Pine Bend Bluffs brush haul + lunch
Many volunteers enjoy a workout hauling brush. (Photo by Katie Weatherly for Flint Hills Resources and FMR)
Join FMR, Flint Hills Resources and Great River Greening as we return to the Flint Hills property within the Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area along the Mississippi River — one of the largest and most diverse native ecosystems left in the metro area. This specific site is only accessible to the public for special occasions like this annual restoration event. Join us for a chance to see it for yourself.
Working with FMR and Great River Greening ecologists and staff, volunteers will help protect important native plant communities by stacking pre-cut buckthorn brush and downed woody debris, and assisting with other restoration tasks as needed. Everyone will be encouraged to work at their own comfort level, and no previous experience is necessary. There will be some variation in work tasks depending on the level of terrain (steep, moderate, gently sloped), with the majority of volunteers hauling brush in steep to moderate areas. All tools and supplies will be provided, including coffee, morning snacks and a hot lunch to conclude the event.
This award-winning restoration project includes sand-gravel prairies, 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 on the native prairie, savanna and forest plants for their survival, especially under the stress of increasing average temperatures.
Accessibility
We'll largely be working in an oak woodland on steep terrain. Hauling brush is a high-impact activity. There will be an opportunity to work on gently sloped terrain doing an alternate restoration activity if desired. In both cases, it is a moderate walk from our gathering location through restored prairie and savanna (in various stages of restoration) to the work area. Volunteers are encouraged to take breaks and work at their own pace. The strenuous work is rewarded with exceptional river views and good company.
Ready to register?
Please fill out the registration form below. 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 volunteers aged 16 and up can attend. Volunteers who are under 18 must be accompanied at the event by a parent or guardian.
If you have questions or concerns, contact us at volunteer@fmr.org or 651.477.0925.
Can't make it?
To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact us at volunteer@fmr.org. Or, visit our Events Calendar for our most up-to-date listing of upcoming events. To receive our e-newsletter twice a month including all FMR activities and news, sign up for Mississippi Messages.
Thanks to our partners and funders, Flint Hills Resources, Great River Greening and our generous donors like you!