GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – The fifth annual Purge the Spurge event, now underway through June 3, 2016, invites Garfield County residents to pull two highly invasive noxious weeds – myrtle and cypress spurge. In exchange, they will receive non-invasive landscape or garden plants. Both types of spurge are non-native to this area, and were originally imported as ornamental garden plants. They readily escape the confines of gardens or lawns and invade areas of native vegetation. Residents are asked to bag spurge plants and to contact one of these agencies: Garfield County Vegetation Management, 970-945-1377, ext. 4305; Colorado State University Extension,

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Residents of Garfield County can help purge two highly invasive non-native weeds, the myrtle and cypress spurge. Garfield County Vegetation Management is running a program until June 5 which rewards landowners who remove these toxic weeds with vouchers for new, non-invasive plants. During the event, residents can exchange a 30-gallon garbage bag of myrtle and cypress spurge for a complimentary $20 voucher redeemable at Mountain Valley Greenhouse in Glenwood Springs. Residents may use the voucher to purchase native Colorado plants. Once the weeds have been collected, residents can contact any of the sponsors below to receive

Garfield County, CO – A toxic weed in Garfield County has spread from landscaped gardens into native areas, including range and pastures. Myrtle spurge is very dangerous; the most common victims are children who unassumingly pick its flowers. Spurge has a white sap that can cause severe skin irritation. A program May 19 through June 5 will reward landowners who remove the toxic weeds with vouchers for fresh, non-invasive plants. The spurge was originally introduced locally as an ornamental plant for landscaping. Garfield County property owners are asked to exercise caution when they pull these invasive weeds. Myrtle spurge is