Rise of the Weeds
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Invasive species are non-native to the ecosystem in which they reside and are likely to cause harm to the environment or human health. These species have no natural predators or pathogens in their new environment, allowing for rapid growth and expansion, which can displace native species. Invasive species are typically, knowingly, or unknowingly, brought to a new environment via human transportation.
Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard grows naturally in Europe and parts of Asia. It was brought to Long Island, New York for medicinal and culinary purposes in 1868. Since then, it has “escaped” from its introduction location and has since taken over the Northern half of the United States, particularly in the Northeast and the Midwest.
This invasive species is harmful to the local environment because it outcompetes native plants (particularly ephemeral wildflowers at NICHES properties) for nutrients, water, and sunlight. It can also release chemicals into the soil that are unfit for the growth of other native plants and fungi. Garlic mustard aggressively disrupts the natural ecosystem and negatively impacts flora biodiversity and fauna food sources.
You can identify garlic mustard by its alternate kidney-shaped and scalloped leaves with deep veins, white flowers with four petals, garlic scent when crushed, and smooth stem.
What You Can Do to Help
Want to know how you can help NICHES escape the invasives? Join our annual battle against non-native species: War of the Weeds!
War of the Weeds is a volunteer event that spans over three weeks, April 11-May 11. Volunteer shifts are weekends only (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), and there are two shifts per day, 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm. Volunteers and staff leaders will tackle the invasive species populations at various NICHES properties over the three weeks, focusing on one property per day. Sign up for two shifts to get a free NICHES t-shirt!
We need YOU to help us battle invasive species this spring! Read more and sign up here: https://nicheslandtrust.org/war-of-the-weeds
- Kendall Amodeo, Development Intern
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