Plant native plant species at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park
Join us to restore habitat at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park. Located along the Mississippi River backwaters, this 14-acre park hosts an array of native woodland plants, including Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot and wild ginger. Maintaining this park's natural state provides much-needed habitat and resources for wildlife, and supports the Mississippi River flyway for our feathered friends.
Alongside FMR staff, volunteers will plant native wildflower plugs in and around the park's 1-acre prairie restoration. These plantings will support a variety of native bees, butterflies and other pollinator species by increasing the availability of wildflower blooms throughout the growing season.
We'll provide the tools and training. All are welcome, but capacity is limited, and registration is required.
About the Pledge to Pull
Please note that we ask all registrants who pull garlic mustard at this particular event to sign a Pledge to Pull, promising to remove garlic mustard in this area of Riverside Park in the weeks following this training and evening event.
All volunteers receive a signed card certifying their participation in the training and granting permission to independently return and perform this volunteer service in this special area.
Volunteers pledge to do a total of 4 hours of invasive plant removal — 2 hours completed at the training plus an additional 2 hours coordinated on your own. If you bring someone with you, their hours count towards your pledged time. For example, if you participate in the 2-hour training and removal session, then bring a friend, classmate or family member to the site for a 1-hour session, that totals 2 hours of volunteer time and the completion of your pledge!
Pulling technique, where to pull and additional details will be covered during the training event.
Accessibility
A short walk on a cleared trail is required to get to the worksite. Once there, volunteers will work on level terrain with some downed branches. Planting plugs is a medium-intensity activity that involves digging with a trowel and frequent bending, crouching and kneeling. Volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and take breaks as needed. There is no public restroom at this restoration site.
Ready to register?
Please use the form below to register for this event. If you have questions or concerns, contact us at volunteer@fmr.org or 651.477.0925.
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 us 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.
City of St. Paul Park, the Outdoor Heritage Fund and our generous donors like you!