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Community Corner

Pine Bend Bluffs Habitat Restoration

Please note: Registration for this special event closes Friday the 21st at noon. Location listed is approximate.  Exact meeting location will be emailed upon registration.

 

Join Friends of the Mississippi River, Flint Hills Resources and Great River Greening as we restore areas of the Flint Hills property within the Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area along the Mississippi River -- one of the largest and most diverse native ecosystems left in the metro area. The site is owned by Flint Hills Resources and is only accessible to the public for special events such as this.

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This award-winning restoration project includes a sand-gravel prairie, oak savanna, and oak forest plant communities. Pine Bend is part of the Mississippi River migratory bird flyway -- host to 40 percent of North American waterfowl and millions of migratory songbirds.

We'll be working in a black ash seepage swamp (which will be dry at this time of year), an uncommon type of habitat along the edge of Spring Lake where skunk cabbage and marsh marigold bloom in the spring.  Working with FMR and Great River Greening ecologists and staff, volunteers will remove invasive species -- helping to stack pre-cut buckthorn brush -- and assist with other restoration tasks. After clearing the buckthorn, we may get glimpses of the large marsh beyond.  All tools and supplies will be provided, as well as lunch at the conclusion of the event.

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The location is roughly 25 minutes south of Mpls/St. Paul and 15 minutes west of Hastings. All registrants will be emailed directions to the meeting spot along with all other event basics. 

Ready to register?

Please note: Registration for this special event closes Friday the 21st at noon.

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and pre-registration required. Children age 15 and up are welcome with a parent or guardian. (Due to site-specific limitations, only youth 15 and up may participate.)

To sign up, contact FMR Program Assistant Erika Frost at efrost[at]fmr.org. She can also be reached at 651-222-2193 x23. Please include all of the following: the name of the event, your name, address (full address required) and phone number and the number in your party. 

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