PAOLI — The Orange County Invasives Partnership (OCIP) is calling on nature lovers and community volunteers to join a series of “Weed Wrangles” this April. The mission: protect Indiana’s pristine natural areas from Garlic Mustard, an aggressive invasive species threatening local ecosystems.
Garlic Mustard may sound harmless, but this woodland invader is a silent killer of native biodiversity. It quickly displaces beneficial wildflowers and releases allelopathic chemicals into the soil that actively hinder the growth of tree seedlings.
While the plants are easy to pull by hand, they require annual monitoring to clear out new growth emerging from the “seedbank” in the soil.
Join a Wrangle: Dates and Locations
Three separate events are scheduled across the county’s most iconic natural landmarks. No prior experience is necessary to participate.
| Date | Time | Location | Partner/Organization |
| Wed, April 15 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest (US-150, SE of Paoli) | Hoosier National Forest |
| Thu, April 23 | 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Wesley Chapel Gulf (N County Rd 350 W, SW of Orleans) | Hoosier National Forest |
| Thu, April 23 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Orangeville Rise (County Rd 500 W, Orangeville) | Indiana Karst Conservancy |
Volunteer Information
These workdays are supported in part by a Clean Water Indiana grant. Organizers will provide water and snacks for all participants.
- What to Wear: Volunteers should arrive in long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
- Gear: Please bring your own work gloves if possible.
- Minors: All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
While walk-ins are welcome, RSVPs are encouraged to help organizers manage supplies.
To sign up or ask questions, contact the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District by emailing orangeswcd@gmail.com or calling 812-723-3311 x3.
