The Nature Conservancy’s EDRR program

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon’s new EDRR Program aims to improve the Early Detection and Rapid Response to invasive species. Our program started in 2006 with a focus on invasive plants. Now, in partnership with Oregon Sea Grant, we are expanding this to an invasive species EDRR program with a watershed perspective that covers terrestrial and aquatic invasive plants and animals. We work with Watershed Councils, Cooperative Weed Management Areas and other organizations and agencies to develop model EDRR programs across Oregon and train “invasives-watch” volunteers to look for and report new invaders.

Weed Watcher Training at Agate Desert Perserve

On this page you can learn more about this EDRR Program and download invasive plant identification materials and other “invasives-watching” tools and resources. You can also find useful materials for putting together your own training workshop or starting your own program. We hope you will use these resources to teach more people to look for and report new invaders! We will be continually adding materials as they are developed, so check back regularly.

Want to Volunteer?

Become an “Invasives-watch” volunteer and help prevent the spread of invasive species while you hike, garden, boat, or fish.

We have “Invasives-Watch” volunteer programs in several TNC preserves in Oregon, including the Camassia preserve ( Portland metro area), Tom McCall preserve (Columbia Gorge), and Agate Desert and Lower Table Rock preserves (Medford area). Our partner organizations also have high-priority areas near Eugene, Bend, Tillamook, and Cave Junction that need your help to keep them “invasives-free”.

We have seven training workshops planned for this spring and summer 2008. Come to the training to learn how to identify and report invasive species in your area. Chances are good there will be one near you! Contact Tania Siemens (tsiemens@tnc.org, 541-914-0701) for more info or to attend a workshop.