Name: Garlic Mustard Games
Start: 2026-04-25T10:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-25T12:00:00-04:00
Location: Kalamazoo Nature Center

Garlic Mustard Games - A two-day volunteer event
Calling all Competitors! Welcome to the Garlic Mustard Games!
As KNC’s Conservation Stewardship staff work year-round to care for and protect KNC’s high-quality natural areas, managing invasive species is a top priority. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis) are two common invasive species that plague Michigan’s native habitats. These prolific plants spread widely and aggressively by seed, outcompeting important native plants and limiting the diversity on KNC’s lands. By pulling them early in the season before they flower, we can prevent their future spread.
Why are we looking for volunteers?
In 2024, it took KNC’s stewardship crew all of spring to hand pull over 1,500 pounds of garlic mustard and dame’s rocket on KNC property. In 2025, with the help of our community, we pulled over 4,500 pounds in just two days! You can join in the fun this year by pulling garlic mustard and dame’s rocket alongside our team.
Can I get involved?
Yes! We have two days reserved for our volunteers. We’ll have prizes and serious bragging rights for individuals and teams that pull and bag the highest totals of these pesky plants. Do you have a whole team already? Bring your whole softball team, show up with your scout troop, or invite your entire department at work.
GROUP VOLUNTEER DATE: Friday, April 24 – Habitat Haven & Fern Valley Trails
Contact Joy Penney, KNC’s volunteer coordinator, at [email protected] to reserve a spot for your organization.
Do you want to come alone, with a friend, or with your family? Join our weekend event!
PUBLIC VOLUNTEER DATE: Saturday, April 25 – DeLano Farm
AVAILABLE SHIFTS (both days): 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm, or 4pm-6pm
Fee: Free! Please register: https://naturecenter.org/events/garlicmustardgames/