Since its founding, the Benton County Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) has had one primary mission: invasive weed management in Benton County by way of partnerships. One of the main ways we continue to achieve this mission is by getting people out into the community and removing invasive species from our natural areas. The Benton CWMA annual Let's Pull Together is just that—an opportunity to spend a few hours helping keep our community invasive species-free!

The 2025 Let's Pull Together happened on Saturday May 17th. We had roughly 40 volunteers across 3 sites working to remove problematic weeds like English ivy, hawthorn, and holly, Sweet cherry, Ox-eye daisy, and more. Volunteers got to connect with not only each other, but also the partner organizations that make this effort possible every year. Benton SWCD would like to extend a huge thank you to Peter Moore and Evan Lasley of Institute for Applied Ecology, Aubrey Cloud of Marys River Watershed Council, Jean Fleming of Greenbelt Land Trust, and Jay Sharpe of Albany Parks & Recreation for hosting volunteers and helping coordinate this year's event. We hope to continue these partnerships in 2026!

Missed Let's Pull Together 2025? Watch the recap video!

A 3-minute video recapping this year's event is available for viewing on Benton SWCD's YouTube channel, Facebook Page, and Instagram! 

Are you an organization interested in hosting volunteers in 2026?

Let's get in touch! Email the Benton CWMA Coordinator at cierra@bentonswcd.org.