Herbicide Use
Why do we use herbicide, and how do we use it?
We are thoughtful and strategic about our herbicide use in our work, and employ integrative pest management principles. These principles focus on using herbicide in a way that is both environmentally conscious and efficient, only when it is best practice for the project. It also includes using other invasive control methods like manual removal and mulching when it is appropriate. The overall goal of our work is to help create and maintain self-sustaining native plant habitats, where over time the native plant ecosystem needs less and less intervention for invasive species removal.
Our safety practices
We have a set of safety protocols for herbicide use, to ensure the efficacy of the herbicide and ensure safety for ourselves, the public, and the natural world. These safety protocols include:
Benefits of herbicide in ecological restoration
Herbicide use is beneficial for slope work, erosion control, and soil stability because it leaves root systems intact, minimizing soil loss and further erosion
Cost/Labor effective
Various customizable methods of herbicide use such as cut and treat vs spray, as well as the type of herbicide used (different chemical types, wetland safe mixes, etc)
PPE (Personal protective equipment)
Signage for the public
Keeping to specific weather and seasonal windows so that the herbicide is the most effective in killing target species while minimizing risk to local pollinators, animals, beneficial plants