May 6 Volunteer Invasive Species Removal at Pine Bend, volunteers needed

Volunteer to join Friends of the Mississippi River and crew at Pine Bend SNA pulling garlic mustard Wednesday, May 6, from 6-8pm.

Just 20 minutes south of St. Paul, Pine Bend Scientific and Natural Area is home to some of the best views of the Upper Mississippi River and is a welcome respite from the bustle of the cities. Pine Bend also provides much-needed habitat for birds who depend on the Mississippi River Flyway and helps maintain the health of the river by filtering pollutants from runoff water that would otherwise make their way into the water.

Working closely with FMR staff, volunteers will remove the invasive species garlic mustard. Brought over by European settlers, this former garden plant has no natural controls in our landscape and can easily take over a forest floor, leaving very little ground cover or food for birds and other local wildlife.

Although a serious threat, garlic mustard is fairly easy to identify and quick to pull by hand. Volunteers should be able to see a big difference in just a couple hours of work.

Also, volunteers who enjoy the experience and want to continue working on their own time at Pine Bend will receive a card certifying them to return to this Department of Natural Resources site to complete additional, independent garlic mustard removals with friends and families if they wish. (The pledge component of this event is optional.)

As always, training, gloves, tools and guidance will be provided.

For more information, including how to register for this event, visit: http://fmr.org/participate/events/pine_bend_pull-2015-05-06