Pull garlic mustard at the river gorge sand flats
Our work takes place on Dakota land. Learn more.
Join us for a morning of invasive species removal at the Minneapolis River Gorge sand flats (sometimes called the Longfellow flats), known for their large sandy beaches and wonderful river-edge view. Working alongside FMR staff, volunteers will remove garlic mustard.
Although garlic mustard can spread rapidly and prevent other plants from growing, it's is not only easy to identify but quick to pull by hand. Volunteers will be pleased to see a dramatic difference in ground cover by the end of this event – improving wildlife habitat and making room for native plant species. Patches of bloodroot and wild ginger, two native woodland plants, are expanding in this area as garlic mustard is being slowly reduced.
As always, we'll provide any necessary tools and training. All are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration is required.
The event is also part of the Gorge Stewards program, which actively engages people throughout the Twin Cities in the stewardship of the national treasure that is the Mississippi River Gorge.
Accessibility
The worksite for this event is only accessible by a very long and steep staircase with a handrail that scales the side of the bluff, a taxing climb. Once on the flats, volunteers will be working on level terrain adjacent to natural surface trails. Hand pulling plants is a lower impact activity that can be done while sitting down. FMR will provide a few kneeling pads.
Stinging nettle and poison ivy are present in some areas. Long sleeves and pants are recommended.
Ready to register?
Please use the form below to register for this event. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at volunteer@fmr.org or (651) 222-2193 x27.
We understand that volunteers are used to registering over email - please bear with us as we navigate staff transitions and help us out by using this form! Rest assured that our program staff are seeing your registrations, and we will be in touch as it gets closer to the event date.
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 FMR's Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator 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.
Thanks to our Gorge Stewards Program partners and funders: BNSF Foundation, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Hennepin County, Longfellow Community Council, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, RBC Wealth Management, the US Forest Service and Xcel Energy.