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.

Join Friends of the Mississippi River and Hastings Environmental Protectors for a unique island cleanup.

Spring Lake Park stretches around the bend of the Mississippi River. After meeting in the Dakota County park, where FMR has been restoring habitat for over 10 years, volunteers will be shuttled to the nearby islands by boat to pick up trash.

As always, all are welcome and encouraged to work at their own comfort level. Due to wet island conditions, waterproof knee or muck boots are highly encouraged. Bags and gloves will be provided.

Following the cleanup, a light lunch will be provided for all volunteers courtesy of Hastings Environmental Protectors.

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 Thursday, October 5, 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.

Winter Roads Maintenance Workshop is for all winter maintenance professionals.

Improve your efficiency and reduce environmental impacts of winter road maintenance and see an equipment demonstration. Training is based on the MN Snow and Ice Control Field Handbook for Snowplow Operators. Attendees have an opportunity to attain MPCA Level 1 Certification in Snow and Ice Control Best Practices. Lunch will be provided. Workshop is free.

Training topics include: application rates, weather conditions and storing materials, environmental effects, new maintenance methods, calibration, selection of materials, anti-icing vs. de-icing, and more.

Pre-registration is required by September 26. To register, send email to environ@co.dakota.mn.us.

Local experts from the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization will highlight important trends and emerging issues facing the subwatershed, as well as potential solutions. The presentation will focus in on two main concerns, water volume and sediment issues in the Vermillion River.

Next, hear from FMR’s Stewardship Program Manager Adam Flett on actions you can take to make your home, lawn and community more water friendly.

Following the presentation, we’ll have an informal Q & A session. To make sure everyone has a chance to ask questions, and due to limited seating, capacity is limited and advance registration required.