HOUGHTON -- Members of the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District are on a mission to stop the spread of garlic mustard plants.

On Thursday morning, a group of volunteers met to pull the invasive weeds from a backyard in Laurium.

The tall, leafy plants have tiny white flowers and a distinctive garlic smell.   They aren't harmful to people or pets, but they spread quickly and produce a chemical that prevents native plants from growing.

“There are only a few infestations that have been noted in our area,” says Bonnie Hay.  “We think that if we get out there and pull when we see them, we'll be able to stem the tide and keep this plant from taking over our woodlands.”

The group recommends removing garlic mustard at the root and double-bagging the plants prior to disposal to keep the seeds from spreading.

Anyone wanting more information can contact the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District at (906) 482-0214.