2nd Annual Garlic Mustard "WEED OUT" was a huge success!

Committed Volunteers Make Mary Knoll Park Better, by Patty Gerner

In the words of noted anthropologist, Margaret Mead, “Never underestimate the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world. In fact, nothing else ever has.” It was a beautiful day for the second annual garlic mustard Weed-Out on Saturday, May 6, when over seventy five (75) volunteers, ages 6 to 70, contributed to a big change at Mary Knoll Park. With more volunteers, we are able to more thoroughly remove and control garlic mustard in more of the park than ever before. WOW! Sincerest thanks to each and every volunteer who pulled garlic mustard, distributed fliers, staffed the information table, guided volunteers in the woods, and offered to help at another time.

Special thanks go to Gary Majeskie and the City of Brookfield’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry for leadership, continued support and substantive help, Lisa Mellone and family, Boy Scout Troop 23, the Brookfield Central Key Club, Cub Scout Troop 23, and the Wild Ones Natural Plant Landscapers, Sandy Tesmer, and my family.

Our work has just begun! We’ll be pulling garlic mustard at Mary Knoll Park throughout May and early June. If you want to keep helping, control garlic mustard in your yard, help a neighbor control it, grab a bag and enjoy a walk in the park (while pulling garlic mustard), educate a few friends and neighbors and/or call 262-796-6675 to coordinate with other volunteers. Finally, we hope to see you and others who care about Mary Knoll Park at the next Weed-Out in early May, 2007.
Patty Gerner
Brookfield, WI

Brookfield is having its second annual garlic mustard “WEED OUT” on May 6th at Mary Knoll Park from 9:00 a.m. – noon, rain or shine. Patty Gerner and her family have been working at Mary Knoll Park since 1997 and have partnered with the City of Brookfield and Boy Scout Troop 23 on this event. Please join with friends and neighbors in taking care of our park and making this year’s Weed-Out a success! The work isn’t hard and there are no mosquitoes yet. At the same time, you’ll enjoy an amazing variety of spring wildflowers and other native plants in a natural setting. Gary Majeskie, Parks and Forestry Superintendent, will be available to help volunteers identify weeds.

For more information on garlic mustard, refer to your recent City of Brookfield Newsletter or Parks and Recreation Activity Guide. Bags will be provided and volunteers are encouraged to bring water and to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy shoes and gloves. Mary Knoll Park is located at 615 S. Sunnyslope Rd. Follow the entrance road to the tennis courts. Please call 262-796-6675 to volunteer. Registration is not mandatory, but it gives us an idea of how many volunteers to expect.

(Be aware of garlic mustard's pretty cousin, Dame's Rocket. It can take over native areas too.)