Goathead Warrior Help

On Saturday, July 24, we met at Eastmont County Park to help the Goathead Warrior project! The project's mission is to convert Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and the riverfront trail system into "goathead free zones". No more flat bike tires, limping dog paws, and no more spreading seeds. One of their primary areas of focus is at and around schools and their surrounding neighborhoods.

Today, we focused on the neighborhoods to the north of Eastmont Junior High School, Eastmont High School, and Grant and Kenroy elementary schools.

It's actually pretty easy to remove goatheads:

• Sever the tap root
• Pick up the plant carefully so that the thorns don't fall off
• Put in bag for disposal

Did I go too fast? Do I need to repeat the steps? Of course I don't, you can just scroll back up and read them again! But you do need to repeat the steps, over and over again to help eradicate this noxious weed.

The primary tools are gloves, a shovel, and a 3 mil thick bag.

Goathead Warriors started in our area in 2016 and each year they go back for more. I know you must be thinking they either really love, or hate, this vine. And you're right, they love hating puncture vine! The seeds can lay dormant for up to six years, but if everyone keeps at it, we can reduce and eventually eliminate these from our neighborhoods.

It's always a good to start with a reminder from a passionate Goathead Warrior himself.

Then it was off to remove goatheads!

After two hours, we regrouped for some "fish stories" about the size of the vines we picked up. Here's a group picture of everyone! Of course the identities were hidden to protect us from retaliation from the goathead cartel.

Just kidding, but now you know what happens when you take a group photo from the panorama setting!

After working up an appetite, we were off to Bob's for breakfast and fellowship!

See you all on Tuesday!