Oscoda Area Schools middle and high school students are working to combat garlic mustard, an invasive herb that is spread throughout much of the United States. This invader thrives in the northeast and midwest which makes northern Michigan the perfect habitat for this forest dweller.
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is usually found in the undergrowth of disturbed woodlots and forest edges. Recent studies have shown it has the ability to establish and spread to pristine areas that are undisturbed. This makes the edges along the Au Sable river prime real estate for garlic mustard.
When students learned of this invader through a garlic mustard pull sponsored by Consumers Energy, they knew it was time to step up and take action in their local community.
Through this project students work in partnership with Huron Pines and the USDA Forest Service. One of students favorite aspects of the project is being able to work alongside biologists and science experts to stop the spread of invasive species. Students participate in the garlic mustard pull in the spring of each year.
The students service is a great example of a place-based education project engaging youth in their watershed and with their community.
