Brown Mountain in Tucson Mountain Park before buffelgrass removal.

Brown Mountain after buffelgrass removal.

Invasive Species Awareness

Invasive plant species are increasing their foothold in Arizona with serious consequences for natural resources and regional economies. In April 2005 Governor Napolitano appointed members to the Arizona Invasive Species Advisory Council to develop a consensus vision for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to invasive species management in Arizona. The advisory council identified that the threats of invasive species to Arizona are real and growing, and there is an immediate need for Arizona to move forward with a comprehensive statewide invasive species management plan that involves all stakeholders.  As park systems in Arizona experience growth in open space land management responsibilities; invasive species management has become an important topic of concern.

Pima County is working in partnership with local community groups, state and federal agencies, county and municipal governments, academia and private conservation organizations and concerned citizens to address the threats posed by infestations of buffelgrass and fountain grass.

Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare), a fire-prone grass introduced from the African savannah, has gained a foot-hold in central and southern Arizona. Left uncontrolled, it will irrevocably alter the Sonoran Desert.

Buffelgrass grows in dense stands, crowds out native plants, and can fuel frequent and devastating fires in what has generally been a fireproof desert. Competition for water weakens and kills desert plants, even large trees and cacti, while dense roots and ground shading prevent germination of native seeds. Buffelgrass can kill or exclude native plants by these means alone; wildfires only hasten the process.

You can be are part of the solution.

Recognize the Threat

Learn more about buffelgrass with a visit to www.buffelgrass.org
Schedule a buffelgrass presentation for your group.

Help Your Neighbors

Start by setting a good example by removing invasive grasses from your yard. Then encourage your neighbors and friends to do the same.

Volunteer

Join one of the organized volunteer groups that work to control buffelgrass and fountain grass in parks and environmentally-sensitive public lands. Trained volunteers are available to work with community groups on the
identification, mapping, and removal of invasive grasses.

Know the Invaders - Grow Natives

Not all grasses are bad. There are many varieties of beneficial grasses that belong in the Sonoran Desert.

For information, to schedule a presentation, or to volunteer:
Call 520-615-7855
Email eeducation@pima.gov
Visit www.buffelgrass.org

Brochures and Flyers

Buffelgrass Dead & Gone (PDF)

Buffelgrass Brochure (PDF)

Buffelgrass Brochure en español (PDF)

Weedwackers Brochure (PDF)

Wipe Out Weeds (PDF)