Haul buckthorn and pull garlic mustard at Rosemount Preserve [FULL]

This event has reached maximum capacity. Read below for instructions to sign up for the waitlist, and we will contact you if anyone cancels their spot for this event. Or, see our full event calendar to choose a different volunteer opportunity.

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FMR has been involved in the restoration of Rosemount Wildlife Preserve from the beginning of the project in 2003. This 26-acre site is located in the Northern Dakota County Greenway, which serves as a critical corridor for native wildlife and plants. Rosemount Preserve contains prairie and oak woodland, which we've restored through native plantings, controlled burns and invasive species removal.

Join us for one of our first events of the year as we tackle buckthorn and garlic mustard removal in the woodland at Rosemount Preserve. Volunteers will stack pre-cut buckthorn, a non-native invasive shrub that can dominate woodland habitats, and prevents a diverse mix of native plants from flourishing. Removing the buckthorn helps make way for native plants to return. We'll also pull garlic mustard, another invasive plant that crowds out native species on the forest floor. Garlic mustard can be easily hand-pulled, and volunteers will quickly see the impact they can make in a short period of time.

All are welcome at this event. No experience is needed. However, registration is required and capacity is limited. All tools, gloves and training will be provided. This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, helping residents learn about the watershed while working to protect and enhance its unique natural resources.

Before you register

This event will take place on level terrain, though volunteers will need to be wary of cut buckthorn stumps. While hauling buckthorn is a more intense physical activity, pulling garlic mustard is an easier alternative.

Ready to register?

While this event is full, you can still sign up for the waitlist. Please contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at volunteer@fmr.org, 651.222.2193 x27, or by selecting Sophie by name under "Category" via the FMR contact form. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. We will contact you if a spot opens up.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future Vermillion Stewards events, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey 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.

What about COVID-19?

We've modified our events during the pandemic to be smaller, and allow for individuals to work while safely six feet apart. All tools will be sanitized between events, and all gloves provided are unused in 2020 or 2021. Once registered, volunteers will receive a full list of safety precautions and guidelines. You can read more about our policies here.

We're watching the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines closely. If plans change based on their recommendations, FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey will email registrants with event updates. (Be sure to add volunteer@fmr.org to your contacts so updates don't land in spam.) And we'll update this page if anything changes.

We will offer gloves and hand sanitizer at the event. Volunteers are required to bring and wear their own masks.