BRILLION, Wis. (WFRV) – Brillion Nature Center staff are working to stop the spread of invasive species, one that was originally brought over from Europe centuries ago.
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“So we have a little bit of a problem with one particular invasive species called the garlic mustard,” Danielle Joerger said.
Garlic mustard spreads and grows aggressively, blocking sunlight for native plant species. One species affected is the trillium, which is currently on Wisconsin’s endangered and protected species list.
“If you don’t try and keep the population in check, it can take over an area and crowd out all the other ground-dwelling plants that you have in your woods,” Joerger said.
The plant spreads in large mats across wood areas, chemically altering the soil, thus making it hard for other plants to grow. The removal is necessary to uphold biodiversity, and while there’s a simple way to do it, it’s also time-consuming.
“The more biodiversity, the more plants you have, the better your environment will be,” Joerger said. “The best way, in my opinion, is hand-pulling. Go out and get your hands dirty.”
Pulling the entire plant down to the root system is key to stopping the spread, as cutting or mowing the invasive plant still allows it to grow back; however, the invasive garlic mustard does have one surprising, tasty benefit.
“The vast majority of people who utilize this plant will turn it into a pesto,” Joerger said.
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The plant is used as a sustainable, peppery and pungent alternative to basil pesto.
Stopping the spread is a multi-year effort. The Brillion Nature Center encourages anyone to volunteer to help clear garlic mustard on their property.
