Pledge to pull garlic mustard at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs SNA, Inver Grove Heights

A volunteer pulls garlic mustard at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA

Our work takes place on Dakota land. Learn more.

Located just 20 minutes south of St. Paul, Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is home to some of the best views of the Upper Mississippi River and is a welcome respite from the bustle of the cities.

After a steep hike, volunteers will work closely with FMR staff to remove invasive plant species. We'll be focusing our efforts on hand-pulling garlic mustard in this award-winning restoration area, which is owned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is also part of our local National Park (the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area unit of the National Park Service).

We'll provide the tools and training. All are welcome, but capacity is limited and registration is required.

About the Pledge

Please note that we encourage all registrants at this particular event to sign a Pledge to Pull, promising to remove garlic mustard and spotted knapweed in the designated area at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA in the weeks following this training and evening pull.

All volunteers will receive a signed card certifying their participation in the training and granting permission to independently return and perform this volunteer service.

Volunteers pledge to a total of 4 hours of invasive plant removal – 2 hours will be completed at the training plus an additional 2 hours coordinated on your own. If you bring someone with you, their hours count towards your pledged time. For example, if you participate in the 2-hour training and removal session, then bring a friend, classmate or family member to the site for a 1-hour session, that totals 2 hours of volunteer time and the completion of your pledge!

Pulling technique, where to pull and additional details will be covered during the training event.

Accessibility

A long hike up a very steep hill is required to get to and from the worksite. Volunteers will then work on a steep slope with uneven terrain. Please note, this is some of our most difficult terrain for a volunteer event. Pulling garlic mustard is a lower intensity activity that can be done while sitting down. FMR will provide a few kneeling pads.

Ready to register?

Please use the form below to register for this event. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@fmr.org or 651-477-0925.

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.

Register for the Pine Bend Bluffs SNA garlic mustard pull!

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact FMR's Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator 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.

Thank you to our partners and funders: 

Thanks to our partners and funders: BNSF Foundation, City of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Outdoor Heritage Fund, Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, RBC Wealth Management, 3M, Union Pacific and Xcel Energy.

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