Currently, our primary concern is the spread of Garlic Mustard, one of the most destructive invasive plant species in the state today. A plant introduced from Europe, garlic mustard is self-fertile and is very difficult to eradicate once it is established in an area. It spreads rapidly and unfortunately, displaces native or other desired plants in a relatively short period of time. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds which can be spread by wildlife, humans, water, or other means. Most Garlic Mustard infestations can be removed by simply pulling the shallow rooted plant out of the ground and placing it in trash bags for disposal.
We invite volunteers of all ages to participate in this project. Our ultimate goal is to map infested areas and get volunteers to adopt specific roads or areas. It will be a multi-year effort until existing seed is no longer viable.
PLEASE join in this worthwhile project by contacting Rick Findlay for details at ricfin@comcast.net or 978-486-4031.
Now is the time to pull garlic mustard to prevent it from spreading around town. If you see it on trails or on your roadside, please pull it and let Rick know where it was located.
Seeds last for many years. If seeds have formed, pulled plants should be put in black plastic bags and left in the sun for a couple of weeks. Late in the season, pulled plants left in the woods can still develop seeds.
With your HELP, we can defeat this menace.
Thank you for your assistance,
Jim O’Neil
Director of Land Stewardship
Littleton Conservation Trust
