Efforts continue to kill garlic mustard, in spite of COVID-19

Garlic mustard weeders at work in Palisades Park. (Photo courtesy of Ellen MacDonald)

Friends of Decorah Parks and other organizations have been fighting garlic mustard for years in Decorah parks.  This year, because the work is done outdoors, the fight against garlic mustard will continue.

Organizer Mary Lewis says, "This year because of the COVID 19 epidemic, I'd like to go out with only two or three volunteers at a time.  That way we can properly distance ourselves, and still have a productive time. I used to teach microbiology, and I'm very aware of how tiny things can move around in an attempt to enter our bodies, so I'll be particularly careful."

Many places have come back to life after garlic mustard has been removed because the seeds last a long time in the soil. Also new spots are always popping up, so yearly maintenance of park land is always done, which is why new volunteers are always welcome.

For more information, e-mail Lewis at lewismar@mediacombb.net