Great River Greening is seeking 30 volunteers to help with restoration efforts at Talahi Woods, an ecologically and historically important tract of oak savanna on the east shore of the Mississippi River near St. Cloud State.
From 12:30-4:30 p.m. May 23, volunteers will remove by hand invasive species such as garlic mustard, burdock and buckthorn.
Invasive, foreign plants are preventing native plants from growing at the 23-acre parcel owned by St. Cloud State. Among those species having difficulty regenerating is the bur oak, which is referenced in the University hymn and stylized on the University seal.
The chief culprit is buckthorn, which leafs out early and retains leaves late into the fall, creating dense shade that helps it to displace native plants. It was brought to the U.S. from Europe in the mid-1800s and sold as a hedge plant.
Earlier this winter, Princeton-based Prairie Restorations, Inc. did hand removal and heavy-machine of the invasive species in Talahi Woods. The May 23 effort will target plants that are easier to manage by hand.
Partners in the $84,830 restoration project include St. Cloud State, South East St. Cloud Neighborhood Preservation Association and Connexus. Funding is from the Legislature through a Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council grant.
St. Paul-based Great River Greening collaborates with public and private entities on nature-restoration projects, providing matching funds, ecological expertise, project management and community engagement.
