Archived Outdoors

Great Garlic Mustard challenge on the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is seeking volunteers to help remove the invasive weed garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) from the trail’s corridor at Max Patch in northern Haywood County this Saturday, April 23.

Teams will competing to pull the largest amount of the weed. Garlic mustard escaped cultivation and has spread aggressively in North American natural areas because of a lack of natural controls, and its release of allelopathic chemicals that inhibit seed germination of other species.

The Great Garlic Mustard Gathering will also teach people about the threats of invasive exotic plants, how to identify them and what techniques are used to monitor and remove these infestations.

After a morning of garlic mustard removal, the group will gather on nearby Max Patch for an optional potluck and picnic.

Meet at 9 a.m. Work gloves and all other materials needed for the garlic mustard removal will be provided. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, April 30.  

828.254.3708 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.