Unburying the Pond from the Himalayan Blackberry Invasion

Unburying the pond from the Himalayan blackberry invasion has been a huge undertaking. It's taken a lot of teamwork, but it's getting done.

Before the Clearing

Here are some of the before pictures...

Initial Clearing Efforts

After our initial opening of the trail, Zach Nastasiuk stepped in with his masticator. He cleared out all the blackberries and overgrowth his machine could reach. Zach dedicated three solid days to the task before he had to return to his regular contracts.

Zach Nastasiuk with Cliff Richardson

Immediate Results of Zach's Efforts

Zach's hard work had an instantaneous effect. The area changed dramatically right after he finished.

Continued Efforts with the McKenzie Watershed Council

The next set of folks to tackle the invasion was Joseph Ycaza and the McKenzie Watershed Council. They hired Oregon Woods as a donation to our cause. The Oregon Woods crew made significant progress, clearing areas around the entrance, parking lot, and the south side of the pond. They even cleared out the fence line connecting the track to the old cross-country trail to the east.

Astonishing Results

The results of their teamwork are truly amazing. The landscape has transformed for the better, making it a more enjoyable space for everyone.

Myra and I went up to the track to see what it was looking like and by a stroke of fate, happened to run into our board president, Michael Bergmann.

A Gratitude Note

Thank you, Zach, Joseph, the McKenzie Watershed Council, and Oregon Woods crew for all your efforts to bring one of our favorite places back to life!

Your hard work and commitment to this project have made a significant impact. Together, we've made strides toward restoring this area. With continued dedication, we will see even more positive changes in the future.

Remember, every effort counts in the fight against invasive species like the Himalayan blackberry. By staying united and persistent, we can help protect and restore our beautiful landscapes!