Earth Day 2009 Weed Warriors Pull Garlic Mustard at the Buckaloons Recreation Area - Allegheny Natio

By lori elmquist on Jun 6, 2009

Trained volunteers worked hard on Earth Day 2009 to remove garlic mustard at the Buckaloons Recreation Area on the Allegheny NF.

In an effort to better habitat conditions for native plants at the historic Buckaloons Recreation Area, Ecologist April Moore of the Allegheny NF arranged a 'garlic mustard pull' for volunteers on Earth Day 2009. The 'victim' of the Weed Warriors' battle for the morning was garlic mustard, an invasive plant that readily grows anywhere - wet, dry, sunny or shady. The garlic mustard was threatening two native plant species, bloodroot and white trout lily.

Once pulled, the garlic mustard was bagged and then disposed.

Buckaloons Recreation Area is the site of a famous Indian village at the junction of Brokenstraw Creek and the Allegheny River. The Forest Service takes special care to maintain a quality site that maintains or preserves natural conditions. The garlic mustard that no longer exists in this area will allow native plants a better chance at reproducing and occupying the site.

The Weed Warriors finished off the morning with a picnic luncheon.