Noxious Weeds Guest Speakers in Bonni's Garden

This week Bonni's Garden hosted several guests from the Environmental Resource Center and the National Forest Service. These two organizations have partnered together in hopes to educate and impact the effect of noxious weeds in Idaho.

Knapweed is a common noxious weed in Idaho that releases toxins through its roots into the soil. These toxins disallow any other plants to grow around it, making the knapweed thrive.

Carl (UFS), Gilbert (UFS), and Alisa (ERC) teaching the kids about knapweed.

Knapweed is a noxious plant in Idaho that can be contained and eliminated through the nursing and relocation of weevils. Weevils grow and live in the roots of knapweed, effectively eating out the roots and killing the plants. This is a safe, chemical-free pesticide action program.

Gilbert showing knapweed root, their home, that pupa live in

Best Summer Ever! kids campers had a great time learning about noxious weeds, and an even better time looking at the bugs.

They learned all about native plants, invasive weeds, pesticide control, and how to maintain the land.

Giving the beetle, Cyphocleonus, a quick pet

Carl showing off wiggly pupa

At the end of the lesson, Alisa and Kim (ERC), handed out wildflower packets for the kids to plant next season. One notable lesson that the kids learned was that once the weeds are removed from the ground, it's important to plant native species in its place.

To learn more about the pesticide action program and Insectary , please visit ERC online