COOLIDGE, Ariz. (AP) — It literally stinks that visitors to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in south-central Arizona might not be able to use the attraction’s picnic area until May.
Monument officials announced Wednesday that the picnic area will be closed from March 28 through April 30 due to the density of an invasive and noxious winter weed called stinknet that can grow more than 2 feet (0.6 meters) tall.
The weed has a turpentine-like odor and can cause serious breathing problems as well as severe skin rashes.
Stinknet has bright yellow blossoms on narrow green stems. The blossoms are round and similar to the shape of golf balls, right down to the dimpled pattern.
Arizona Native Plant Society officials said stinknet explosively spread in Maricopa County during the wet fall and winter seasons of 2016, 2018 and 2019.
That led to heavy infestations on the north fringes of Phoenix and Scottsdale along with rapid movement southward to Casa Grande.
Yvette Fielding says her Most Haunted co
Lewis Hamilton will begin his Ferrari career at the Australian Grand Prix next year
Grand National Festival horse Giovinco dies after falling mid
I visited the most crowded island on Earth
BBC announce Tom Hiddleston is set to return to The Night Manager for two more series
Fans slam 'JOKE' of a penalty given to Bukayo Saka in footage of the Arsenal star winning a spot
ULTIMATE GRAND NATIONAL GUIDE: Mail Sport's expert gives his verdict on all 34 runners
Analysis: Larson enters conversation with Verstappen as best drivers in the world
In Pictures: Rare celestial event totally eclipsed by thick cloud in Hong Kong
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
Man United are 'playing like a small club', blasts Roy Keane after their 2