We recently had the opportunity to partner with Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance to learn about the different types of noxious weeds present in Summit County and how we can effectively go about removing them.

Jim Alexander, an expert on weed identification and removal, led this volunteer effort on the Maryland Creek trail. We specifically focused on thistle, the most present weed in the area. The Musk, Canada, and other noxious thistle are easily spotted by their bright pinkish heads. If they haven’t fully matured, these heads are mere buds. Regardless, they hold thousands of seeds and should be cut off before they have the chance to scatter. After cutting off the bulbs and putting them in trash bags, we proceeded to pull the entire weed, making sure to include the root. Together we pulled up to 800 thistle.