Sa June 13 Volunteers Needed: Deadwood Haul, Fire Prep at Ravine Lake

Saturday, June 13, 2015 — 9:00-11:30 pm

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

With 515 acres of hills and heavily wooded ravines, a small lake and a smattering of small prairies, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park features a beautifully diverse landscape. A glacial tunnel valley bisects the park, featuring 80- to 100-foot slopes home to a compelling array of vegetation and habitats. The ravine ends in a small lake where people enjoy fishing, bird watching and picnics.

In addition to being beautiful, the park’s dramatic natural features play an important water-quality role, helping to filter pollution from post-rainstorm runoff that would otherwise enter the Mississippi River. Ravine Park’s restoration is also part of a larger effort in Washington County — involving FMR, Washington County, the City of Cottage Grove, 3M and many other partners — to protect and preserve a natural green corridor for our waters, our wildlife and our heritage.

At this lakefront restoration site, FMR volunteers have done a great job removing invasive species and assisting with other restoration tasks. Now it’s time to call in the professional fire crews to take it to the next level by performing a prescribed burn. Unfortunately, though, there are too many dead fallen trees and too much cut brush for the crew to work here safely!

Come help FMR Senior Ecologist Karen Schik and other FMR and Washington County staff remove the deadwood and brush so we can take this important next step in this site’s restoration. No experience is required and all supplies, including pizza, will be provided. And, of course, park entry (normally $5) is free for participating volunteers. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information about this event, including how to register, visit: http://fmr.org/participate/events/cg_ravine_lake-2015-06-13