An invasive species taking over an ecosystem is a familiar nightmare. Stories abound of quagga mussel, emerald ash borer and garlic mustard terrorizing the Great Lakes region.

Help scientists gather information about garlic mustard by participating in the Global Garlic Mustard Field Survey. Photo: Wisconsin DNR

Now a group of scientists supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation called the Global Invasions Network is finding out if garlic mustard is just as aggressive in North America where it’s invasive, and Europe where it’s native.

And they need your help.

The Global Garlic Mustard Field Survey collects information about garlic mustard from samples gathered by citizen scientists in North America and Europe. The samples  tell about the sizes and density of the plant populations, and are used to compare the plant’s behavior in the two continents.

If you’re itching to get in on some valuable scientific research, pick up your GPS and a tape measure and get out to find some garlic mustard. The survey website has information on collecting and submitting data, and contact information for more help.