Haul and stack buckthorn at Vermillion Falls Park

Our work takes place on Dakota homelands. Learn more.

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Located in downtown Hastings, Vermillion Falls Park is a favorite stop for waterfall viewing. It is also the central city park along the Vermillion River, flanked by Old Mill Park downstream and Vermillion Linear Park upstream.

Join us for an evening of hauling brush at Vermillion Falls Park. Volunteers will work closely with FMR staff and fellow volunteers to haul previously cut buckthorn and honeysuckle as we prepare to restore the oak savanna at this unique site. Oak savanna has become a rare plant community in the state, along with many pollinators and other animals it supports. 

No experience is needed and all are welcome! All tools, gloves and training will be provided. Volunteers may also be asked to help with other restoration tasks as needed throughout the worksite. This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, engaging Vermillion River Watershed residents to learn about the local watershed while working to protect and enhance its unique natural resources.

Accessibility

A short walk is required to get to the worksite. Volunteers will work on uneven ground with cut stumps. Hauling brush is a high-intensity activity.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at volunteer@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x27. Please include the name of the event, your name, address, phone number and the number in your party. We ask that you limit groups to 4 or fewer.

You will receive a confirmation email from volunteer@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don't, please check your Spam or Promotions folder.) 

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.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future volunteer 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 COVID-19?

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. (You can read more about our policies here.)

We will offer gloves and hand sanitizer at the event. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own masks and wear them when in close proximity to others.