By Lisa Kilder, Clackamas Soil & Water Conservation District For The Mountain Times
During this busy time of year, make a note to remember these important tasks in 2025.
While the soil is soft, check out a weed wrench tool from the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District. These tools are handy for removing woody-stem invasive weeds like Scotch broom, holly and other small weedy trees. Do not pull Tree of Heaven: it will come back vigorously!
If you have horses or livestock, cover the manure pile! Rain leaches the nutrients from this organic by-product and can run off to a stream or contaminate a nearby well. Locate manure piles away from low spots and never closer than 100 feet from a well, farther in some areas. Check with your local health authority for regulations where you live.
Winter is a good time to plan projects like pasture enhancement, fencing, invasive weed treatments, and streamside planting to protect banks and shade the water.
If you need help planning for these tasks, Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District is your source of information! We may be reached at 503-210-6000, info@conservationdistrict.org, or explore our website https://conservationdistrict.org.
May you find peace and joy this holiday season.