Background

Slender False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) (Photo by False Brome Working Group)

Slender false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) is a new and potentially destructive invasive species present in the Woodside area, the only known location of this weed in California. In Oregon, slender false brome has spread to over 10,000 acres and is a major environmental problem. In both states, slender false brome has been given the highest rating as a Class A Noxious Weed.

A perennial bunch grass originally from Europe, Asia, and North Africa, slender false brome is capable of achieving over 90% ground cover, inhibiting the growth of tree seedlings, and replacing native vegetation.

The District is managing slender false brome in its Thornewood Open Space Preserve; however, large stands exist on surrounding private properties in the Woodside area, and plants have been found as far away as La Honda. Working together with the local community, the District hopes that slender false brome can be eradicated in the Woodside area before it spreads throughout the state, becomes unmanageable, and alters the area’s redwood forests and natural environment.

Reimbursement Program for Slender False Brome Removal

Using grant money, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has established a program to reimburse Woodside area residents who remove slender false brome from their property. The District has hired Slender False Brome Coordinator Ellen Gartside to implement this program and to assist the community in understanding, identifying, and safely removing the weed from their property.

Program Details

For additional information on the reimbursement program, please click the links listed on the right. If you are interested in learning more about slender false brome, believe you have slender false brome on your property or know of another location, want to participate in the reimbursement program or get involved, please contact the District’s Slender False Brome Coordinator Ellen Gartside at 650-691-1200.

In July 2011, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District presented a free public workshop led by Ellen Gartside and Mark Heath, Certified Pest Control Advisor. Several contractors attended the workshop, which covered program details, reasons for slender false brome removal, weed identification, safe and effective removal options, and a question and answer session.