Seeding + invasive removal at the South Branch Vermillion River AMA [FULL]

This event has reached maximum capacity. Read below for instructions to sign up for the waitlist, and we will contact you if anyone cancels their spot for this event. Or, see our full event calendar to choose a different volunteer opportunity.

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Join us for an evening of distributing native savanna seed and removing invasive plants in the restored oak savanna bordering the south branch of the Vermillion River, a cold prairie stream in the heart of Dakota County and a major tributary of the Mississippi.

Volunteers will be working in a DNR Aquatic Management Area (AMA). AMAs are a special form of land protection meant to preserve shoreline property and in-stream habitat. With creek, lake and river shores being developed throughout the state, the AMA program helps Minnesota preserve public access as well as critical fish and wildlife habitat. The Vermillion River and this AMA are recognized for trophy brown trout, something unimaginable in the 1960's when water quality here was so poor the stream was considered unfit for any game fish. 

After a brief introduction and training, volunteers will help pull garlic mustard from riverside forest areas and distribute 30 pounds of native grass and wildflower seed in a recently restored savanna. Over the years, removing invasive plants like buckthorn and garlic mustard has cleared the way for native plant communities to return and thrive. Volunteers will help in this effort by continuing to remove garlic mustard while seeding the already cleared areas. Volunteers may also be asked to assist with other restoration tasks as needed.

All are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration required. All supplies and training will be provided and volunteers will work closely with FMR staff. This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, engaging Vermillion River Watershed residents to learn about the local watershed while working to protect and enhance its unique natural resources.

Before you register

This event site is only accessible by a long walk. Once at the site, volunteers will be working on uneven terrain with cut stumps.

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 volunteer@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 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.

What about COVID-19?

We've modified our events during the pandemic to be smaller, and allow for individuals to work while safely six feet apart. All tools will be sanitized between events, and all gloves provided are unused in 2020 or 2021. Once registered, volunteers will receive a full list of safety precautions and guidelines. You can read more about our policies here.

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 volunteer@fmr.org to your contacts so updates don't land in spam.) And we'll update this page if anything changes.

We will offer gloves and hand sanitizer at the event. Volunteers are required to bring and wear their own masks.