Pulling out the stops on Garlic Mustard

OFAH FILE: 842
May 6, 2014
INVITATION TO ALL MEDIA

Pulling out the stops on Garlic Mustard
OFAH and volunteers tackle invasive plant infestation at Ken Reid Conservation Area

For the sixth year in a row, staff and volunteers with the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP), the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) and Kawartha Conservation will once again work together to rid Ken Reid Conservation Area in Lindsay of the highly invasive Garlic Mustard plant.

In the past five years, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) has led a group of volunteers in the removal of more than 5,000 pounds of the invasive plant from the conservation area.

Garlic Mustard was initially brought to North America from Europe in the 1800s. It has the ability to grow in a wide range of sunny and fully shaded habitats, including undisturbed forest, forest edges, riverbanks and roadsides.

“Garlic Mustard can outcompete native woodland plants like Trilliums and create dense patches that prevent any other plants from growing,” explained Emily Johnston, OFAH Terrestrial Invasive Species Outreach Liaison. “It also changes the soil chemistry so that nothing else can grow in the area and it can become the dominant plant on the forest floor within just five years.”

Join us Friday, May 16 at 9 a.m. at Ken Reid Conservation Area to help combat this invasive species. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Emily Johnston if interested in participating in this event. The Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN) funds this project.