The second workshop in Moab Community Garden’s series promoting helpful garden skills will be held on May 8 with biologist Ashley Kumburis, who serves as the steward of the Our Village Community Garden. Kumburis will be examining the interesting histories, uses and weaknesses of common weeds in your garden.
Moab Community Gardens, known as MoCom Gardens, provides space for local gardeners and promotes building skills and community around local agriculture.
MoCom Gardens is a project of the Resiliency Hub, a Moab nonprofit with goals that include modeling healthy stewardship. Resiliency Hub received funding from the City of Moab 2021 Grant Program to support the gardens project and to host a series of free, outdoors gardening workshops in 2021.
The weed identification workshop will be held on Saturday, May 8 at 9 a.m. with light snacks provided by Moonflower Community Cooperative. The group will meet at Rotary Park (680 Mill Creek Road, Moab) before moving into the Mulberry Grove neighborhood.
“We’re going to talk about identifying common weeds and about different methods to control weeds on your property with hands-on demonstrations,” said Kumburis.
Kumburis has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in public land management, both of which inform her work with the National Parks Service.
“I just love IDing different plants and what they can be used for,” she said. She said that her favorite regional weed to talk about with groups is the Southwest icon, the tumbleweed.
“Everyone thinks tumbleweeds are native because they are so iconic but actually it’s a really invasive species,” said Kumburis. Tumbleweeds are actually native to the Russian steppe, she said, and were introduced in North America stuck on clothing or shipped on burlap sacks.
“Now it’s found in every state,” she said.
“The history of that one makes it so interesting,” said Kumburis. “When we’re doing talks about weeds and people find out it’s an invasive, I love seeing how surprised they are.”
Those interested in more fascinating information about the history, uses and ways to control local weeds but who can’t attend the workshop can contact Kumburis for a hand-out she’s created to accompany her talk.
“I’m the kind of person who finds it hard to remember things at talks,” she said, “so I’m happy to offer something people can take home. She can be reached at akumburis@gmail.com
For more information about the gardens and upcoming workshops, watch the Moab Community Gardens Facebook page or email mocomgardens@gmail.com.
Event Info
What: Weed Management Workshop
When: Saturday, May 8 at 9 a.m.
Where: Meet at Rotary Park (680 Mill Creek Road, Moab)
For more info, go to Moab Community Gardens Facebook page or email mocomgardens@gmail.com.
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