Native Landscape Restoration
Wilson Ranch is home to hundreds of native species of the Methow Valley. As a community, we strive to both maintain the beautiful natural setting and also preserve the diversity of our local shrub-steppe ecosystem. Residents are strongly encouraged to plant native plant and tree species that are drought and fire resistant. A helpful list of native plants that thrive in the Methow Valley is linked below.
Another essential aspect of maintaining our native landscape is consistent noxious and invasive weed removal. Here you will find helpful documents for landscaping ideas, native plant lists, and weed identification.
Here is a helpful excerpt from the Methow Conservancy Weed Guide:
“Weeds. Some people say they are the single biggest threat to existing shrub-steppe habitat and successful land restoration. But what is a “weed” anyway? A simple answer might be “any plant that is growing where it’s not wanted.” Does that mean it’s bad? Not necessarily, in fact many weeds are edible, used medicinally and/or are sought after plants by native pollinators and honey bees. Additionally, some truly native plants can behave in a “weedy” manner. So, what’s the big fuss? The real issue is with “noxious” or “invasive” weeds. “Noxious weed” is the formal, legal term for invasive, non-native plants that are so aggressive and difficult to control that they harm our local ecosystems or disrupt agricultural production. These plants can out-compete native plants for sunlight, nutrients, and space; reduce habitat for wild and domestic animals; spoil rangelands and decrease agricultural production; poison animals; increase wild-fire risk; and reduce recreational, scenic and property values. So while some weeds (and even natives) may be annoying (or “obnoxious”), noxious weeds are a genuine threat to our natural resources, ecology, scenery and even economy, and in many cases landowners are required under state law to control certain noxious weeds on their own property.”
The Weed Guide is a helpful tool in identifying weeds. Please check out the website for more information:
https://methowconservancy.org/weed-guide
Here are some documents to help you find the right plants for your landscaping project:
Please contact the DRC or management if you have any landscaping questions. DRC approval is required before any project can begin. If approved landscaping activities will be occurring near your home (tree removal, new plantings, weeding, or other landscaping projects), management will provide 48-hours notice to homeowners whenever possible. Last minute issues that may shorten or prevent this notice may be: weather changes, illness, or unexpected equipment failure.