S.W.A.M.P. Project - "Strange Waterweeds Are Making Problems"
The SWAMP Project is an educational program designed to reach both the general public and select groups of citizens. The goal is to bring awareness of non-native aquatic plants and their impacts to the attention of the general public to prevent future infestations from occurring here.
Whatcom County has not yet detected many of our worst feared exotic aquatic plants. However, Whatcom County is forever open to the threat of species from Canada, where regulations differ from those in Washington. Other western Washington counties to the south are struggling with infestations of Brazilian elodea, Eurasian watermilfoil, parrotfeather milfoil, hydrilla, water primrose, purple loosestrife and garden loosestrife. With the recent discovery of a very rare noxious weed, yellow floating heart, in a storm retention pond in Bellingham, it is clear that non-native aquatic plants used for aquariums and backyard pond gardening are being released “into the wild” with potentially disastrous results. The SWAMP Project raises awareness of the potential invasion and damage caused by aquatic exotic plants.
Lucy Loosestrife, a mascot character, is available and making appearances at various local fairs and public events.  She helps demonstrate the noxious nature of many pretty plants.
There will be an ongoing series of workshops throughout the county and participants will receive training and a laminated pocket card identification guide. Training is done to inform as many people as possible to the identification of potential invaders, encourage further inquiries and reporting, and alert the public to the dangers in purchasing and, subsequently, releasing these plants "into the wild". The workshops are open to the public. Please contact the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board at 354-3990 if you would like to attend a workshop.
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