Pull invasive plants on Nicollet Island
Our work takes place on Dakota land. Learn more.
Join us for a morning of tending the woodland on Nicollet Island. FMR is leading a multi-year restoration of the natural areas on the north half of Nicollet Island in partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The restoration plan includes removal of invasive species, enhancement of degraded forest areas, and the creation of new, diverse habitat, including two acres of native prairie and the re-creation of a pocket of maple forest historically present on the island.
With the guidance of FMR staff, volunteers will pull garlic mustard and dame's rocket from the woodland. By removing these plants, volunteers will improve habitat for the native woodland plant and animal species in just a couple of hours, and help make sure these patches don't spread.
As time allows, volunteers may also tend to demonstration planter boxes. The demonstration boxes provide examples of native prairie plantings to park users and give people ideas of what might provide good habitat in their own neighborhoods. With the guidance of FMR staff, volunteers will dig in to remove weeds from the boxes so that the native plantings can become better established.
All are welcome. No experience is needed however, registration is required and capacity is limited. All tools, gloves and training will be provided. This event is part of our Above the Falls Stewards program, engaging North and Northeast Minneapolis residents to protect and restore their riverfront parks.
Accessibility
The areas where we will be working on the island are mostly directly off paved sidewalks or walking trails. Pulling garlic mustard is a lower-impact activity that can be done while sitting down. FMR will provide a few kneeling pads.
Nicollet Island can be accessed by MetroTransit Bus Route 4.
Ready to register?
Please use the form below to register for this event. If you have questions or concerns, you can 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.
3M Foundation, BNSF Foundation, ExtremeTerrain's Clean Trail Program, Fair State Brewing, Hennepin County, Hennepin County Good Stewards, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Association, RBC Wealth Management, and Xcel Energy.