It appears an army of eco-conscious students have taken on the fight against an invasive species right in their backyard, or more accurately, their schoolyard. Under the guidance of music teacher Micah Boudinot, pupils from Oak Ridge Elementary are learning by doing by removing garlic mustard from their school's property. According to a report by the City of Eagan, the initiative began when Boudinot discovered an unexpected adversary in the pretty white blooms of garlic mustard spreading across Minnesota.
Boudinot, who became acquainted with garlic mustard during the pandemic, has said, "I spent hours upon hours pulling garlic mustard," in a statement released by the City of Eagan. Her crusade has not only reduced the number of these invasive plants but also inspired and engaged the local youth. The teacher has educated her students extensively on how to differentiate between various plants including thistle and garlic mustard, as well as the use of natural remedies like the plant that soothes nettles' sting.
The effort has cleared much of the invasive plant from school grounds, and the environmentally conscious students have now expanded their operation to include surrounding city land. As noted in the City of Eagan article, the work has fostered a sense of achievement among Boudinot's pupils, igniting a school-wide movement that sees children eager to participate in these environmental clean-up sessions. They see each plant pulled as a victory in saving the planet, a sentiment Boudinot echoes.
Adam Schnaible, Eagan's Forestry Maintenance Supervisor has teamed up with Boudinot and her students, supporting their collaborative work. "The teachers are leading the charge, educating the kids on what's what. They go out and play in the woods and do this work, and it makes me happy to see it and be involved," Schnaible told the City of Eagan. He notes, with some concern, how garlic mustard has become a more prevalent issue, highlighting the importance of early management and the value added by the school volunteers.
Garlic mustard, a plant native to Europe, but invasive in regions like Eagan, poses a significant threat to native plants. As emphasized by sources from dnr.state.mn.us, it's crucial to remove these plants in early spring before they flower to prevent their aggressive spread. The campaign at Oak Ridge Elementary, therefore, becomes a timely intervention to protect local biodiversity. The city's call to action urges more volunteers to join efforts such as these in safeguarding Eagan's natural beauty against invasive species like garlic mustard.
