Isn’t it amazing how fast weeds grow and where they pop up?  You work like crazy to get regular plants to grow, yet I’ve seen weeds growing in between freeway lanes!A group dedicated to eradicating invasive plants is the Carlsbad Watershed Network and recently they honored local organizations and citizens for helping to get rid of plants that damage our fragile environment.A garden variety weed interferes with the how you manage a particular area.  However, an invasive weed can have significant impact on the environment.  Don’t let a weed’s pretty flowers fool you.  Along with the flower comes an intruder that can crowd out native plants, harm animal habitat and increase erosion.On July 21, those recognized by the Carlsbad Watershed Network included Tom Palenscar who eradicated a 3,000 sq. foot area of arundo from his backyard, the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, Invitrogen, Four Season’s Resort, Waste Management, the City of Oceanside and the Vista Conservancy. A special salute to everyone involved for “pulling together.” 

from left to right: Kim Thorner, Asst. GM Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Sue Varty VP BOD Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Dave Robertson VP Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, Jerry Hittleman, Dir Planning, City of Oceanside, Doug Gibson, Project Manager Carlsbad Watershed Network Invasive Plant Control Project, Dennis Merchant Manager Waste Management, Aaron Byzak Senator Bill Morrow's office, Tom Palenscar, Carlsbad resident, Maggie Houlihan, Council Member City of Encinitas, Tanya Wolters Assembly Member Mark Wyland's office, Caroline Smith Supervisor Bill Horn's office and Lisa Peterson, Invitrogen, Community Relations Manager