Earth Day Event at Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul, MN

Dodge Nature Center’s annual Earth Day event, sponsored by Waste Management, is targeting the removal of one of Minnesota most invasive exotic species, European buckthorn. Buckthorn poses a major threat to oak forests and savannas. Introduced to North America in the early 1900’s as an ornamental shrub, buckthorn quickly spread into local forests becoming the dominant understory tree species in many locations. Once buckthorn is established in a site, it out competes native vegetation drastically decreasing plant diversity in these areas. Our goal is to increase the diversity of plant life throughout our forests, which will culminate in an increase in wildlife diversity. Volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2009to help pull buckthorn, plant trees, and pick up trash (lunch will be provided). RSVP with Jason Sanders at jsanders@dodgenaturecenter.org or by phone at (651)455-4531 by April 18th.