Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area brush haul + celebration

Join Friends of the Mississippi River, Flint Hills Resources and Great River Greening as we return to the Flint Hills property within the Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area along the Mississippi River —— one of the largest and most diverse native ecosystems left in the metro area. The site is only accessible to the public for special occasions such as this annual restoration and celebration event on Saturday, October 21, 9 a.m.-noon.

Working with FMR and Great River Greening ecologists and staff, volunteers will help protect these native plant communities by removing invasive species, primarily— helping to stack pre-cut buckthorn brush, —and assisting with other restoration tasks as needed. Everyone will be encouraged to work at their own comfort level and no previous experience is necessary. All tools and supplies will be provided, —including coffee, morning snacks and a hot lunch to conclude the event!—

This award-winning restoration project includes a sand-gravel prairie, oak savanna and oak forest plant communities. Healthy forest floors and prairies improve the health of our local waters by reducing or absorbing runoff pollution and decreasing erosion. This site is also an important part of the Mississippi River migratory bird flyway,— host to 40 percent of North American waterfowl and millions of migratory songbirds annually. Many of those birds — as well as bees, butterflies and our local wildlife — depend upon the native prairie, savanna and forest plants for their survival, especially under the stress of increasing average temperatures. 

As always, all are welcome and encouraged to work at their own comfort level. All tools and training will be provided. However, due to the nature of the work on this site volunteers must be 15 years of age or older.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive precise directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under "Category") or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number for each person in your party.

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and pre-registration required. Registration closes end of day Wednesday, October 18th, or upon reaching capacity.

You will receive a confirmation email with details and directions from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don't, please check your SPAM folder.) Amy is typically in the office M-Th.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore, akilgore@fmr.org. Or, to receive a twice-a-month e-newsletter including all FMR activities and news, sign up for Mississippi Messages.