Some non-native plants cause problems, but there are ways to manage them.

South Whidbey Tilth will hold a workshop on the topic from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 21, on the organization’s land on Thompson Road and Highway 525.

There will be a classroom session followed by a chance to see various invasive plants and learn hands-on methods to safely and effectively remove them, specifically those that do not involve the use of commonly used environmentally harmful chemicals.

Tilth’s own chief weed control person, J.C. May, will share personal tips, answer questions and demonstrate how he controls non-native plant species on Tilth’s 10-acre land, such as Himalayan blackberry, Scots-broom, Canadian thistle, yellow tansy, English ivy and holly and poison hemlock.

These plants can be harmful in a number of ways. Some grow so aggressively that they can crowd out the native landscape that provides food as well as nesting places and habitat for wildlife. Some can take over pastures, and yellow tansy is toxic to domestic grazing livestock. Ivy can choke and kill trees. Most are on the county’s noxious weed list, requiring landowner control.

For details, call Tilth Education Coordinator Mike Seraphinoff at 360-544-2278. Cost is $10 or free to Tilth members.