Remove invasive plant species at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park
Join us to restore habitat at St. Paul Park's Riverside Park. Located along the backwaters of the Mississippi River, this 14-acre park hosts an array of native woodland plants, including Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot and wild ginger. Maintaining this park's natural state provides much-needed habitat and resources for local critters of all kinds, helping create an oasis along the Mississippi River flyway for migratory birds.
Alongside FMR staff, volunteers will continue invasive plants removal, primarily narrowleaf bittercress and garlic mustard. We may also dig up invasive burdock. These plants spread quickly through the forest floor, preventing other plants from growing and decreasing local biodiversity.
We'll provide the tools and training. All are welcome, but capacity is limited, and registration is required.
About the Pledge to Pull
Please note that we ask all registrants who pull garlic mustard at this particular event to sign a Pledge to Pull, promising to remove garlic mustard in this area of Riverside Park in the weeks following this training and evening event.
All volunteers receive a signed card certifying their participation in the training and granting permission to independently return and perform this volunteer service in this special area.
Volunteers pledge to do a total of 4 hours of invasive plant removal — 2 hours completed at the training plus an additional 2 hours coordinated on your own. If you bring someone with you, their hours count towards your pledged time. For example, if you participate in the 2-hour training and removal session, then bring a friend, classmate or family member to the site for a 1-hour session, that totals 2 hours of volunteer time and the completion of your pledge!
Pulling technique, where to pull and additional details will be covered during the training event.
Accessibility
A short walk on a cleared trail is required to get to the worksite. Once there, volunteers will work on level terrain with some downed branches. Hand pulling plants 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, 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.
Can't make it?
To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact us 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.
City of St. Paul Park, the Outdoor Heritage Fund and our generous donors like you!