PLACERVILLE . INFO

Yellow starthistle--- that spiny, noxious annual weed found throughout the Sierra Foothills---begins new growth from seed with the annual fall rains. A variety of techniques can be successful in controlling Yellow starthistle, including several methods that are most effective when utilized in the winter months during the early development of the plants. A workshop to learn how to control Yellow starthistle and other invasive weeds is planned for Friday, January 11, 2008 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the El Dorado County Government Center, Building C in Placerville. Joe DiTomaso with University of California Davis, a leading expert on the biology and control of Yellow starthistle, will kick off the afternoon program. Other topics on the afternoon program include the use of herbicides to control woody invasive plants, such as Himalayan blackberries and broom species, safe use of pesticides and preventing the spread of invasive weeds.

Everyone dealing with a Yellow starthistle problem will benefit from attending this workshop, including home gardeners, small landowners, and land management professionals. All of the workshop presentations will focus on techniques that participants can use in their everyday, on-the-ground efforts to control and remove invasive weeds. The workshop is sponsored by the El Dorado County Invasive Weeds Management Group and University of California Cooperative Extension. Cost for the workshop is $10 per person. Space is limited and registration is encouraged; walk-in registration is available if space permits. Department of Pesticide continuing education credits, including laws and regulation hours, are available for DPR license holders. To register online go to http://ucanr.org/ystworkshop or contact Nancy Starr at (530) 621-5552 or nancy.starr@co.el-dorado.ca.us . Registration can also be completed by mailing your name, address, telephone number and a $10 registration fee (checks payable to “UC Regents”) to UCCE, 311 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667.