Garlic Mustard- Damaging Native Plant life in the Karst
Although it may look pretty with bright green leave, white flours, a garlic smell and taste this plant is an invasive weed that displaces native wildflowers, disturbs the soil chemistry, and suppresses the growth of native tree seedlings. Garlic mustard quickly spreads out of control and covers large areas, damaging native plant life. They are easy to spot in mid-to-late May with their prolific white blooms along roadsides, in parks, and on residential properties. The Friends of the Eramosa Karst are working with the HCA to help the effort to protect and preserve our forests and natural areas by pulling these plants in designated test areas.

Eramosa Karst -Test Plots:
On June 1 2009 three test areas were established in the Eramosa Karst to see if non chemical controls can be effective. In one area the garlic mustard was pulled out prior to turning to seed. In a second area the garlic mustard was pulled out and will be covered by landscape cloth and mulch. And in the third area there appears to be less garlic mustard and high amount of May Apple plants. The remaining garlic mustard will be removed from that area and other plants left undisturbed. We will be continuing to pull plants from the first area and then making observations in the other 2 areas. This study will need to continue for a number of years since the seeds that already in the soil can lay dormant for seven years (or more).

As we were pulling plants out from the root we did find a few small maple seedlings and other plants that were able to grow this year. It will be interesting to watch and see how the other plants respond to our efforts.

Karst wages battle against "pecky plant's" chemical warfare.
Garlic Mustard invasive species growing in Karst.
June 5 2009 Stoney Creek News

Royal Botanical Gardens - Classroom Simulation
Grade 4 and up
GARLIC MUSTARD INVASION:
A Simulation of an Invasive Species in Forest Ecosystems

http://www.rbg.ca/e_connections/garlicmustard.html

Biodiversity Education & Awarness Council
How to Remove Garlic Mustard and Educational Activities:
http://www.biodiversityeducation.ca/index.php/garlic_mustard


For more information see:
Hamilton Conservation -Garlic Mustard coming to a woodlot near you.
http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/corporate/news/3215_795.asp

Biodiversity Education and Awareness Council -Garlic Mustard Events
http://www.biodiversityeducation.ca/bean/ibd_events.php/garlic_mustard_events


Royal Botanical Gardens - Invasive Species (Grade 4 simulation)
http://www.rbg.ca/e_connections/exotic.html


The Nature Conservancy of Canada
Garlic Mustard What is it? Why is it a problem?
http://www.natureconservancy.ca/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=10199&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=on_ncc_

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs
Problem weed of the month Garlic Mustard
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/hortmatt/2005/10hrt05a4.htm


Stewardship Network of Ontario - Garlic Mustard Research
http://www.stewardshipcentre.on.ca/index.php/science_r_&_d