Friends of Proud Lake & Proud Lake Trail Riders Association
Garlic Mustard Pull
4/20/08
Follow-up

Through the organization efforts of Dee Pasquantonio, 12 Volunteers
gathered at the Powers Unit on April 20 to celebrate Earth Day by
pulling the invasive Garlic Mustard plant. Volunteers worked from 10:00
am to 12:30 pm and filled seven large trash bags with the rapidly
spreading invasive. At 12:30 the volunteers enjoyed lunch together
which was graciously prepared by Gene Pasquantonio. Thanks to those who
volunteered on Sunday and especially to Dee and Gene for their
organizational efforts. This effort will make a difference in the
beauty of our Park.

Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant that we’re trying to eradicate in
the Park. It invades woodland habitats in North America and impacts
forest biodiversity. In some woodland areas, dense stands of garlic
mustard in the spring threaten showy spring blooming ephemerals like
spring beauty, trilliums, and trout lilies. Other research points
toward potentially negative impacts on timber species and forest health.
Many land managers consider it to be one of the most potentially
harmful and difficult to control invasive plants in the region. Garlic
mustard has a shallow root system and is very easy to pull out.
However, due to it’s invasive nature and spread, it is going to be a 5
year commitment to get this plant under control. For more information
on garlic mustard, visit: http://imp.mus.edu/harlicmustard.htm

Wendy Wawrzyniak
Parks & Recreation Ranger A
Proud Lake Recreation Area
3500 Wixom Road
Commerce Township, MI 48382
(248) 685-2433 Telephone
(248) 684-1462 Fax
wawrzynw@michigan.gov

A Friends Group is a volunteer organization established to assist the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources in preserving and protecting
the natural, cultural and historical features of the Park. The Friends
also aid in providing educational and recreational opportunities for
Park visitors. The Friends Group is a compilation of visitors and user
groups - not one person. There has been misinformation recently
distributed in regards to the disbandment of the Proud Lake Friends
Group as well as improprieties of the Proud Lake Staff. A disgruntled
former “Friend” sent out this information. The facts are that the
Proud Lake Friends Group is alive and active; Proud Lake Staff has
always acted professionally, with the policy and procedures set forth by
the DNR and in the best interest of the Park’s natural resources and
user interests. Paperwork is currently being completed (and will be
filed within a week) to make the Friends of Proud Lake a registered
not-for-profit organization. A new Friends website is posted at
www.FriendsOfProudLake.org.

The Proud Lake Friends Group is comprised of many good-hearted people.
We have enjoyed the fellowship of those who have participated in
previous Group activities. We appreciate your positive participation
and contributions and look forward to future events, the growth of the
Group and the positive experiences in the Park. The Tuesday Evening
Hikes will continue on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.
Additional activities are being planned and will be posted on the
website as well as emailed to the group list. We thank you for your
support and encourage your continued participation in the Friends Group
at Proud Lake.

Wendy Wawrzyniak
Parks & Recreation Ranger A
Proud Lake Recreation Area
3500 Wixom Road
Commerce Township, MI 48382
(248) 685-2433 Telephone
(248) 684-1462 Fax
wawrzynw@michigan.gov

Just a reminder that we have a Hike this evening at 7:00. Meet at the River Hawk Annex. Ranger Steve Paulson will be leading the Hike. There will also be a fire and refreshements. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Wendy Wawrzyniak
Parks & Recreation Ranger A
Proud Lake Recreation Area