FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:BOB ROTATORI OR LAUREN HARRIS216-635-3200, EXT. 3263 OR EXT. 7014 While the natural landscape of Cleveland Metroparks is full of avariety of plant species, there are some that are invasive and needto be removed to prevent damage to the natural habitat. Garlic mustard, a non-native invasive plant, was brought over tothe United States by European settlers as an herb. These invasiveweeds have choked out native wildflowers, out-competing them forspace and sunlight. They also excrete chemicals through theirroots, further preventing wildflower growth. The plant is presentthroughout Cleveland Metroparks, including Brecksville Reservation,and help is needed to remove it. Park visitors can join the fight to get invasive garlic mustardunder control in Brecksville Reservation's beautiful woodlands byattending the free "Garlic Mustard Pull Party" onSaturday, May 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Plateau Picnic Area inBrecksville. Adults and families can help remove these easy-to-pull plants,which in turn will provide space for native woodland wildflowers togrow. Hard work will be rewarded with a special treat! Registration for the program, beginning May 1, is required. Plateau Picnic Area is located off Chippewa Creek Drive inBrecksville Reservation, west of Riverview Road in Brecksville. For more information and to register, call 440-526-1012. Invasive plants are plants that grow quickly and aggressively,spreading and displacing other plants. Invasive plant species areusually introduced by people accidentally or, on occasion, onpurpose into a region far from the plant's native habitat.Identifying invasive plants and understanding the potential damagethey can cause is essential to stopping their spread and protectingnative vegetation. Help remove invasive garlic mustard in Brecksville Reservation withCleveland Metroparks - part of your life, naturally.
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