Hurray for Habitat Heroes

Since 2022, the Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) has partnered with the Habitat Heroes program, which empowers volunteers to manage invasive weeds on lands that they care about. Organized through the Jackson Hole Weed Management Association (JHWMA), Habitat Heroes groups have become dedicated stewards of landscapes across the region.

For the past two years, JHLT has hosted a Habitat Heroes training at R Park, bringing together community members and partner organizations for hands-on learning. Led by knowledgeable JHWMA coordinators, this event teaches volunteers how to identify invasive plants, apply science-backed removal techniques, and develop long-term weed management strategies. These trainings equip volunteers to manage existing sites and take initiative, organizing their own groups and expanding stewardship throughout the valley.

R Park, a natural community open space managed by the JHLT, is home to several common invasive species, including musk thistle, oxeye daisy, and houndstongue. During training each year, participants learn that houndstongue—a biannual plant notorious for its burrs that cling to wildlife, pets, and clothing—requires a targeted approach. In its first year, houndstongue appears as a low-growing rosette; by its second year, it flowers and sets seed. Spraying flowering plants is ineffective, so early removal of rosettes by digging is critical to preventing future spread. These kinds of insights are key to successfully managing infestations and protecting the ecological health of the Greater Yellowstone region.

Last year’s volunteers got their hands dirty practicing these skills, and the results were impressive. They filled two large tarps with invasive plants pulled by hand, a clear sign of both impact and enthusiasm!

The JHLT is proud to host Habitat Heroes at R Park, where accessibility and natural beauty make it an ideal setting for education, collaboration, and community action. Together, we are building a more resilient landscape—one weed at a time. Join the JHLT and JHWMA on Friday, June 6, from 2-4 pm at R Park for the 2025 Habitat Heroes training to dig in and connect with others who share your passion for protecting native landscapes. Learn more at https://www.tcweed.org/programs/outreach-education/volunteer#Volunteer-Request.