By Maura Kak
Staff Writer

A group of fervent naturalists are working to preserve Indiana's native plant populations. But their adversary is not toxic waste or polluted water.

The group is fighting invasive plants, which are plants foreign to the area that spread at a rapid pace and disrupt the original balance of plant populations.

While most non-native plants are not hazardous, a few aggressive species can quickly destroy the natural array of plants in an area. Some of these invasive plant populations have penetrated protected parks and preserves such as Michaud-Sinninger Woods and Heischman-McAdams Reserve.

In view of the work that needs to be done to remove the plants from these areas, and in celebration of Earth Day, the group — a local division of the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society — will host the Great Garlic Mustard Pull. The event is to be held this Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Celery Bog and will be sponsored in conjunction with the City of West Lafayette.

The group hopes that through the combined efforts of members of the group and community, the harmful plants may be removed from the Celery Bog. However, many members of the community are unaware of the threat invasive plants pose to both humans and natural wildlife.

But these plants require major efforts each year to be kept under control. Farmers in the United States, for example, must spend approximately $15 billion per year to protect crops from the spread of unwanted plants.

The loss of natural vegetation also poses a threat to native animals that are dependent on the endangered plants for food and cover.

Garlic mustard is one of the 10 most damaging species in Indiana and this Saturday's event will strive to alleviate the threat it poses to the native wildlife.

Volunteers are welcome to participate in the Great Garlic Mustard Pull and should meet at the West Lafayette Maintenance Barn at 1 p.m. The barn is located off of Kalberer Road, past the athletic complex on North Salisbury. Volunteers should come equipped with a weed-puller and gardening gloves.

• For more details about the event, contact Brian Tunis at 775-5124.