Garlic Mustard Pulls at Lebanon Hills Regional Park

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General Description

Dakota County Parks is excited to continue Garlic Mustard removal once again at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Garlic Mustard is an invasive species brought over from Europe that outcompetes our native wildflowers and tree seedlings that various native species rely on for food and shelter. It's a biennial which means it completes its life cycle in 2 years. Volunteers pull the second year plants prior to or during flowering. The flowering plants must be bagged up and disposed of, as the plants can still produce seed even after being pulled!

Following a brief training, you'll work alongside Dakota County staff and other volunteers to remove the plants from pre-designated areas of the park thanks to our GMC tracking volunteers. Complete a full ten hours of service during the season to win a fun prize as a special thanks to your commitment.

Location

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123

( Driving directions)

Date/Time

Tuesdays and Thursdays (and one Saturday) starting April 28 through June 9, 2022.

Various times available - choose as many shifts as you would like.

PARKING AND MEETING LOCATIONS WILL BE SENT A FEW DAYS BEFORE EACH DATE - PLEASE REGISTER FOR EACH NIGHT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND SO WE KNOW WHO TO CONTACT.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely and effectively remove this invasive species.
• Work with a team to remove garlic mustard from predetermined sections of the park.
• Remove pulled plants by putting them in black garbage bags and leaving the bags at predetermined drop sites.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain and stand/crouch for extended periods of time.
• Comfortable with walking distances up to 1 - 2 miles per event.
• Must be OK with getting a little dirty and being outside in nature exposed to the elements.
• Fun for the whole family and all age groups.
• If you would like to volunteer as a group (families not included), please contact our Volunteer Coordinator before registering.

• Extra caution should be taken to those who have allergies to bees and plants.

Minimum Time Commitment

2 hours

Activity Level

Moderate - You will encounter uneven surfaces and extended periods of time on your feet. Most of the work will happen while off trail and you may come into contact with wildlife and other natural elements. Includes walking distances of up to 1-2 miles per event. Appropriate shoes and clothing required.

Required Training

Training will be offered at the beginning of each work night for those that need it.

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us