Cut and bag buckthorn at BF Nelson Park [FULL]

Our work takes place on Dakota homelands. Learn more.

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Join us for a morning of buckthorn removal at BF Nelson Park. This park, across the river from Nicollet Island in Minneapolis, offers scenic walkways and views of the Mississippi River that will be much improved after we remove dense buckthorn from the shoreline.

Thanks to a partnership with the Minnesota Opera, we've made a significant dent in the buckthorn at this site. But, our work isn't done. Join us to clear the way for native plants to return to the shoreline of this park, and to make room for future volunteers to plant shrubs and wildflowers to help diversify this ecosystem.

We'll cut back buckthorn, stack the brush, and bag the stems, preventing the same plants from resprouting next year. The bags serve to block light and "cook" the stems, providing an herbicide-free buckthorn control solution. We'll remove the bags as we continue the restoration process at this site.

As usual, all are welcome and no experience is necessary. All volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace, and all tools, gloves and training will be provided.

Accessibility

Volunteers will be working on difficult terrain: a steep slope leading to the river. Volunteers will also be using heavy and sharp tools like loppers and handsaws. Due to tools and access, this event is not suitable for small children.

Ready to register?

While this event is full, you can still sign up for the waitlist. Please contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at volunteer@fmr.org, 651.222.2193 x27, or by selecting Sophie by name under "Category" via the FMR contact form. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. We will contact you if a spot opens up.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future events, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at volunteer@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.

What about COVID-19?

While we currently are not requiring masks at outdoor events, we are encouraging social distancing while we work. We're watching the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines closely. If plans change based on their recommendations, FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey will email registrants with event updates. (Be sure to add volunteer@fmr.org to your contacts so updates don't land in spam.) And we'll update this page if anything changes.

We will offer gloves and hand sanitizer at the event.