In 2003 we initiated a project to evaluate the potential for biological control of garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara and Grande (Brassicaceae) in Michigan. Our objectives were to: 1) conduct pre-release evaluation of A. petiolata and native plant species in eight Michigan sites, and 2) evaluate the potential impact of herbivore feeding on population regulation of A. petiolata. Eight research sites representing a range of A. petiolata habitat types were established in 2003, and spring and fall monitoring studies were completed at each location in 2003 and 2004. Preliminary results indicate a negative correlation between leaf litter depth and A. petiolata seedling density (R²=0.83). Herbivores removed less than 1% of A. petiolata's leaf area in 2003 and approximately 3.5% in spring of 2004. Additionally, an experiment was initiated at two locations to evaluate the impact of simulated herbivore damage on A. petiolata populations and non-target plants.