Ithacans love their native species. Six Mile Creek Natural Area proudly dislayed its native wildflowers to participants in Saturday’s Wildflower Appreciation Day organized by Friends of Six Mile Creek and the City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission. The gorgeous, sunny day featured guided walks by local experts, homemade garlic mustard pesto, a plant scavenger hunt and, to the delight of local kids, a garlic mustard pulling contest. Sophie and Diego Payne Inigo, after hours in the Natural Area scouting invasives, came out holding one of the prize winning garlic mustard plants like a trophy fish. Their prize winning root measured 11 inches. A huge thank you to Anna Stalter, member of the Natural Areas Commission and tireless volunteer and Jess Langan-Peck, our intern for their creativity in designing activities and hard work organizing the event.