Agricultural properties are very common in the Pacific Northwest and they can vary from smaller acreages with smaller paddocks to medium sized pastures and also vast fields. Native field grasses in the Pacific Northwest and hardy, fast growing and adaptable. Not only do native grasses make for essential grazing of stock and horses, they also are commonly used for hay in the summer months, stocking up for use during the winter months when the native grasses are dormant. Just as important is that healthy field grasses provide a competitive groundcover against invasive species that may seek to take a foothold and crowd out vast areas of property. Western Washington is home to many native and invasive species of brush, including Scotch Broom, Himalayan Blackberry, Salmonberry, soapberry in addition to native aggressive tree species including Alder and Cottonwood. A healthy field grass mix, when correctly maintained can also help protect sloped...

Description Native to Asia, the Himalayan blackberry is an evergreen shrub with canes covered in thorns and berries that are edible for humans. It can grow in a variety of environments and often is found along roadsides, riverbanks, parks, and other disturbed areas. Himalayan blackberry shades out smaller, native species, reducing native plant and wildlife diversity. Its extensive stands can decrease usable pasture, limit animals’ access to water, and trap young livestock. Blackberry fruit can be a food source to invasive birds and mammals such as European starlings and rats. The Himalayan Blackberry was accidently released from an experimental nursery in 1885, where it quickly spread from California to Alaska. In Washington State, the Himalayan Blackberry is considered an aggressive invasive species and is a nuisance to many Washington State homeowners. It can rapidly spread through vegetative reproduction by rooting stems and fragments, produce large quantities of seeds dispersed by...