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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – It’s once again time for the Lake County Weed Management Area’s annual “Invasive Weeds Tour for 2026.”
This year two tours are being offered: one highlighting weeds of grasslands and oak woodlands and restoration of native wildflowers at the McLaughlin Reserve and the second showcasing aquatic and wetland plants that grow in and around Clear Lake (and efforts to remove invasive species from around the Clear Lake shoreline).
As always, this event is free and open to the public. Organizers hope community members will come out to attend one or both tours.
What is a Weed Management Area (WMA)?
County agricultural commissioners frequently bring together parties with mutual interest in working on invasive weed management projects, and these collectives are referred to as, “Weed Management Areas,” or WMAs.
The tours are as follows.
Friday, April 17, 9 a.m. to noon: Weeds and wildflowers at the McLaughlin Natural Reserve
Join staff from the University of California McLaughlin Reserve to learn how invasive plants, especially annual grasses, have reduced native wildflower displays in Lake County and view areas of the reserve where wildflowers have been restored by removing these invasive species.
They will consider the roles of prescribed fire, cattle grazing, herbicides, mowing, and hand pulling as tools to control weeds and restore wildflowers.
The tour leaders also will share tips for controlling common Lake County weeds such as starthistle, vetch, medusahead and goat grass.
Guests are invited to meet at the McLaughlin Reserve Headquarters, 26775 Morgan Valley Road, to carpool for our field tour, which will involve walking about a quarter mile on gentle terrain.
Friday, May 15, 9 a.m. to noon: Aquatic weed tour at Clear Lake State Park
Join staff from Lake County Land Trust, Lake County Department of Agriculture and the Resource Conservation District as they dive into the world of aquatic plants and wetland weeds of Clear Lake.
Aquatic and wetland plant specimens and examples will be presented to facilitate hands-on learning and education, especially to describe the important role of these communities in Clear Lake.
Participants will have the opportunity to handle plant specimens and sample the marina for seasonal aquatic plants.
The Lake County Agriculture Department will discuss the county’s weed management program, past and present invasive weeds of focus, and a brief overview of the invasive weed rating system.
Parking is free (by the Marina Pavilion, across from the Visitor Center); just inform the front entrance kiosk staff that you are attending the 2026 Weed Tour.
For both tours, please bring hats, sunscreen, lunch or a snack, drinking water, and your questions about plants and the lake.
Please wear sturdy shoes that are free of seeds and mud and bring gloves if you want some hands-on weed removal experience.
Annual Invasive Weed Tours are sponsored by the Lake County Department of Agriculture and the Lake County Weed Management Area. No reservations are required.
Please contact the office of the Lake County Agricultural Commissioner at 707-263-0217 if you have any questions.
