Volunteer Events

Located in Farmington, South Creek feeds the Vermillion River, a cold prairie river flowing through the heart of Dakota County and an important tributary of the Mississippi River. Volunteers will work closely with FMR staff and fellow volunteers to remove buckthorn and other invading trees, shrubs and plants. Buckthorn is extremely hardy and able to thrive in a variety of soil and light conditions. It out-competes native plant species that are vital for increased habitat and biodiversity.

Join FMR staff and volunteers for our first public restoration event at Cherokee Regional Park – one of St. Paul's most visited parks. We will begin work needed to restore this historically oak savanna and maple-basswood forested bluff-top park by planting a mix of native prairie plants. These showy flowers and grasses will not only beautify the park but provide much-needed bee, butterfly and bird habitat. And, with deep root systems that act like filters, they'll help reduce the amount of run-off pollution and secure the soil along the bluff.

Taking place just off of West River Parkway, this cleanup has become an Earth Day tradition in the Minneapolis River Gorge. The orignially scheduled April 21st event was postponed due to our delayed spring but now we're ready to get out, get our hands dirty and cleanup this beautiful spot along the river.

Join us for an evening garlic mustard pull in the oak woodlands bordering the Vermillion River, a cold prairie stream in the heart of Dakota County and a major tributary of the Mississippi River.

Ole Olson Park in north Minneapolis is known for its top-notch walking and biking trails and stunning skyline views, but we want it to be recognized for even more. Join FMR as we return to this riverfront park to tend an important native demonstration prairie garden along the bike trail. These showy flowers and grasses will not only beautify the park but provide much-needed bee, butterfly and bird habitat. And, with deep root systems that act like filters, they'll help reduce the amount of pollution flowing into the Mississippi River. 

Grey Cloud Dunes SNA is one of those places you can hardly believe is in a metro area. Located in Cottage Grove, this highly protected Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) features two sandy terraces along the river. The first rises 40 to 60 feet above river-level with remarkable crescents and blowouts sculpted by southwesterly winds. The second, 110 feet above the Mississippi, has a dramatic cut face. Dunes on both terraces rise in waves, cresting 10 to 20 feet above the swales.

Thank you for your interest in the Riverside Park bird hike. We've reached capacity and are no longer accepting registrations. Please consider joining us for a different event. To be notified of future hikes, tours, or birding outings, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore at akilgore@fmr.org.

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Take a morning stroll through Riverside Park while enjoying a birding tour lead by Karen Schik, FMR's senior ecologist.

Thank you for your interest in this event however, we've reached capacity and registrations are no longer being accepted. Please consider joining us at another restoration event.

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Thank you for your interest in this event, we've reached capacity and registrations are no longer being accepted. Please consider joining us at the Vermillion AMA for our last scheduled garlic mustard pull of the season or another upcoming restoration event.

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