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VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY
Activity Leaders – Ron Boyer & Liz McDowell, Friends of New Germany State Park
Garlic mustard, an invasive plant from Europe, spreads quickly in forested areas displacing native plants and disrupting ecosystems. It secretes a chemical that inhibits the growth of other plant species. This chemical also destroys the soil fungi that many native trees need for germination and growth. Without these mycorrhizal fungi healthy forests are lost along with the ecosystems they support!
In addition, garlic mustard harms the West Virginia white butterfly. Declining populations of this rare butterfly are attributed to adults selecting garlic mustard on which to lay their eggs when native toothwort, its host plant is in short supply. When West Virginia white caterpillars eat garlic mustard they die.
Volunteers are needed to remove this exotic invasive plant. Meet at the Lake House. Please bring your own water bottle, tick spray, & sunscreen.
In case of rain this activity will be cancelled.
The public is welcome to attend.
No registration.
©Maryland Native Plant Society PO Box 4877, Silver Spring, MD 20914MNPS is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in Maryland.
