I'm crouched in the mud at Portland's Forest Park playing tug-o-war with a woody vine of English Ivy. The rain clouds have cleared enough to reveal a corner of bright blue sky, and my partner and I have just freed a massive Douglas fir from the grasp of this invasive climber. But this particular vine is being stubborn. My partner grabs the vine with me and on the count of three, we pull... unearthing a 15-foot-long vine. The mother load!

I can think of few better ways to work of pent-up energy than heading outside for some hand-to-hand combat with your local invasives. English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry are just a couple of the culprits that have moved into the natural ecosystems that border our urban centers. The wet weather makes for moist soil and easy pulling, and the growth of invasives stagnates in the winter, making this the ideal time to reclaim our urban ecosystems from the ivy and blackberry "deserts" that have taken over in many areas.

Better yet, join in one of the winter native species plantings happening in nearby watersheds. Here are a couple good links to get you out there with your shovels and loppers: SOLV Team-Up Program
The Ivy Removal Project

Here's to healthy watersheds,
Jenny
Spreading Roots, Spring Forth