Garlic Mustard is a species native to Europe and Asia originally introduced to North America as a medicinal and culinary herb (first record in USA: 1868 in Long Island, New York).  Garlic Mustard is very invasive to our environment and can be destructive to native biodiversity and habitat. It can lead to reduced native vegetation including woodland orchids such as yellow lady slippers.  It causes negative long term effects in soil and reduces available plants for wildlife such as deer, birds and insects. Therefore, it is listed as a prohibited noxious weed in the Alberta Weed Control Act.

Mill Creek Ravine is one of few known location in Edmonton where this non-native species occurs.  The infested area is about 1.5 Ha in partly steep terrain, on the slopes of Mill Creek Ravine. To prevent further distribution and negative impact on other areas, the infestation in Mill Creek must be kept under control and should eventually be eradicated.

The Edmonton Naturalization Group and the City of Edmonton have organized a Garlic Mustard pull in Mill Creek and are looking for volunteers to come and help remove this weed.  The group will meet at the corner of 91 Street and 77 Avenue.  Water and light snacks will be provided.

The pull is weather dependent. Please check the City of EdmontonFacebook and  Twitter sites for updates if the weather is bad.

More Information: Neighbourhoods Strategy and Supports Environmental Technician (780)423-1465, invasiveweeds@edmonton.ca