TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — This yellow plant covers a dirt lot next to a local elementary school near Alamo Avenue and Lee Street, a distinct smell filling the air. It's called Stinknet and it starts blooming in February and continues through May.
It's invasive in the Sonoran Desert, negatively affecting plants by using up water and nutrients much-needed by endemic species like Saguaros. It also impacts humans, causing respiratory illnesses and contact dermatitis.
"The way to prevent it is sort of early detection and rapid response," Ben Tully, an invasive species outreach education at University of Arizona's Cooperative Extension. "And so when you spot it, just immediately try to get it before it gets out of control. Here in Tucson, we have something called Stinknet.org for people to go and report it if they see it around town."
He and other volunteers are working over the next couple of days on a patch of Stinknet near Alamo Avenue and Lee Street. He said they'll pull as much as they can before experts put down a layer of pesticides.
"Every little bit helps, so just clearing out space and then the herbicide will be more effective if there's less of it," Tully said.
Tully encourages people to pull the Stinknet as soon as they see it.
"Even if you see a little bit, try to get it immediately before it gets out of control," he said.
He hopes more people will volunteer and help pull the invasive plant. For those looking to volunteer, the information and registration link is on the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, which can be found here.
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Tina Giuliano is a reporter for KGUN 9. She is a native Arizonan and grew up in Scottsdale. Tina is passionate about storytelling and is excited to work telling Tucson's stories. Share your story ideas and important issues with Tina by emailing tina.giuliano@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
