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Audio Postcard: Foraging for Garlic Mustard

Rob Sullivan, a volunteer from Traverse City, holds a bouquet of freshly picked garlic mustard. Photo: Laura Herberg
Rob Sullivan, a volunteer from Traverse City, holds a bouquet of freshly picked garlic mustard. Photo: Laura Herberg

http://ipraudio.interlochen.org/GarlicMustard_WEB.mp3

You may be aware that morel season is upon us, but perhaps you didn't know that prime garlic mustard picking season is just coming to a close.  While no one would want to over-harvest morels, the goal with the also edible garlic mustard, is to get rid of it. The plant can get out of control to the point where it makes it difficult for native plants to thrive.  That's happened in some parts of southern Michigan.

Matthew Bertand, the invasive species specialist at the Grand Traverse Conservation District, says garlic mustard in this region has been more manageable. Which is why they're making a concerted effort to tackle it now, before it gets out of control.

IPR's Laura Herberg tagged along with volunteers from the Boardman River Nature Center as they pulled the plants up by their roots.  Click on the player above to listen to the audio postcard she filed.