FITCHBURG, Wis. -- Garlic mustard was the target of some area students in Fitchburg on Tuesday.

Seventh- and eighth-graders from the Eagle School were recruited by the state Department of Natural Resources to pull hundreds of pounds of the harmful, invasive plant from the grounds of the Nevin State Fish Hatchery.

The plant is rapidly displacing native woodland wildflowers in Wisconsin, officials said.

"I think the students got a hands on experience of doing something proactive to help manage our natural resources, and maintain the quality of our environment," said Susan Graham with Department of Natural Resources.

The students learned the plant is also a threat to animals that feed on forest plants.