer in the past you must re-register for the 2012 season.

Training and work sessions: January 3, 4, 10, 21, 2012
Work sessions (trained volunteers only): January 5, 11, 12, 13, 2012
Time:  9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Rain cancels.

Location: Henderson Canyon Road, one mile east of the intersection of Henderson Canyon Road and Borrego Valley Road.

Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Bring gloves, water, snacks or lunch if you intend to work in the field. Some tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own hoes or other weeding tools.

For more information contact Larry Hendrickson, lhendrickson@parks.ca.gov

See also the local Task Force website for more information about this invasive weed.”