Located 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. 

After a short hike volunteers will work closely with FMR staff to 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 for other species. 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. These characteristics make removal of this invasive species the perfect restoration activity for volunteers who want to work independently.

Event participants will be offered the opportunity to sign up to make their Pledge to Pull. Pledge volunteers commit to removing garlic mustard in this area of Pine Bend for a total of six additional hours in the weeks following the training at times most convenient for them. Pledgers also receive a small card certifying their training and granting them permission to independently perform this volunteer restoration service in this award-winning restoration area, which is owned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is also part of our local National Park (the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area unit of the National Park Service).

Ready to register?

This event is open to all. No experience is necessary, all tools and training will be provided. To sign up and receive directions to the exact meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under “Category”) or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. Amy is typically in the office M-Th each week. Registration closes end of day Wednesday, May 3rd.

You will receive a confirmation email from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don’t, please check your SPAM folder.)

If you are under 18 and planning to attend without your parent or guardian, please take a moment to have them complete this minor permission form.