Floodplain Forest Cleanup
Note: May 30th is the correct date, we apologize if you've seen it listed as otherwise.
Located roughly a mile downstream of downtown Hastings, the Gores Wildlife Management Area consists entirely of Mississippi and Vermillion River floodplain forests. With the spring thaw, a good deal of trash has been revealed in this natural area. Volunteers are sure to find tires, large pieces of marine stryofoam and other litter that would otherwise pollute our local waters and harm wildlife, including birds in the nearby Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.
While the exact location of this cleanup will depend on water-levels, we're planning to work towards and then along the forested riverfront. If waters are high, we'll stick to adjacent oak savanna and woodlands.
FMR is proud to have played a role in the protection of this natural area, including developing a plan for its long-term restoration in partnership with state and local authorities. This event is part of the larger Vermillion Stewards program, and all participants will be invited to future volunteer and education events in the Vermillion watershed, including our immensely popular and invite-only Vermillion River Trout Survey.
Bags and gloves will be provided, however if you have a good pair of gloves please do bring them. And volunteers will work alongside Kate Clayton, FMR Assistant Stewardship Coordinator.
Due to some of the debris, including sharper metal objects, this particular cleanup may not be a good fit for younger children, and capacity is limited.
Ready to sign up?
To ensure a high-quality experience and adequate supplies capacity is limited and advance registration required. To sign up, contact FMR Event Registrar Amy Kilgore via our contact form (please change Category from "general inquiries" to "volunteering") or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31.
Please include: the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. You will receive a confirmation email and additional details, such as directions and what to wear, from akilgore@fmr.org within, at most, two business days. If you don't see a confirmation from us, please check your spam folder.
Under 18 and planning to participate on your own? Please have your parent or guardian complete this quick online form.
More information
Please note: Any addresses or park maps provided via the links below are for general use only. Event registrants will be emailed a map to the correct event meeting spot.
Thank you event partner Hastings Environmental Protectors and program sponsors Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization.