The Dirt |

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

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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