The Martis Fund awarded the Truckee River Weed Warrior Program a multi-year funding grant to create a website data base, educate the community and establish invasive weed prevention guidelines.

In the first year, the program’s goal is to promote awareness by creating an online database and smart-phone application, which will allow for citizens to send in photos of potential weeds. When positively identified, the photo will be posted with GPS coordinates on the online map. Once the invasive weeds are located weed pulls will be organized.

“Invasive weeds are a serious threat to the ecological health of Martis Valley,” David Welch, president of The Martis Fund, said in a press release. “We appreciate the opportunity to support a great grassroots effort to protect the natural resources of our region.”

Education is a large part of the program. In addition to information on the website the program is providing an invasive weed guidebook and will organize weed walks for community members to familiarize themselves with the invasive species.

The warriors are also concerned about prevention. Many groups such as home owners associations and businesses that are landscaping are unaware of planting non-invasive plants and seeds. The program will be working to put guidelines in place to educate these groups and individuals about desirable plants.

To learn more about the Truckee River Weed Warrior Program please contact Beth Christman at the Truckee River Watershed Council (530) 550.8760.

The Martis Fund supports programs to secure open space, promote habitat restoration, and create workforce housing in the Martis Valley region. It was established in 2006 as a collaborative project of DMB/Highlands Group, Mountain Area Preservation Foundation, and Sierra Watch. For more info, visit www.martisfund.org.