Hardy Buckthorn Crew

Join a fun crew and take on an outdoor challenge!

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is seeking volunteers to join our new Hardy Buckthorn Crew! Buckthorn is a woody plant that outcompetes native plants for access to sunlight, water, and nutrients. We need your help clearing buckthorn from various sites across the river corridor as a first step in ongoing restoration efforts to increase species diversity and improve habitat for the wildlife that depends on it for food and shelter.

No previous experience is necessary. All tools, supplies, and training will be provided.

This opportunity is great for anyone who wants to:

• Meet new friends
• Explore natural resource management techniques
• Work with tools
• Practice plant identification
• Connect with nature

Position Details

What You'll Do: Volunteers will work alongside National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection to cut buckthorn with loppers, pruners, or hand saws and haul the branches into piles. Training in identification will be provided along with all required tools and safety equipment, making this opportunity perfect for beginners and seasoned buckthorn busters alike!

When: Every other Monday from 1 PM to 4 PM. Schedule and sign up can be found at Hardy Buckthorn Crew sign-up. You can attend events as available and are not required to attend each.

Where: Events will be scheduled at sites across the Mississippi River corridor, including Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Minnehaha Regional Park, and B.F. Nelson Park.

Considerations:

• Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate.
• Activities may involve walking on uneven terrain and steep sloves, standing for extended periods of time, and stepping over logs/fallen branches. 
• These events will be entirely outside. Please prep and plan for the day's weather conditions.



If interested, please sign up for shifts at Hardy Buckthorn Crew sign-up!