Fall brush removal at Cottage Grove Ravine Park [FULL - register for waitlist!]

With 515 acres of hills and heavily wooded ravines, a lake and a smattering of small prairies, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park features a beautifully diverse landscape. A glacial tunnel valley bisects the park, featuring 80- to 100-foot slopes home to a compelling array of vegetation and habitats. The ravine ends in a small lake where people enjoy fishing, birdwatching and picnics.

In addition to being beautiful, the park's dramatic natural features play an important role in water quality, helping to filter pollution from post-rainstorm runoff that would otherwise enter the Mississippi River. Ravine Park's restoration is also part of a larger effort in Washington County — involving FMR, Washington County, the City of Cottage Grove, 3M and many other partners — to protect and preserve a natural green corridor for our waters, our wildlife and our heritage.

Volunteers are needed to haul out pre-cut brush, primarily buckthorn, helping to make way for native plants that originally called this park home. The native plants will provide habitat for birds, bees and other insects and wildlife, and better filter water pollution. 

No experience is needed however, registration is required. All tools, gloves and training will be provided. Participants should be prepared to work on uneven terrain. Entry to the park, normally $7, is free for participating volunteers! 

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 coronavirus?

We've modified our events this year to be smaller, and allow for individuals to work while safely six feet apart. All tools and gloves will be sanitized between events. Once registered, volunteers will receive a full list of safety precautions and guidelines. Read our safety guidelines here.

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. Volunteers are required to bring and wear their own mask.