Volunteers Pulling Garlic Mustard at Pipestem - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Volunteers Pulling Garlic Mustard at Pipestem

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PIPESTEM -

Each year Pipestem Resort State Park sponsors a volunteer "Garlic Mustard Pulling Day" on Earth Day from 9 a.m. until noon April 22.

Garlic mustard is an invasive weed that in a short number of years can reduce native plant populations. As the name suggests, it is a member of the mustard family.

Pull volunteers will meet at the Canyon Rim Center at Pipestem and hike a steep descent into the Bluestone Gorge for the first one-half mile of the walk.

"It is relatively flat along the River Trail and County Line Trails for the 2-1/2 miles to Indian Branch Falls," said Jim Phillips.

The park will provide a shuttle back to the parking lot.

"Weed pullers should bring gloves, water, snacks and comfortable walking/hiking shoes," said Phillips. "It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get a little exercise, and help reduce an invasive species."

Once introduced to an area, garlic mustard outcompetes native plants by aggressively monopolizing light, moisture, nutrients, soil and space. Because the seeds of garlic can remain viable in the soil for five years or more, the goal is to prevent seed production until the stored seed is exhausted. Hand removal of plants is possible for light infestations. The "pulls" remove the plant with its entire root system, and plants are removed from site. Plants plucked along the trails will be bagged and destroyed.

Phillips will also identify birds in the area and flowering plants along the trails. For information, call Phillips at 304-466-1800 x 344 or email James.D.Phillips@wv.gov.