The Pima Association of Governments is looking for volunteers to help dig out invasive buffelgrass Feb. 7, according to a news release.
Beat Back Buffelgrass is the second annual coordinated effort by PAG to raise awareness and pull as much of the invasive species as possible.
The grass has spread so widely in southern Arizona that the Sonoran Desert is at risk, said Dennis Dickerson, PAG’s environmental planning coordinator.
“This invasive weed will, if left unchecked, destroy the desert,” Dickerson said.
Buffelgrass is an African native imported to the United States in the 1930s as cattle forage. It has grown out of control in the Sonoran Desert, choking out native plants and raising the risk of fire in areas that have little defense against flames.
Last year’s effort drew more than 200 volunteers who pulled out more than 4,000 plants in several spots across the metro area.
To volunteer, go to www.pagnet.org and look for the link halfway down the page.
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On the Web
Pima Association of Governments: www.pagnet.org
Buffelgrass Information Center: www.buffelgrass.org