Polk County Conservation

Help restore native habitat and biodiversity in Polk County Parks by removing garlic mustard! Garlic mustard is an invasive plant species that tends to develop thick patches which outcompetes native understory flowers and grasses. Volunteers are needed to help specially handpull this plant from our woodland areas. Volunteers are needed in early spring through May as its an ideal time to remove this species before it goes to seed. Volunteer Staff will train individuals on plant identification, proper removal techniques, and help to identify known locations of garlic mustard within the park they choose to volunteer within. Volunteers are asked to track their volunteer hours and submit locations where they found and removed garlic mustard. While a major threat to our forests, garlic mustard also makes a dangerously delicious sauce in the kitchen! All volunteers will be given recipes to try out for a garlic mustard pesto sauce that can be used in a variety of culinary creations. Upcoming Dates: March-May Locations: Jester Park, Sycamore Trails, Chichaqua, Fort Des Moines Park