Remove invasive species at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA

Grey Cloud Dunes SNA is one of those places you can hardly believe is in a metro area. Located in Cottage Grove, this highly protected Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) features two sandy terraces along the river. The first rises 40 to 60 feet above river-level with remarkable crescents and blowouts sculpted by southwesterly winds. The second, 110 feet above the Mississippi, has a dramatic cut face. Dunes on both terraces rise in waves, cresting 10 to 20 feet above the swales.

After a brief training and introduction, volunteers will work along the southern lot to remove narrowleaf bittercress, an invasive species first reported in Minnesota in 2008 but spreading at an alarming rate along the floodplain forest of the Mississippi River. 

Please note, this special type of park is meant to protect rare, fragile plant and animal habitat and does not feature amenities like trails or restrooms. Volunteers should also know getting to our designated work site for this event is a bit of a trek and may require some folks to assist with hauling hefty bags of pulled plant material.  

All are welcome, however, capacity is limited, in part to tread lightly on this special place but also to make sure everyone has a chance to ask questions about the site's ecology and the many native plants.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under "Category") or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party.

You will receive a confirmation email from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don't, please check your SPAM folder.) 

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 Cottage Grove area events, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore at akilgore@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.