Invasive plant pull at the William H. Houlton Conservation Area

Our work takes place on Indigenous land. Learn more.
Join Friends of the Mississippi River staff and volunteers for a morning furthering restoration work at the William H. Houlton Conservation Area (or Houlton Farm). The William H. Houlton Conservation Area is a 335-acre property located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk rivers and is one of the largest undeveloped riverfront properties between Elk River and Hastings.
FMR staff and ecologists will provide a brief introduction to the site and an overview of how to identify and pull garlic mustard and dame's rocket. By removing invasive plants like these, we will be making way for important native plants and helping increase biodiversity. Over our time working at the site we've seen an increase in bees, butterflies, and small reptiles.
All are welcome, and as always, all training, gloves, and necessary tools will be provided. However, registration is required and capacity is limited.
Accessibility
The worksite for this event is only accessible by a long walk, around half a mile. Once at the site, volunteers will be working on uneven terrain with cut stumps. Stinging nettle is present within the work area, so long sleeves and pants are recommended.
Ready to register?
Please use the form below to register for this event. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at volunteer@fmr.org or (651) 222-2193 x27.
We understand that volunteers are used to registering over email - please bear with us as we navigate staff transitions and help us out by using this form! Rest assured that our program staff are seeing your registrations, and we will be in touch as it gets closer to the event date.
If you're under 18 and interested in volunteering without the company of your parent or guardian, please take a moment and have them fill out this brief minor permission form.
Can't make it?
To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at sdowney@fmr.org. Or, visit our Events Calendar for our most up-to-date listing of upcoming events. To receive a twice-a-month e-newsletter including all FMR activities and news, sign up for Mississippi Messages.
BNSF Foundation, the City of Elk River, Connexus, the Friends of the WHHCA, the Outdoor Heritage Fund, RBC Wealth Management and Xcel Energy.