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.

Join the Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for an evening of removing invasive garlic mustard at Vermillion River Linear Park, a beautiful 60-acre park in the heart of Hastings and part of a corridor of green space that runs through the city. This park flanks the Vermillion River.

After a brief introduction and training, volunteers will help pull garlic mustard from the wooded areas. Over the years, removing plants like garlic mustard has cleared the way for native plant communities to return and thrive.

All are welcome, however, capacity is limited and registration is required. All supplies and training will be provided and volunteers will work closely with FMR staff. This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, engaging Vermillion River Watershed residents to learn about the local watershed while working to protect and enhance its unique natural resources.

Accessibility

There is a less than five-minute walk to the work areas, and some areas of the worksite can be accessed by paved trails. Volunteers will be working on level ground but uneven terrain. Pulling garlic mustard is a lower-intensity activity. Pulling garlic mustard can be done while kneeling or sitting down, and FMR will provide a few kneeling pads. This site has abundant stinging nettle, so long pants and sleeves are suggested.

Ready to register?

Please use this form below to register for this event. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact volunteer@fmr.org(link sends e-mail) or 651.477.0925.

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.

Attend a virtual or in-person introduction class to learn about creating beautiful gardens that help keep water clean.

Creating landscaped areas with native plants or gardens that soak up rainwater is the secret to leisurely living in great-looking yards. Attend a Landscaping for Clean Water Introduction to Clean Water class to see how others in your city have created landscaped areas that benefit local lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Choose one of five dates and locations, all from 6-7 p.m.:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Burnsville City Hall

MONDAY, MARCH 10

Apple Valley Municipal Center

MONDAY, APRIL 7

Dakota Lodge, West St. Paul

TUESDAY, MAY 6

Online Via Zoom

MONDAY, JUNE 2

Farmington Library

Pre-registration for the free class is required. Please visit www.DAKOTASWCD.org to register. Registration is open to everyone, Dakota County residency not required. Contact Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation district at 651-480-7777 or LCW@co.dakota.mn.us with any questions!

After seeing dozens of affordable designs that have transformed bland urban landscapes to beautiful retreats, participants can attend a Landscaping for Clean Water design course where you will receive guidance to create a design for your yard.

For more information about Landscaping for Clean Water go to www.DAKOTASWCD.org.

This event is part of Twin Cities Trout Unlimited’s Vermillion River Initiative.

TCTU is looking for up to five volunteers to identify & remove wild parsnip & other invasive species, as well as any trash they find.

–Read this about wild parsnip

What You Should Bring:

• dress for the weather
• a willingness to work hard
• a bottle of water
• chest waders to help protect yourself from ticks & wild parsnip sap
• a camp chair so you have a place to sit to eat lunch

What TCTU Will Provide:

• tools & supplies
• protective gear for handling wild parsnips
• bug spray

Watch for an email from TCTU the day before the event for any updates or changes. Registration will close 24 hours before the event.