Volunteer work at Kohler-Andrae State Park

Nearly every corner of the globe is impacted both economically and environmentally by invasive exotic plants. On occasion, plants introduced into a new area become invasive by flourishing and replacing native vegetation. Garlic mustard is a European plant most likely introduced to this area by early settlers for use in cooking and its supposed medicinal properties.

This invasive plant species has begun to take root at Kohler-Andrae State Park. It has become very widespread throughout the family campground. As the snow melts and the temperatures rise above 35 degrees, the garlic mustard plant begins to emerge. This biennial herb ranges from 12 to 48 inches in height and is the only plant of this height in the park woods with white flowers in May. Garlic mustard spreads rapidly and is displacing the native woodland wildflowers in Wisconsin.

Since 2004, park volunteers have helped to remove garlic mustard from the campground on National Trails Day. In the following days and months, volunteers continued with the removal effort. Park personnel are hoping volunteers will again be interested in helping rid the park of this invasive weed.

Additional information regarding garlic mustard can be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources website (www.dnr.state. wi.us//invasives).

Please consider becoming a volunteer at Kohler-Andrae to help remove garlic mustard. Individual or group efforts are welcome. For additional information, contact Kelli Bruns at 920-451-4088 or Kelli.Bruns@wisconsin.gov.