Lop and remove sumac at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA

Grey Cloud Dunes SNA is one of those places you can hardly believe is in a metro area. Located in Cottage Grove, this highly protected Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) features two sandy terraces along the river. The first rises 40 to 60 feet above river-level with remarkable crescents and blowouts sculpted by southwesterly winds. The second, 110 feet above the Mississippi, has a dramatic cut-face. Dunes on both terraces rise in waves, cresting 10 to 20 feet above the swales.

Join FMR ecologists in the upper terrace Thursday, June 30, 6-8 p.m. Home to a rare dry prairie, this area provides essential native bee, butterfly and wildlife habitat. After a brief orientation, volunteers will help remove sumac, a shrubby tree that would otherwise overtake this vital habitat. 

Due to tool usage, including loppers and saws, this event is not suitable for youth. As this a special type of park is meant to protect rare, fragile plant and animal habitat, Grey Cloud SNA does not feature such amenities as trails or restrooms.

Capacity is limited, in part to tread lightly on this special place but also to make sure everyone has a chance to ask questions about the site's ecology and the many native plants and flowers sure to be in bloom on this summer evening.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under "Category") or akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include: the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party.

FYI, you will not only be volunteering for FMR but for event partner the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. For more information see the DNR's Grey Cloud SNA visitor guide.