Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for a Make and Take Rain Barrel Workshop on Tuesday, June 28, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Apple Valley Senior Center. A rain barrel is a simple, high-impact way to save water and protect water quality in lakes and rivers. The cost of materials for building your own rain barrel is only $35, thanks to donated barrels from Coca-Cola Refreshments of Eagan. Pre-registration is required.

Join Trout Unlimited (TU) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a volunteer work day at the DNR Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area to clear invasive species from the banks of the South Branch, one of the Vermillion River’s trout streams. While anyone is welcome to work, a core group of TU volunteers, the Vermillion Riverkeepers, has been clearing invasive species and restoring this great prospective fishing destination for the past few years, donating hundreds of hours to the project. Volunteers will meet at the property, which is west of Hwy. 52 near 200th St. E. (Co. Rd. 66) on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 9 a.m. After battling the buckthorn (and other invasive plants), volunteers will be provided lunch. To register for the event, contact TU habitat restoration chair Tony Nelson, who will send out an email before the event providing details on what to wear and what to bring.

Join the Twin Cities Trout Unlimited (TCTU) Vermillion Riverkeepers for its last volunteer work day of the year! Volunteers will cut and haul away invasive buckthorn from the banks of the Vermillion River’s South Branch on Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The group meets at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA) at E. 200th St. at U.S. Hwy. 52 in Vermillion Township. The Vermillion Riverkeepers, now 55 members strong, plan to help re-establish native prairie, stabilize banks to reduce erosion, and restore wildlife habitat on the South Branch site. All community members are welcome to help shoulder the work, enjoy the great company, and have lunch. Please register by Thursday, December 1, by contacting Tony Nelson, if you plan to attend, to ensure TCTU has enough food and gear for every volunteer.

After a brief training on the importance of seed collecting and identification, volunteers will help hand collect much-needed native prairie seed while enjoying this rare example of a sand-gravel prairie in full fall bloom. Volunteers will work with FMR Lead Ecologist Karen Schik in the natural area most recently added to the Sand Coulee Scientific & Natural Area. Seed will be used for further habitat restoration. This is especially important as the Sand Coulee provides a home to 13 rare plant and animal species.

Previous seed collection experience is not required, all are welcome. However, this activity is very detail-oriented, and generally best suited for teenagers and up. (Learn more about FMR volunteer seed collection events here.)

This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, providing opportunities for hands-on stewardship of this unique cold prairie river and its watershed.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive precise directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under “Category”) or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. 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.

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and pre-registration required. Registration closes Wednesday, September 27, or upon reaching capacity.

You will receive a confirmation email with details and directions from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don’t, please check your SPAM folder.) Amy is typically in the office M-Th.