SOS Wildflowers! Progress Update

The skies were gray for our May 6th work/play day but the bright beauty of the wildflowers in their prime more than made up for it. Many of the areas where we worked were Garlic Mustard free this year thanks to past efforts. Work will continue on protection of native species throughout the year but we want to pause here and especially thank Kati, Liz, Marla and Mary for their work searching for and removing invasive Garlic Mustard in Hemlock Hardwoods State Natural Area. Combined, Friends members and other volunteers have invested 77 hours managing Garlic Mustard in the SNA and other selected sites in the park in just the past three weeks!

While surveying this year Mary discovered a "river" of garlic mustard in a waterway that we conquered before it could spread to a much larger area. We have about 3 more weeks before the Garlic Mustard matures enough that any we pull would have to be bagged and removed from the site to prevent seed formation. Our efforts are focused in April and May to avoid that extra step.

The more volunteers that step up the more native species rich areas we can protect for the next generation so reach out to us at FriendsofWildcatMountain@gmail.com if you want to explore this wonderful SNA up close with a guide and help preserve it at the same time.