Weed Warrior Workday at Cabin John Local Park- Garlic Mustard Pull

Celebrate Earth Month and volunteer to help us pull garlic mustard from the Cabin John ecosystem

Join Mark, Weed Warrior Supervisor, for a non-native, invasive garlic mustard pull in Cabin John Local Park. Mark will meet volunteers at the trailhead near the playground (address: 7401 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John, MD).

We will clear garlic mustard from the park. Garlic mustard is not healthy for our native ecosystem; it was likely brought to the United States from Europe for medicinal and culinary purposes. A great way to ID garlic mustard is by its garlicy smell. Garlic mustard produces toxins and allelopathic chemicals that negatively affect native tree saplings, spring ephemerals, mycorrhizal fungus, and some insect species. For example, some butterflies lay eggs on the garlic mustard leaves but the larvae die because of the toxins and chemicals in the plant. It’s perfect for young children to pull since it’s easy to identify and easy to rip out of the ground. Visit the Invasive Plant Atlas for more info about Garlic mustard.

Please wear clothes that can get dirty, including long pants that cover your ankles, long sleeves, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Bring gardening or work gloves if you have them. Gloves are available to borrow if you don’t have your own. No power tools or machetes allowed. Please bring water to drink. Bug spray is optional but may be useful. Please bring sturdy plastic trash bags if you have some to spare. Please note: Court Ordered Volunteer Hours can’t be granted through this workday.

This event is capped at 15 people.

This event is pre-approved for MCPS SSL hours. Volunteers under 16 are not permitted to use sharp tools, but the Weed Warrior Supervisor will have meaningful work for you to do without the use of sharp tools.  Volunteers 14 and under must be accompanied by a responsible, registered adult.

*If you or anyone in your household are sick, waiting for Covid test results, and/or have tested positive for Covid (regardless of vaccination status) you are not eligible to volunteer at this time.* Please email the WW Volunteer Coordinator if you need a copy of the current Weed Warrior Workday COVID protocols.

All volunteers must register online: Click here to register for the event

How to register

• Click “Schedule”
• Pick the shift you are interested in.
• If you don’t have an account in our system, please create one.
• If you already have an account in the database, but forgot your login info, email the WW Volunteer Coordinator, and don’t create a new account.
• More details, including the exact meeting location, will be emailed to you after you register.
• For questions about the event, contact Weed Warrior Supervisor Mark.

Learn more about the Weed Warrior program.

This event will be held at Cabin John Local Park