In 2017, at the suggestion of TLC member John Fody, the TLC began removal of Garlic Mustard and other invasive weeds in the Port Huron State Game Area along the south side of the confluence of Mill Creek with the Black River. The small stewardship area is located along the base of a large slope on an ancient floodplain terrace about 60 feet above Mill Creek and Black River, covered largely by mature mesic northern forest of Sugar Maple and Eastern Hemlock with American Elm in historically disturbed areas. Portions were cleared and graded decades ago, presumably by the State to create open habitat for game species. This disturbance left large gaps and a relatively open forest canopy that allowed weeds like Garlic Mustard to colonize. Left uncontrolled, Garlic Mustard might eventually displace much of the native ground flora, like Virginia Waterleaf, Bloodroot, Red Trillium, Wild Leek.

Since 2017, our stewardship area has expanded from about 1 acre to over 3 acres in 2025. Despite a lapse in stewardship in 2021  through 2024, our previous work areas remained largely free of Garlic Mustard. As we have moved south, nearing the Black River again as it bends around the east and south of our stewardship area, it appears that we might have entered the original source colony of much of the Garlic Mustard in this area, as the density increases significantly. We have a lot of work ahead of us if we hope to knock out Garlic Mustard in this beautiful part of the Port Huron State Game
Area.