Tend a bluff prairie at River Oaks Park

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
River Oaks Park, Cottage Grove
Bluff prairie near the Mississippi River at River Oaks Park

Bluff prairie near the Mississippi River at River Oaks Park in Cottage Grove (Photo by Alex Roth for FMR)

River Oaks Park in Cottage Grove features spectacular views of the river and an impressive 180-degree field of vision. The park harbors a special remnant bedrock bluff prairie full of diverse native dry prairie plants. These plants provide essential nectar and habitat for monarchs and other pollinators as they move along the river corridor. Once-rare pelicans and bald eagles are also frequent passersby.

Join FMR staff and volunteers to lop invasive woody buckthorn and sumac and continue the restoration of prairie at this unique site. Clearing out woody invasives helps preserve visitors' access to this park's beautiful views and protect habitat for birds, butterflies and other pollinators.

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

Accessibility

To get to our work area, we'll take a short walk on an unpaved path. There are no restroom facilities at this site. Work will take place on a steeply sloped bluff prairie high above the Mississippi River.

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 before the event.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact us at volunteer@fmr.org or sign up for our enewsletter. You can always visit our events calendar for our most up-to-date listing of upcoming events.

Thank you to our partners and funders: 

The City of Cottage Grove, the Outdoor Heritage Fund and donors like you!

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Large oak forest in Hampton, Dakota County
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 6:30pm
Dual Citizen Brewing Company, St. Paul
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
South Branch of the Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area, Hastings

Join us for Music for the Mississippi River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and support FMR with Tina Schlieske and Molly Maher, May 30 at Dual Citizen Brewing in St. Paul.