Garlic Mustard Follow Up
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