Buckthorn Bonanza

Buckthorn Bonanza

Kate Erion, Extension Master Gardener Intern  (952) 445-3051 erionkate@comcast.net

Shakopee’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Carver-Scott Extension Master Gardeners will collaborate on Saturday, September 28, 2013, to offer the first of a planned series of invasive species classes to area residents.  This first class, Buckthorn Bonanza, will teach participants how to identify and combat Common and Glossy Buckthorn.  The free class will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Shakopee Public Utilities Commission, 255 Sarazin Street.  Following an hour indoor lecture the class will switch to hands-on learning and a volunteer opportunity outside at Memorial Park across Highway 101 from the SPUC. 

Buckthorn is on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s list of restricted noxious weeds, which means it is illegal to sell it, to transport it without a permit or to intentionally plant it in Minnesota.  Giving this shrub the classification of restricted noxious weed also means that the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture deems this plant to be injurious to the environment.  In other words Buckthorn out-competes native plants for nutrients, light and moisture.  Buckthorn degrades wildlife habitats and threatens the future of natural habitats.  In some instances Buckthorn contributes to erosion by shading out other plants that grow on the forest floor.  It may also serve as hosts to pests such as crown rust fungus and soybean aphid.  As if that isn’t enough, it also produces messy fruits that stain sidewalks and driveways.  A list of environmentally-friendly native shrubs that are excellent replacements for Buckthorn will be provided in the class.

“Because Buckthorn can grow in a wide variety of habitats, is a vigorous stump-sprouter, prolific seeder and has a very long growing season, it out-competes all other plants in the forest.  The only means of control in this area is human intervention,” says Shakopee Natural Resource Technician Jacob Busiahn.

“The goal of this class,” says Busiahn, “is to both teach residents to identify and eradicate Buckthorn on their own properties, but also to ultimately take care of it on Shakopee city property via the network of educated and concerned citizens that hopefully come out of this.”   

Carver-Scott Extension Master Gardeners want to involve volunteers trained in horticulture to use research-based resources of the University of Minnesota to enhance and improve the environment and quality of life in the community.  More information is available at http://carverscottmastergardeners.org.

Shawn Neri with Boy Scout Troop 619 recommends this and future invasive species classes offered by Shakopee and Extension Master Gardeners as a great way for Scouts to earn community service hours.  Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  The class will be restricted to participants age 10 and older.  Reservations are required.

To sign up for “Buckthorn Bonanza” go to www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48A9AA28A6FB6-buckthorn or contact Busiahn at (952) 233-9511.  A repeat class will be offered at the same location on Saturday, October 5, 2013, if the number of registrants warrants it.  Class participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions the day of the class.

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