Crews are out and about this week, particularly along Oak Creek, as they begin work on invasive plant removal.

Thanks to a grant from the Walton Family Foundation and a coordinated effort from a number of area agencies, nonprofits and private land owners, the Friends of the Verde River Greenway began work on habitat improvements along waterways in the area.

The organization is currently focused on Oak Creek and Sedona, and is making its way to Cornville and Page Springs, where members are working with a homeowners association along Oak Creek and the Page Springs Fish Hatchery.

Community Outreach Coordinator Laura Jones said the Friends of the Verde River Greenway, operating in partnership with the Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition, focuses on the removal of invasive plants on private property and public lands.

“The coalition was formed to help look at the issue of invasive species,” Jones said.

The group is targeting four species in particular located along the Verde River and its tributaries, she said. Those four plant species are Arundo, known as the “giant reed,” the tree of heaven or paradise tree, Russian olive and tamarisk.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Oct. 24, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.