From the Ground Up: Story Talks Weeds and What’s at Stake
- Mark Caudle
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Last night, the Story community had the privilege of hearing from Walker Billings of Sheridan County Weed and Pest, who gave a powerful and eye-opening presentation on invasive plants at the Story Branch Library. This wasn't just your average talk about weeds—it was an informative and thought-provoking session that opened many eyes to the deeper issues surrounding invasive plant species right here in our own backyard.
Walker started off by breaking down some basics, such as: What exactly is a weed? and What makes a weed “noxious”? He explained the difference between everyday garden nuisances and the kinds of invasive plants that make it onto the county and state noxious weed lists. These aren’t just annoying—these weeds are dangerous to our land, livestock, and economy.
One of the most impactful moments of the evening was when Walker spoke about the economic toll of these invasive species on Wyoming’s ranching industry. The numbers were staggering. If left unchecked, invasive plants could cost the state over $300 million annually, with cheatgrass alone potentially responsible for more than $110 million of that. It’s not just about a few weeds in the field—this is a serious financial threat to Wyoming’s agriculture and economy. For many of us sitting in the room, that was a real “ah-ha” moment.
Walker also gave us a rundown of some of the more common weeds we’re battling here in Story. You may recognize some of them: Morning Glory, Houndstongue, Canada Thistle, and Common Mullein. But it’s not just the usual suspects. Some newer invasive species like Medusahead and Ventenata are beginning to take root, and they’re causing big problems. These aggressive invaders spread fast, outcompete native plants, and disrupt the natural balance of our local ecosystems.
What made this talk even more valuable was Walker’s approach to solutions. He shared practical, science-based methods for weed control that are both effective and tailored to our local conditions. It’s clear that Sheridan County Weed and Pest is not only knowledgeable but also ready to help residents and ranchers fight back against these threats.
If you’re dealing with weeds, unsure of what’s growing on your land, or just want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sheridan County Weed and Pest. They offer a wide range of resources and cost-effective solutions to help manage both weeds and pests. You can contact them at 307-672-3740 or visit their website at scweeds.com.
A big thank you to the Story Branch Library for hosting this event and bringing such valuable education to our community. Events like this help us stay informed, connected, and proactive in protecting our land and way of life here in Story. Let's keep the conversation going and continue learning how we can all play a part in stopping the spread of invasive species.
Share the link—because nobody should be stuck in the weeds alone!
