Congratulations to the 2026 Champion Pull-A-Thon Team!
Our Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon is an annual fundraiser event, where we encourage folks throughout southeastern Wisconsin to protect the woodlands of their neighborhoods by pulling this invasive plant. This spring, 874 dedicated residents formed eighteen volunteer teams to help raise funds and awareness while controlling 31,360 pounds of garlic mustard and dame’s rocket in natural areas. Volunteers recruited friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor their pulling efforts. $2,380 in pledged contributions was collectively raised by team members and shared between SEWISC and the event partners. These funds will be used for adult and youth invasive species education, prevention, and control in southeastern Wisconsin. Throughout the 14 years of this program, the amount of invasive plant material pulled has surpassed 140 tons! Natural areas will only avoid damage from invasive species with a long-term sustained commitment to control and management efforts.
This year, the Friends of Havenwoods State Forest Team pulled themselves to the top of the 2026 Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon competition. Led by Angela Vickio, the team enlisted 73 volunteers and pulled 3,018 pounds of our target invasive plants throughout 12 acres of the urban State Forest located in Milwaukee County.
Nicci Sternitzky, Team Leader of our 2025 Champion Elm Grove Beautification Committee Team graciously passed the traveling Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon trophy to Angela during a ceremony on July 30. The trophy will be proudly displayed at Havenwoods Environmental Awareness Center throughout the year.
Many thanks to all of you who got outdoors, pulled garlic mustard and dame’s rocket, told your neighbors about these invasive plants, and reported your progress as part of the 2026 event. And thank you to all who donated to your favorite 2026Team! Remember, it's never too early to start planning for next year's Pull-A-Thon competition - JOIN US!