This past weekend we received a report that someone had come in contact with wild parsnip in the Smiths Crossing area. We located an area overgrown with wild parsnip along the sidewalk starting at Creekside Elementary School along O'Keeffe Ave.
Wild parsnip is present in many of our retention pond areas and we actively eradicate this weed once identified. The method we have determined as the best control is the use of a specialty herbicide with selective control of annual and perennial weeds. The herbicide will not effect surrounding trees, grasses, native plants in areas such as natural areas (open space) for example, campgrounds, parks, prairie management, trails and trailheads, recreation areas, wildlife openings and wildlife habitat and management areas.
We are currently posting the locations we find actively growing wild parsnip with folding barricades with signs warning of the presence of wild parsnip and not to enter the area. We have also included a page from the UW Extension office to inform people of wild parsnip. (Page attached). When the weather conditions are favorable for applying the herbicide, we will post our pesticide/ herbicide warning sign and apply the herbicide.
Wild parsnip has been identified and signs posted at the following locations:
- Trail from 19 to Robin
- Bike path from Robin to Hawthorn
- Smiths Crossing Community Gardens
- Smiths Crossing/ Okeeffe/ Creekside Elementary
We will continue providing updates as we locate and eradicate the public health nuisance of wild parsnip. If you know of areas that may have wild parsnip or receive reports of wild parsnip in the city, please forward the information to me. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Scott VanOmmeran
svanommeran@cityofsunprairie.com
City of Sun Prairie
Parks and Forestry Supervisor
(608) 825-0723
WWW.cityofsunprairie.com