Lop buckthorn at Pine Bend Bluffs

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area at the Flint Hills Resources property, Inver Grove Heights
Volunteers lop buckthorn in 2024

The Flint Hills Resources property within the Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area along the Mississippi River is one of the largest and most diverse native ecosystems left in the metro area. The site is only accessible to the public for special occasions like this.

Please join us to volunteer at the Flint Hills Resources blufflands during the growing season. Healthy forest floors and prairies improve local water quality by reducing or absorbing runoff pollution and decreasing erosion. At this event, we'll make healthier habitat by lopping buckthorn on sloped terrain, expanding the removal area we started last year. August is a great time to lop buckthorn because it removes the plant's ability to produce energy and build up reserves moving into the winter.

This work will be strenuous, but the reward is amazing views of the river. At the end of the event, we'll walk to an adjacent bluff prairie and talk about the restoration goals for the area. 

Everyone will be encouraged to work at their own comfort level, and no previous experience is necessary. All tools, supplies and training will be provided.

Accessibility

We'll walk down a steep, paved road from the parking location to the work area. Then we'll hike up a steep slope on an unpaved deer path and work on steep slopes with rugged terrain. There are no trails or formal paths on-site. The ground is uneven and could require stepping over logs or fallen branches.  

Ready to register?

Please fill out this registration form to register. Each individual volunteer attending must fill out this registration form and bring a government-issued photo ID on the day of the event. Due to security restrictions at this site, only children aged 15 and up can attend.

If you have questions or concerns, contact FMR at volunteer@fmr.org or 651.477.0925.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact FMR 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 partner and funder Flint Hills Resources, Great River Greening and our generous donors like you!

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
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Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
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Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 9:00am to 11:00am
William H. Houlton Conservation Area, Elk River

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.