Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Oak One Takes Kalamazoo by...Garlic Mustard

Oak One chills in the Garlic Mustard Pit filled with over 5000 pounds of Garlic Mustard

Written by: Kaylea Bridwell and Josh Hernandez

AmeriCorps NCCC team Oak One worked with Western Michigan University's Natural Areas Program from May 19 to June 30 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They assisted the Natural Areas Program to help make their preserves more healthy and sustainable. 

While living in the campus' dorms, the NCCC team spent their time working on projects such as erosion control, invasive species removal, trail building, native planting, as well as GPS tracking and other projects to help create a better environment for citizens to enjoy. 

While fighting the summer heat, the team felled trees for logs to line new trails and closed off old trails and used erosion prevention techniques on eroded trails. They led the Stewards of Kleinstuck and Michigan EarthCorps, two local volunteer groups, in invasive removal and erosion control projects. The NCCC team spent many days removing invasive plants such as Dame's Rocket and Garlic Mustard, as it is a large problem in Michigan. Where the invasive species are removed, new native plants are put in their place. To close off the project round, the team learned about GPS plotting and tracking, and completing Kindergarten through eighth grade educational projects. The projects provided a guideline to lead students through tours at the Kleinstuck and Asylum Lake preserves. 

Western Michigan University's Natural Areas program wants to improve the natural habitat's health and make the preserves more accessible for research, education and passive recreation use. With over 400 acres of land between the Kleinstuck and Asylum Lake Preserves, the Natural Areas program is actively working on them to restore and sustain the ecosystem health of the properties. Jaymielen Scott of Oak One says about working with the Natural Areas program "It has opened doors that have never been opened. I've experienced being in the woods pulling weeds, and I also never thought I would have so much fun with it! Thanks to Western Michigan University, Garlic Mustard is my life!"