Native Plants and Invasive Speices

How You Can Help Protect West Linn’s Natural Areas

Invasive plants may seem harmless at first, but they can quickly take over parks, forests, and streambanks—damaging the places we love and depend on. These fast-growing species crowd out native plants, reduce wildlife habitat, increase wildfire risk, and even harm water quality by causing erosion and stream heating.

But the good news? You can make a difference!

Why It Matters

Healthy natural areas aren’t just beautiful—they support clean water, cooler neighborhoods, and thriving wildlife. Native birds, pollinators, and fish all rely on native plants for food, shelter, and survival. When invasive plants take over, those important connections break down harming the balance of the ecosystem. 

By taking simple actions at home and in your neighborhood, you help protect the ecological health of our community—and keep West Linn’s natural spaces resilient for future generations.

Every Action Counts!

Even small steps—like planting a native flower bed or removing ivy from a single tree—can have a big impact. Together, we can protect the natural beauty, biodiversity, and resilience of West Linn’s parks, trails, and waterways.

What You Can Do?

• Volunteer in our Parks!
  Join a habitat restoration or invasive removal event in West Linn. It’s a great way to meet neighbors and give back to nature. Find one of our upcoming work partie and help out
  •  Volunteer with Parks and Recreation | City of West Linn Oregon Official Website

• Plant Native Species
  Native trees, shrubs, and flowers support local wildlife, stabilize soil, and require less water and maintenance. They’re the foundation of healthy ecosystems.
  • Find native species to plant at you home using this resource and programs
    • Native plants for Willamette Valley yards booklet | Metro
    • Backyard Habitat Certification Program - Backyard Habitats
• Remove Invasive Plants
  Pull or cut common invasives like English ivy, clematis, and Himalayan blackberry from your yard—or volunteer in a local park to help restore shared green spaces.      
  • Learn how techniques for invasive identification and removal at
    •  WeedWise – Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District

• Prepare Your Landscape for Wildfire
  Create defensible space by removing ladder fuels like ivy or dead branches, spacing trees and shrubs appropriately, and using fire-resistant native plants near your home. This helps protect your property and your neighborhood.
  • Wildfire PREPAREDNESS | Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue

• Learn and Share
  Help others recognize invasive plants and understand why native plants matter. Change starts with awareness!