October 19, 2019, Saturday - Lop Buckthorn and Build Wildlife Habitat in River Gorge

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Location: Mississippi River Gorge Sand Flats

Lop Buckthorn and Build Wildlife Habitat in River Gorge

Join Friends of Mississippi River staff and volunteers for a morning of working along the beautiful Mississippi River on the Minneapolis side of the river gorge This event will take place in the sand flats -- an area of riverside floodplain forest at the north end of FMR's 36th St. Oak Savanna restoration project. Volunteers will have two main tasks: first, they'll lop invasive buckthorn branches to stop another year’s worth of seed from dropping and spreading. Then, using the lopped branches and some larger buckthorn stems, they'll create wildlife habitat piles. These carefully-constructed piles will provide shelter, nesting and foraging areas and protection from predators for wildlife ranging from amphibians and reptiles to small mammals and birds. Together, these tasks will open up habitat for additional native plants and improve the quality of wildlife habitat in the river gorge.

No experience is needed. All tools, gloves and training will be provided. While the work site is on relatively flat terrain, access to the site is only by a steep staircase. Due to tools and access, this event is not suitable for small children. Volunteers may also be asked to help with other restoration tasks as needed throughout the worksite. This event is specifically supported by the local neighborhood group, the Longfellow Community Council, and Longfellow area residents are urged to register! The event is also part of the Gorge Stewards program, which actively engages people throughout the Twin Cities in the stewardship of the national treasure that is the Mississippi River Gorge.