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The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is partnering with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Roan Mountain State Park, and the Cherokee National Forest to remove invasive garlic mustard from the park and heavily trafficked highways around Carver’s Gap and SAHC conservation properties in the Highlands of Roan. Plucking out the pesky invaders when they’re young and tender isn’t hard work, but it does take a lot of hands!

Participants are asked to bring their own snacks, lunch, and bottled water. Lunch is not provided. Water and light snacks are available from the Conference Center vending machines.

Work gloves and trash bags will be provided. Feel free to bring personal gloves or a trowel. Pulling garlic mustard is usually easy, but a trowel can be helpful for compacted roadside soil. You will need: a hat and/or sunscreen, long pants, sturdy shoes, lunch, water, a warm layer for high elevation hiking, and rain gear. If you are allergic to poison ivy, consider wearing long sleeves and pants as a precaution. It may be difficult to return to your car while we are working, so you may want a bag to keep your items with you throughout the day. Some work sites are very steep. 

After the workday, consider going for a spectacular hike at Carvers Gap so you have time to appreciate why we are protecting this mountain from pesky invasive species and stubborn roots.

Participants are asked to meet at the Roan Mountain Conference Center Parking Lot April 26 at 9:30 a.m. Work will end at 1 p.m.

For more info or questions, contact SAHC’s Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett at marquette@appalachian.org or 828-253-0095 ext. 210.