You put them to work!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leaders are asking members around the world to perform a “Day of Service” to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Church’s welfare program.  In response, the South Herriman Stake worked with United Way of Salt Lake, Jordan River Commission, and Salt Lake County to provide one thousand volunteers for projects along the Jordan River corridor – from the Legacy Nature Preserve in Davis County to Bluffdale on Saturday September 17th. The volunteer effort was focused specifically on removing invasive weeds and native seed spreading.

Clearing out the puncture vine from a particularly infested area.

Projects such as this are critical for Salt Lake County and the Jordan River Commission because invasive weeds grow rapidly and quickly out compete native grasses and plants that provide important habitat and food sources for wildlife living in the river corridor.  Additionally, some invasive species, like puncturevine, have seeds with sharp thorns that can get stuck in the soft paws of pets and puncture bicycle tires. Puncturevine, also known as goatheads, have created a significant barrier to regular use and recreation along the Jordan River Parkway.  The more people using the Parkway for healthy activities and recreation, the less inviting the corridor will be for those interested in crime or inappropriate behavior.  This volunteer effort marks the beginning of a multi-year regional campaign to eradicate puncturevine from the Jordan River Parkway.

Spreading grass seed in areas cleared of weeds or otherwise disturbed.

About 90 of the nearly 1,000 trash bags filled with weeds at various sites along the Parkway today.

Another 90 bags filled with invasive species in Bluffdale.