Plant native shrubs and plants at the Dakota Conservation Area
Who doesn't enjoy a fun planting event? Heads up, planting events reach capacity very quickly. (Photo by Dodd Demas for FMR)
Known for its towering bur oak trees, the Dakota Conservation Area along the Vermillion River is home to a variety of remnant or original and undisturbed wildflowers. The Vermillion is a major Mississippi tributary, and this site is part of an important wildlife or habitat corridor.
FMR is partnering with Dakota County to restore oak savanna habitat. This process began with the removal of a dense layer of non-native shrubs. Now, alongside FMR staff, volunteers will plant native grassland plants and shrubs.
These additional plants will help restore a diverse native understory, providing floral resources for pollinators and protecting water quality by limiting erosion.
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
The work area is easy to access from a road near the conservation area. There is a gentle slope in the planting area.
Volunteers will be working with plugs (not fully-grown plants and bushes). Planting plugs will be a relatively low-exertion activity. Some volunteers will water plugs using buckets of water drawn from the river, which will require more effort.
There are no restrooms on site. The nearest public restrooms are at gas stations located 0.5-1 miles away. Please plan accordingly.
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.
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, the Hastings Environmental Protectors, Dakota County, the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization Stewardship Grant Program and donors like you!