This year, Bi-CAN is bringing back the Garlic Mustard Pull Challenge, and we are reaching out to local groups and environmental clubs to see if they would be interested in participating!
Invasive species continue to become an ever-growing issue in our local ecological communities. Garlic mustard quickly overruns natural areas, crowding out wildflowers, ferns, and tree saplings. We can slow the spread of garlic mustard by taking away its chance to reseed.
The main event will be taking place on Saturday, May 4th from 9am-11:30am (May 11th as the backup in case of bad weather). There are a variety of locations available to pull the invasive species, so groups can have their choice. This year we are featuring Sunderbruch Park, Fairmount Cemetery, Duck Creek Parkway, Schuetzen Park, Devil’s Glen Park in Bettendorf, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, and Black Hawk State Park. A host at each location to go over identification and hand out bags. Look for the signs. Additionally, at noon of the event day, there will be a celebratory lunch at Duck Creek Park Shelter #2 to award the trophy to the group that pulls the most.
Even if you are unable to participate that day, there is still the opportunity to help out. Pull any time between April 15th and May 4th to be considered for the trophy. There is a list of suggested alternative parks on the website.
Bags and materials can be picked up at these locations during their regular business hours:
ISU Scott Co. Extension office: 875 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf, IA
Vander Veer Conservatory: 215 W. Central Park, Davenport, IA
The River's Edge: 700 W. River Drive, Davenport, IA
RI Soil and Water Conservation District: 3020 1st Ave. Milan, IL
Black Hawk Hauberg Museum: 1800 46th Ave., Rock Island, IL
Nahant Marsh: 4220 Wapello Ave., Davenport, IA
When you are finished, take a picture and report the number of bags pulled to bicanqc@gmail.com.
Register to pull at one of the sites listed above by using the XStream Cleanup website.
If interested in the May 4th lunch, please RSVP by May 2nd.
