Last November, during a walk through Helen Putnam Regional Park, I came across a posted notice announcing the use of Roundup to treat invasive Himalayan blackberry and thistle. Like many residents, I had assumed that glyphosate use in our parks had been significantly curtailed, so seeing that notice raised questions. I posted a photograph and a simple inquiry to Facebook asking what the current policy was and why spraying was still taking place.
The response was immediate and substantial. The post generated 127 comments, along with a number of calls to Sonoma County Parks. Residents expressed concern about the health implications of herbicide use, the ecological impact on surrounding habitat, and the broader direction of land management practices in our region. The spray proceeded as scheduled that week, but the public reaction did not go unnoticed.
To the County’s credit, staff followed up. I received a call acknowledging the concern and explaining that the issue had prompted further review. What has emerged since then is an alternative plan that shifts the approach from chemical treatment to organized, manual removal of invasive species. Rather than relying on herbicide for efficiency, Sonoma County Parks is now hosting volunteer work days to remove invasives by hand and make space for native plants to recover naturally.
This shift illustrates something important about local civic life. Public engagement can influence policy, particularly when it is specific, respectful, and focused on practical outcomes. At the same time, it highlights the trade-offs embedded in environmental decisions. Herbicide is efficient and scalable; manual removal requires time, coordination, and sustained participation. Choosing the latter means accepting the responsibility that comes with it.
Environmental stewardship at the local level is rarely abstract. It involves soil, slopes, tools, and people. If the community advocates for fewer chemicals in public lands, then the community must be prepared to invest effort in the alternatives. Volunteer-based land management is not as fast or as inexpensive as spraying, but it builds ownership, awareness, and shared responsibility for the places we use.
The evolution of this situation—from a posted notice, to public concern, to an adjusted management plan—demonstrates that local government can respond and that residents can influence outcomes. The next chapter depends on whether that initial energy translates into participation. The health of our parks will ultimately reflect not only the policies adopted, but the willingness of neighbors to show up and do the work those policies require.
There are two volunteer days at Helen Putnam, Mar 26 & Apr 11. Parking fees are waived. Wear layers, closed-toe shoes, and bring water.
Sign up here:
https://secure.sonomacountyparks.org/registration/