The Garlic Mustard Control Patrol.  Norfolk Sunrise Rotarians gathered at Lions Park on Saturday May 30, 2020 to pull an invasive weed species that is quickly gaining dominance on the Norfolk Sunrise Trail. We split into 3 work crews, with 5 people per crew, and pulled garlic mustard along several hundred metres of the Norfolk Sunrise Trail.  Notice the fashion statement 2020, worn by the crew, respecting social distancing.  After our hard work, we were treated to a selection of baked goodies by Gail Catherwood.   
         
 
  
Garlic mustard is an invasive plant, originating in Europe, brought to North America by settlers in the 1800's as an edible herb. A single plant can produce 600 seed, spreading very quickly.  It has a distinctive garlic smell and makes excellent pesto according to our resident chef Tracy.  It has no natural enemies in the Canadian ecosystems and the roots excrete chemicals that choke out native flora, including tree seedlings.  The seeds can stay viable in the soil for up to five years.
The plant can be controlled with a non-selective herbicide, which also kills other native species.  Manually pulling the plants is the preferred method of controlling garlic mustard, but this must be done before the plants get well established and out of control. 
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