City Lights: Minnetonka Natural Resources Restoration

Do you enjoy walks in Minnetonka’s parks? Do you wonder about the native wildflowers and wildlife you encounter?  Would you like meeting others who care about the native wildlife habitats in our city?

If so, you are a great fit to become a Minnetonka Natural Resources Restoration Volunteer.  Janet Van Sloun Larson and her assistants lead volunteers throughout the spring, summer and fall in restoring native areas of Minnetonka’s parks. Activities include tree planting, buckthorn removal, garlic mustard pulling, valuable tree tagging, cherry black knot pruning, etc. Benefits to the volunteers include wildflower seeds and cuttings you can take home to plant, berry picking, a wealth of information about the plants you encounter and wildlife sightings like my friend from Purgatory Park in the photo. It’s also lovely to spend a couple hours in the woods with new friends who are volunteering with you.  It’s refreshing to my soul.

Residents who pass by while we work often ask what we are doing, and are always so appreciative of our work. I always find it gratifying work.

It’s easy to volunteer. Just contact Janet Van Sloun Larson, the Minnetonka Natural Resources Restoration Specialist, at jrlarson@eminnetonka.com. She will put you on the weekly email list, which tells about upcoming projects and work shifts. Shifts may be during the week or weekends, days or evenings. It depends on weather, the project and leader availability. There is always a knowledgeable Project Leader for each session. You don’t have to volunteer with any regularity. Help is always appreciated for any time you can spare. Just be sure to RSVP if you are planning to work a shift so that you are contacted if there are any changes such as weather delays.

Right now it is garlic mustard season,and many hands are needed to remove these highly invasive plants before they go to seed. Bring a trowel or digger, gardening gloves and knee pads. The coming week’s schedule is:

Big Willow:  Tuesday, May 31, 2 sessions:
9:00 to 11:00am and
12:00 to 2:00pm

Evergreen Park:  Wednesday, June 1
2:00 to 5:00pm    

Minnetonka Mills Park: Thursday, June 2, 2 sessions:
9:00 to 11:00am and
12:00 to 2:00pm

Jidana Park:  Friday, June 3
9:00 to 11:00am

Purgatory Park:  Friday, June 3
12:00 to 2:00pm

More details about these shifts including parking and maps will be sent upon request to Janet.

Thank you to all the volunteers for Minnetonka Natural Resources Restoration!