Prescribed Burn and a Garlic Mustard Pull

A prescribed burn of bluff prairies at Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area was completed last month. These remnants occupy the upper slopes of south-facing hills in an otherwise forested bluff-land. Burning helps to reduce woody plants and to stimulate growth of the prairie species. About 30 acres were burned over 4 areas. Also completed was a large amount of exotic brush removal from around the perimeter of the prairies.

At the floodplain forest near 35th Street and West River Parkway in Minneapolis, Mississippi Gorge Stewards and other volunteers removed significant amounts of garlic mustard, an extremely invasive plant threatening native spring wildflowers like bloodroot, trout lily, trillium and Jack-in-the-pulpit to name a few. Although a serious threat, garlic mustard is not only easy to identify but quick to pull by hand. FMR will continue to battle this invasive plant at Crosby Park and throughout out the Mississippi River Gorge.