Garlic Mustard Pull Scheduled

Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant that was brought over to the United States by European settlers as an herb. Unfortunately, with none of its native competitors present, garlic mustard has spread virtually unchecked across the county and can be found in over thirty states as well as parts of Canada. Not only do these invasive weeds choke out native wildflowers, out-competing them for space and sunlight, but they also excrete chemicals through their roots further preventing wildflower growth. Sapling growth is similarly limited by monocultures of garlic mustard.

Garlic mustard, and other invasive species, poses a serious threat to the biodiversity and overall quality of beloved natural areas. Everyone should learn to identify and control garlic mustard and help us prevent its spread in Mahaska County.

Please volunteer and join us at the Garlic Mustard Pull on Tuesday, April 19 at 5:30 pm. We will be pulling garlic mustard along the bike trail. Meet at the city lot at the intersection of Suffolk Road and Third Ave West (tree dump) in Oskaloosa. Heavy plastic bags will be furnished.

Please dress appropriately for working in a potentially muddy area. We expect that ticks will be active this time of year, so wear long pants, long sleeves and close-toed shoes. Do NOT wear shorts. Work gloves are highly recommended. There are no bathrooms or water. Please plan accordingly.

If you have any questions, please contact Pam White at 673-3508 or email her at pam-white@usa.net . Rain date will be Wednesday, April 20.

EVERY HAND COUNTS! Please pull garlic mustard whenever you see it this season. Disposal is an important step in making sure garlic mustard roots don’t re-root and seeds can’t spread. Ordinary means of yard waste disposal (i.e. composting, paper yard waste bags, etc.) will not prevent garlic mustard’s spread. Put pulled garlic mustard into plastic garbage bags and dispose of bags to landfill or curbside trash pick-up.