Photo provided to the Times Observer

The U.S. Forest Service says that 24 lawn bags full of garlic mustard were removed from the Buckaloons Recreation Area at the forest’s annual garlic mustard pull. The event was held on April 25 with seven people volunteering. Garlic mustard is an invasive plant species native to Europe which was introduced in the 1800s for herbal uses. Garlic mustard is a fast-spreading plant which crowds and outcompetes native species for sunlight, moisture, and vital nutrients. “Over roughly 20 years, there has been a significant reduction in the amount of garlic mustard and other non-native plants through volunteer efforts at Buckaloons. This area is home to some of Allegheny National Forest’s rarest plants like large toothwort and white trout lily,” said Non-Native Invasive Program Manager April Moore.