The Dirt |

The image discusses shining geranium (Geranium lucidum), a noxious weed in Oregon, its characteristics, impact, and management methods.

December 1, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month December 2025 | Shining Geranium (Geranium lucidum)

Our December Weed of the Month is Shining geranium (Geranium lucidum). A common weed in roadsides and forest understories, this annual plant is known…

Infographic about garlic mustard, detailing its identification, problems caused, and management for infestations.

November 1, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month November 2025 | Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

Our November Weed of the Month is Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Garlic mustard is a biennial plant, meaning it takes at least two years to…

Reed canary grass: invasive, grows up to 8ft, invades wetlands, reduces biodiversity. Managed by shading, mowing, tarping, herbicides.

October 1, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month October 2025 | Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Our October Weed of the month is Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Reed canary grass is common to find along any body of water or where soil…

"False brome is a noxious weed in Oregon. It invades forests. Manage by digging/mowing or herbicide. Benton County CWMA info."

September 2, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month September 2025 | False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum)

Our September Weed of the Month is False brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum). False brome is notorious for invading forest understories and edges. It is a…

Tansy Ragwort is a toxic, invasive weed in Oregon, thriving in sunlit areas. Recommended removal: manual digging and herbicides.

August 1, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month August 2025 | Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)

Tansy ragwort is an invader of upland prairies, pastures, and anywhere in full sun. The leaves are distinctly crinkly and lobed. This species exhibits…

Infographic on poison hemlock: description, dangers, and management tips, by Benton Soil and Water Conservation District.

July 2, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month July 2025 | Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)

Our weed of the month this month is poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). Infamous for being the plant that likely poisoned the Greek philosopher…

A person in a cowboy hat and sunglasses greets a horse at a ranch gate.

June 27, 2025

The Dirt | The Power of Learning by Doing

Science, sustainability, and culture. These are what I have learned make agriculture successful.

Yellow flowers and a bee among green leaves.

June 16, 2025

The Dirt | An Early Detection and Rapid Response Success Story!

Last month on May 10th, I hosted a Weed Watchers Workshop at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Twelve people attended the workshop, and…

"English hawthorn is the Weed of the Month; a noxious shrub in Oregon. Dig up or use herbicide for management. Info by Benton SWCD."

June 2, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month June 2025 | English Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

English hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a shrub or small tree that typically thrives in sunny pastures and partly shaded forest understories. It has…

Poster about oblong spurge (Euphorbia oblongata), a noxious weed needing management, with contact info and images.

May 1, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month May 2025 | Oblong/Eggleaf Spurge (Euphorbia oblongata)

Our weed of the month appears right as its vibrant yellow coloring does. Oblong or eggleaf spurge (Euphorbia oblongata) is a perennial plant that is…

Weed of the Month: Lesser Celandine. Invasive, spreads easily, forms dense mats. Controlled by excavation and herbicides.

April 4, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month April 2025 | Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)

Our weed of the month for April is Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)!

Image of Mountain View Elementary promoting a Sustainable Learning Garden for environmental education and stewardship.

March 11, 2025

The Dirt | Announcing the winners of our 2025 Conservation Education Grants!

Our annual Conservation Education mini-grants provide $500 to projects led by schools and educators throughout Benton County. Here’s a look at this…

Infographic on Herb Robert, a noxious weed, describing its features, problems, and management methods.

March 6, 2025

The Dirt | Weed of the Month March 2025 | Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)

Our weed of the month for March is Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum). This little annual plant goes by a variety of rather fun common names, which…

February 11, 2025

The Dirt | Introducing Weed of the Month! February 2025 | Italian Arum (Arum italicum)

Benton SWCD is excited to introduce our Weed of the Month series. Like other SWCDs, we believe in the importance of highlighting invasive species not…

A person squatting next to a calf in an outdoor rural setting. Black and white photo.

January 31, 2025

The Dirt | Farewell from our outgoing Executive Director, Holly Crosson

I want to extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to everyone I’ve had the good fortune to work with for more than a decade – from staff and…

Trees with moss-covered branches in a forest, under a clear blue sky.

January 22, 2025

The Dirt | Expanding our Oak Outreach

Conserving Oregon white oak habitat has been a focus of Benton SWCD for more than 20 years, with hundreds of acres of habitat enhancement taking place…

A person holding a smartphone while using a laptop, with a focus on their hand and nails. A USB drive is visible on the table.

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