Wildflowers, yes! Garlic mustard, no!

Delaney Gibbs,   volunteer coordinator, says she is delighted to see spring wildflowers in full swing in the forests in our preserves. But she adds, there is an unwelcome plant popping up amidst the posies. “Unfortunately, some of the special plant species are threatened by infestations of a non-native invasive species known as garlic mustard,” she said. “This plant spreads and grows quickly, allowing it to overtake the forest floor and out-compete native species if the area is not properly managed.” (Photo below shows garlic mustard, and how to pull it out by its roots.)

Delaney points out that the Conservancy’s hard-working (and amazing) corps of volunteers is now regularly heading out to the woods for the important task of pulling up garlic mustard plants. She welcomes more volunteers to lend a helping hand (and have fun, too).

Want to join our volunteers to help preserve biodiversity and protect native flora? Visit our website and fill out the volunteer form, or email volunteer@athensconservancy.org.

Below, Delaney shares a few photos of wildflowers you can help protect by volunteering at a garlic mustard removal event this month. Clockwise from top left, they are Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), purple sharp-lobed hepatica flowers (Anenome acutiloba), and two shots of the bloodroot flower (Sanguinaria canadensis).