May
15
Thu
2025
Tend oak woodlands at Hastings Sand Coulee SNA @ Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area
May 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Tend the oak woodlands at the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA

The short grasses and wildflowers of the dry prairie at the Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) offer a unique beauty in the Twin Cities area. Fourteen rare plant and animal species call this coulee home. The deeply rooted prairie plants also help filter pollutants from runoff water before it can enter the nearby Vermillion and Mississippi rivers.

On this spring evening, volunteers will work with FMR staff to identify and pull garlic mustard, an invasive plant that is found in one small area of the oak woodland flanking the prairie. By removing this plant, volunteers will improve habitat for the native woodland plant and animal species in just a couple of hours, ensuring this garlic mustard patch does not spread.

This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, engaging residents to learn about the watershed while working to protect and enhance its unique natural resources.

Please wear sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves, and be prepared to work on hilly, uneven terrain in a dense understory of buckthorn. 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.