Pulling Garlic Mustard and planting native species instead (CW)
There have been three work parties at Willoughby Nature Reserve on Kennedy Road north of the Grange Sideroad this May and June. Our Chair of Headwaters Nature, Robin Harmer, organized each one.
On a rainy morning in June, we spent about 90 minutes cleaning up small patches of tall Garlic Mustard, and bigger patches of Dog-Strangling Vine —some close to blooming and some just small ones. We left much of the DSV behind, but I suspect that, had we carried this all out it would have been 2 full bags. We spent the last bit of time on the right of way trail on the south border. Last spring, Robin’s and Cathy’s hiking group spent quite a lot of time pulling Garlic Mustard there, and it has made a real difference. There was still some, but much reduced. On the section of the “pink” trail where we did the removal of DSV and Barberry over the last couple of years with Dawn, the Dog Strangling Vine was still there but less, and I couldn’t see any evidence of Barberry. There is still Barberry elsewhere I am sure, but we were focused on the trailsides.
Sue Howard and Robin returned to finish up some GM pulling along the trail that that had been noticed. There was really no sign of Garlic Mustard in the patch that we have been working over the last few years. There is a healthy crop of jewel-weed and other native plants taking over, and the plants that we planted in all that horrible rain are doing well, with at least 2 of the Canada Anemone in bloom, and buds on some of the other plants. So encouraging.
Red flags were placed by Josh Pickering to indicate suggested spots for planting the specific native species.
Thanks to everyone who has helped this spring. We really are making a difference. If you are planning a hike—short or long—over there in the next few weeks, feel free to yank any Dog Strangling Vine that you see.
Dog-Strangling Vine flower (MW)
There was a quick repair done on another (fine!) morning later in June by Robin and by Russ McGillivray, our Treasurer to fix a small section of boardwalk over one of the wetter sections of the path through the middle of the property.
A short section of wonky boardwalk over a small stream that was then repaired by Robin and Russ.
Thanks to everyone who has helped this spring. We really are making a difference. If you are planning a hike—short or long—over there in the next few weeks, feel free to yank any Dog Strangling Vine that you see.