Local Jacksonville residents, Mike and Laurie Thornton, working with the Jacksonville City Council and the Jacksonville Boosters Club are sponsoring a demonstration-site event focusing on the removal of blackberries and other invasive plants. The event will take place on Saturday, July 17, from 8:00-10:00 AM with work on the creek bed across from the Jacksonville Library which has a healthy stand of blackberries.
The Thorntons will demonstrate the methods they have used to eliminate blackberries and other non-native invasive plants from their home on North Oregon Street. Basically, they hand dig out the root systems and use no chemicals, so waterways are protected. They will also provide recommendations on what works best for re-planting and when this should be done.
Jacksonville Boosters volunteers will then tackle the blackberries, following the Thornton’s guidelines. Citizens wanting to learn more about how to eliminate blackberries and other invasive plants on their property are encouraged to drop by anytime during the two-hour event. In addition, information will be available about Firewise and the City’s plans for fuel reduction and a citizen-friendly safety plan, especially as it pertains to wildland fires.