Pull spotted knapweed at Pine Bend Bluffs SNA [FULL]

Thursday, July 28, 2022 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area, Inver Grove Heights
Volunteers with knapweed at last year's pull

Our work takes place on Dakota homelands. Learn more.

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Join us to help protect Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific & Natural Area (SNA), an award-winning restoration site known for some of the best views of the Upper Mississippi River.

Working with FMR staff and fellow volunteers we will remove invasive species, especially spotted knapweed, from the native prairie. Minnesota's native bees and local wildlife depend on this rare habitat and the native plants that grow there. With their deeper root systems, the native prairie plants also provide erosion control and filter pollution that would otherwise run down the bluffs into the Mississippi River below.

As always, all tools and training will be provided and volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level. All are welcome, however, registration is required.

Accessibility

A short hike to the bluff prairie is required to get to the worksite. Volunteers will then work on a steep slope with uneven and difficult-to-navigate terrain.

Ready to register?

While this event is full, you can still sign up for the waitlist. Please contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at sdowney@fmr.org, 651.222.2193 x27, or by selecting Sophie by name under "Category" via the FMR contact form. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. We will contact you if a spot opens up.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at sdowney@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.

What about COVID-19?

We're watching the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines closely. If plans change based on their recommendations, FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey will email registrants with event updates. (Be sure to add sdowney@fmr.org to your contacts so updates don't land in spam.) And we'll update this page if anything changes. (You can read more about our policies here.)

We will offer gloves and hand sanitizer at the event. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own masks and wear them when in close proximity to others. Long pants are strongly recommended and sturdy footwear. Long sleeves are recommended, both for mosquitos and because knapweed can irritate the skin for some people.

Thank you to our partners and funders: 

Thanks to our partners and funders: BNSF Foundation, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Outdoor Heritage Fund, RBC Wealth Management, Union Pacific and Xcel Energy.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 29, 2023 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area
Saturday, May 13, 2023 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Nicollet Island, Minneapolis
Applications due Fri, May 5 - 5 pm
Virtual and in-person