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The recent loss of state funding for two seasonal interns in 2020 has been a blow to the archipelago’s invasive species control. Invasive species continue to spread without control which can decrease property values, impact our enjoyment of areas, and become increasingly costly and difficult to control as their numbers increase. Once again, the Beaver Island Association has stepped in to fill the void. Beaver Island Association volunteers completed a garlic mustard survey and clean-up on June 8th. All infested sites were either on a trail or along a road. When this invasive species goes to seed, it is easily carried on shoes and any form of tires. Each plant produces up to 3,000 seeds. We found it on St. James property, the South-end Lighthouse, and Kuebler’s Trail/Eagle Hill Road. This plant dominates the ground layer of forests to the exclusion of all other plants and destroys mycorrhizal fungi needed by woody plants to regenerate. Anyone who values wildflowers and healthy forests should be on the look out for this plant. It can reach heights of 3 ft. It is easily pulled by hand before going to seed and identified by the garlic smell when leaves are crushed. Garlic mustard is in flower now and should be removed before going to seed. Property owners are encouraged to bag the plant and take to the transfer station since it can easily be spread if left unbagged.

Thank you for assisting in preserving the island’s natural resources. 

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