Pledge to Pull invasive plants at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park

Thursday, May 23, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Riverside Park, St. Paul Park
Volunteer pulls garlic mustard at Riverside Park

Our work takes place on Dakota land. Learn more.

Join us for this Pledge to Pull kickoff event at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park. Located along the backwaters of the Mississippi River, this 14-acre park hosts an array of native woodland plants including Dutchmen's breeches, bloodroot, and wild ginger. Maintaining this park's natural state provides much-needed habitat and resources for local critters of all kinds, and serves as an oasis along the Mississippi River flyway for migratory birds. 

Alongside FMR staff, volunteers will continue the removal of invasive plants, primarily narrowleaf bittercress and garlic mustard. These plants spread quickly through the forest floor, preventing other plants from growing and decreasing local biodiversity.

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

About the Pledge to Pull

Please note that we ask all registrants who pull garlic mustard at this particular event to sign a Pledge to Pull, promising to remove garlic mustard in this area of Riverside Park in the weeks following this training and evening pull.

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

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 short walk on a cleared trail is required to get to the worksite. Once there, volunteers will work on level terrain. Hand pulling plants is a lower impact 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 Riverside Park invasive plant 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: 

3M Foundation, BNSF Foundation, the City of St. Paul Park, the Outdoor Heritage Fund, Mississippi Park Connection, the National Park Service, RBC Wealth Management and Xcel Energy.

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Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
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