Cut and haul nuisance brush at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA

Grey Cloud Dunes SNA is one of those places you can hardly believe is in a metro area. Located in Cottage Grove, this highly protected Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) features two sandy terraces along the river. The first rises 40 to 60 feet above river-level with remarkable crescents and blowouts sculpted by southwesterly winds. The second, 110 feet above the Mississippi, has a dramatic cut-face. Dunes on both terraces rise in waves, cresting 10 to 20 feet above the swales.

Join FMR staff and volunteers in the southern portion of the SNA Saturday, November 4, from 9-11 a.m. After a brief orientation, volunteers will help cut and haul invasive and nuisance brush from the worksite to make way for native habitat thrive.

As this a special type of park is meant to protect rare, fragile plant and animal habitat, Grey Cloud SNA does not feature such amenities as trails or restrooms.

Capacity is limited, in part to tread lightly on this special place but also to make sure everyone has a chance to ask questions about the site's ecology and the many native plants. Due to tool usage, including loppers and saws, this event is not suitable for youth.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive 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 and the number in your party. Registration closes Thursday, November 2 or the event reaches 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 M-Th.

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 Cottage Grove area events, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore at akilgore@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.