Help Cut and Bag Buckthorn at BF Nelson Park, November 13

 Cut and bag buckthorn at BF Nelson Park

Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for a morning of buckthorn removal at BF Nelson Park. This park, across the river from Nicollet Island, offers scenic walkways and views of the Mississippi River that will be much improved after dense buckthorn is removed from the shoreline.

In partnership with the Minnesota Opera, FMR has made a significant dent in the buckthorn at this site. But, the work isn't done. On November 13 from 9a to 11a they will continue 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.

Seeking Volunteers

All are welcome and no experience is necessary. Tools, gloves and training will be provided, and volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace. Work includes cutting back buckthorn, stacking the brush and bagging stems - all to prevent the same plants from resprouting next year. The bags serve to block light and "cook" the stems, providing a herbicide-free buckthorn control solution. The bags will be removed as the restoration process continues at this site.

Ready to Register?

To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at sdowney@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x27. Please include the name of the event, your name, address, phone number and the number in your party.

To receive notices of future 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.