Lop buckthorn at Pine Bend Bluffs

The Flint Hills 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.

Please join us for this opportunity to improve habitat at the Flint Hills blufflands during the growing season! We'll spend time lopping buckthorn on sloped terrain. 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 will collect seeds from a restored prairie in a neighboring 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.

This award-winning restoration project includes a sand-gravel prairie, oak savanna and oak forest plant communities. Healthy forest floors and prairies improve the health of our local waters by reducing or absorbing runoff pollution and decreasing erosion. This site is also an important part of the Mississippi River migratory bird flyway, used by 40% of North American waterfowl and millions of migratory songbirds annually. Many of those birds, as well as bees, butterflies and our local wildlife, depend upon the native prairie, savanna and forest plants for their survival, especially under the stress of increasing average temperatures. 

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 the Volunteer Program Manager at volunteer@fmr.org or 651.477.0925.