LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Weed Management Area has announced its annual “Invasive Weeds Tour for 2025.”

This year they are offering two tours on consecutive days; one showcasing aquatic and wetland plants that grow in and around Clear Lake (and efforts to remove invasive species from around the Clear Lake shoreline), and the second highlighting weeds of grasslands and oak woodlands and restoration of native wildflowers at the McLaughlin Reserve.

As always, this event is freeopen to the public.

The tours are as follows.

Thursday May 8, 9 a.m. to noon: Aquatic Weed Tour at Clear Lake State Park.

Join staff from Lake County’s Land Trust and Resource Conservation District as they dive into the world of aquatic plants and wetland weeds of Clear Lake and the broader county.

Aquatic and wetland plant specimens and examples will be presented to facilitate hands-on learning and education.

With partnership from Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance and Big Valley Rancheria, attendees will learn about recent invasive plant management efforts around the lake, including at the State Park.

Outreach materials and display tables will provide an opportunity to dig deeper. Parking is free (by the Marina Pavilion, across from the Visitor Center); just inform the front entrance kiosk staff that you are attending the 2025 Weed Tour.

Friday May 9, 9 a.m. to noon. Weeds and Wildflowers at the McLaughlin Natural Reserve

Join staff from the University of California’s McLaughlin Natural Reserve to learn how invasive plants, especially annual grasses, have reduced native wildflower displays in Lake County.

On this tour, they will view areas of the reserve where wildflowers have been restored by removing invasive species. Prescribed fire, cattle grazing, herbicides, mowing and hand pulling are all tools to control weeds and restore wildflowers.

They are expecting robust wildflower displays in May this year, so bring your camera. 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.

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.

The annual invasive weed tours are sponsored by the Lake County Department of Agriculture and the Lake County Resource Conservation District.

No reservations are required. Please contact the Office of the County Agricultural Commissioner at 707-263-0217 if you have any questions.

What is a Weed Management Area?

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.