Invasive Russian olives trees removed, put to good use
By Shannon Mullane Durango and Pine River Valley reporter
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020
Long battle against invasive plant continues at Juniper School
Mountain Studies Institute has turned its latest effort to combat the invasive Russian olive plant into an educational opportunity and a way to help people in need.
Southwest Colorado organizations, like the institute, have been combating the nonnative plant for years. That effort continued Saturday with the removal Russian olive plants from The Juniper School property in Bodo Industrial Park. Chainsaws buzzed as Southwestern Conservation Corps crew members felled the silver-leafed trees on the property.
“This is a great educational outreach opportunity,” said Jennie Humphrey, SCC crew leader. “I see so many Russian olives planted around businesses. Hopefully, this will start some momentum of getting those removed.”
About 10 feet from her, close to the wall of The Juniper School, a small Russian olive plant was sprouting. The crew planned to remove about 10 large trees and a row of smaller saplings during the two-day project.
Russian olive plants, with silvery leaves and olive-shaped fruit, can reach up to 30 feet in height with branches bearing 1- to 2-inch thorns. READ MORE.
