Tend the oak woodlands at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA
Our work takes place on Dakota land. Learn more.
The short grasses and wildflowers of the dry prairie at the Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) offer a unique beauty in the Twin Cities area. 14 rare plant and animal species call the Coulee home. The deeply rooted prairie plants also help filter pollutants from runoff water before it can enter the nearby Vermillion and Mississippi Rivers.
On this spring evening, volunteers will work with FMR Senior Ecologist Karen Schik to identify and pull garlic mustard, an invasive plant that is found in one small area of the oak woodland that flanks the prairie. By removing this plant, volunteers will improve habitat for the native woodland plant and animal species in just a couple of hours, and help make sure this garlic mustard patch does not spread.
This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, engaging residents to learn about the watershed while working to protect and enhance its unique natural resources.
Please wear sturdy shoes and long pants and be prepared to work on hilly, uneven terrain. 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
A short walk down a small hill is required to get to the worksite. At the worksite, the event will take place on level terrain. Pulling garlic mustard is a lower impact activity that can be done while sitting down. FMR will provide a few kneeling pads.
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.
Thank you to our partners and funders: the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Scientific and Natural Areas Program, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Outdoor Heritage Fund, Hastings High School, the Laura Jane Musser Foundation, RBC Wealth Management, the United Way of Hastings, Xcel Energy, and BNSF Foundation.