Volunteers stop the spread of invasive garlic mustard in Allegheny National Forest
- by Guest Contributor
- May 9, 2024
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Press release from USDA Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest
Community volunteers helped with the successful removal of invasive plants from the Allegheny National Forest with help, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. On Thursday, April 25, 2024, a group of seven volunteers removed 24 lawn bags full of garlic mustard from the Buckaloons Recreation Area at the forest’s annual garlic mustard pull.
Image: Volunteer, Christina Bingman, displays a portion of the invasive garlic mustard plants removed from the Allegheny National Forest. USDA Forest Service photo by April Moore.
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate) is an invasive plant species native to Europe which was introduced in the 1800s for herbal uses. Garlic mustard is a fast-spreading plant which crowds and outcompetes native species for sunlight, moisture, and vital nutrients.
“Over roughly 20 years, there has been a significant reduction in the amount of garlic mustard and other non-native plants through volunteer efforts at Buckaloons. This area is home to some of Allegheny National Forest’s rarest plants like large toothwort and white trout lily,” said Non-Native Invasive Program Manager, April Moore.
Garlic mustard can be identified by its triangular, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges and white four-petal flowers. It’s best to pull the plant during flowering, before they produce seed. Pull at the base of the plant, removing the entire root. Be sure to bag and dispose of pulled plants, as they will continue to flower and drop seeds after pulled.
For questions about garlic mustard and other invasive species, please contact, April Moore, at april.moore@usda.gov or 814-728-6186.
Want to volunteer in the PA Wilds?
Give back to your community or travel like a local! When you’re exploring the communities and public lands of the Pennsylvania Wilds, look for opportunities to volunteer with local organizations.
Check out the Volunteer in the PA Wilds page here!
You can also read more about other ways that people volunteer in the PA Wilds and read quotes from volunteers at the “The joys of volunteering (and how you can volunteer in the PA Wilds!)” blog.
About the USDA Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest:
Established in 1923, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. Situated on the Allegheny Plateau, the forest is comprised of 514,029 acres in the northwestern corner of the state. The slogan “Land of Many Uses” captures a vision of a healthy, vigorous, working forest that provides timber and wood products, watershed protection, access to underground minerals, ties to cultural history, a diversity of wildlife habitats, and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities — not only today but in a sustainable way so future generations can enjoy these benefits.
