Earth Day 'Weed Pull' in the Forest

Pictured, a US Forest Service employee pulls garlic mustard during an organized a ‘weed pull’ for employees at the Buckaloons Recreation Area on Thursday in celebration of Earth Day. “It’s a way to give back to the earth,” said April Moore, Forest Ecologist and head of the Invasive Species program on the Allegheny National Forest. “Garlic mustard is highly invasive. Here was an opportunity for employees to become involved in Earth Day and improve habitat for native wildflowers. Buckaloons is a great place to view spring wildflowers such as toothworts, spring beauties, and yellow trout lily. Even rare white trout lilies have been seen. Removing garlic mustard helps conserve habitat for native plans and animals.”
‘Think globally, act locally’ has long been a slogan for Earth Day. The Allegheny NF has already offered several events this week for the public to celebrate Earth Day. Two more public opportunities are coming this weekend:
·The Clarion River Discovery Fair will be held on the courthouse lawn at Ridgway, Elk County, on Saturday afternoon.
·A garlic mustard ‘pull’ will start at the boat launch at Buckaloons Recreation Area on Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
(Photo Courtesy of the US Forest Service)