Tend a prairie at Hastings River Flats Park
Wildflowers bloom at Hastings River Flats Park, the largest natural area in the Hastings park system.
Hastings River Flats is an important habitat node for pollinators, birds and wildlife within the river corridor. Located just above the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, Hastings River Flats provides grassland habitat adjacent to the water to support bluebirds, tree swallows, yellow warblers, warbling vireos and numerous other species. Bald eagles nest in the adjacent Lake Rebecca Park and are frequently seen at Hastings River Flats.
Join FMR staff and volunteers at this mid-summer event to remove invasive plant species such as mullein and sweet clover. In the process, volunteers will help native species such as blue vervain, mountain mint and bee balm to flourish, improving habitat quality for the many birds, pollinators and other wildlife that rely on this ecological treasure.
All are welcome, but capacity is limited and registration is required. As always, all tools and training will be provided, and volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level.
Accessibility
Volunteers will walk about 5 minutes from the parking area to the work area and will then work on flat terrain in a prairie. There is no shade and vegetation could be tall/thick, so sun hats, long sleeves and long pants are encouraged. Hand pulling or clipping seed heads from invasive plants is a low-impact activity. The work requires standing for prolonged periods of time and walking on uneven terrain. The plants at this site are spaced out and will be tall — there are not many opportunities for sitting and hand-pulling.
Ready to register?
Please use the form below to register for this event. If you have questions or concerns, you can 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 before the event.
Can't make it?
To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact us at volunteer@fmr.org or sign up for our enewsletter. You can always visit our events calendar for our most up-to-date listing of upcoming events.
Board of Water and Soil Resources Habitat Enhancement Landscape Program funding (BWSR HELP), City of Hastings, Hastings Environmental Protectors and donors like you!