FALL BUCKTHORN BLITZES!
Volunteer to help manage buckthorn in our parks this spring. Please click on the link below to register for any or all of these upcoming fall events.
PARK |
DATE |
TIME |
REGISTRATION LINK |
Meadow Park South |
Friday, September 16th |
4 pm - 6 pm |
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Thursday, September 22nd |
4 pm - 6 pm |
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Meadow Park South |
Saturday, September 24th |
9 am - 12 pm |
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Sunday, September 25th |
3 pm - 5 pm |
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Wednesday, September 28th |
4 pm - 6 pm |
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Saturday, October 1st |
9 am - 12 pm |
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Meadow Park North |
Sunday, October 2nd |
9 am - 12 pm |
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Saturday, October 8th |
9 am - 12 pm |
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Linner |
Sunday, October 9th |
1 pm - 3 pm |
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Saturday, October 15th |
9 am - 12 pm |
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Meadow Park North |
Saturday, October 22nd |
9 am - 12 pm |
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Saturday, October 29th |
9 am - 12 pm |
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Sunday, November 5th |
9 am - 12 pm |
European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
European buckthorn occurs in upland, shaded, and high-nutrient sites. European buckthorn is the most prevalent invasive plant in Minnetonka's parks and has invaded much of the degraded or altered savannas, thriving in the low-light conditions created by the growth of undersirable native trees (box elder, elm, ash).
European buckthorn is a decidous shrub/small tree that can grow 25-feet tall. Mature buckthorn bark and leaves can easily be mistaken for black cherry (Prunus serotina) and wild plum (Prunus americana). The female plants produce flowers that when fertilized, transform into green fruit that matures to dark blue-black color. For more information on how to identify European buckthorn, see photo captions below. MN DNR information
European buckthorn occurs in upland, shaded, and high-nutrient sites. European buckthorn is the most prevalent invasive plant in Minnetonka's parks and has invaded much of the degraded or altered savannas, thriving in the low-light conditions created by the growth of undersirable native trees (box elder, elm, ash).
European buckthorn is a decidous shrub/small tree that can grow 25-feet tall. Mature buckthorn bark and leaves can easily be mistaken for black cherry (Prunus serotina) and wild plum (Prunus americana). The female plants produce flowers that when fertilized, transform into green fruit that matures to dark blue-black color. For more information on how to identify European buckthorn, see photo captions below. MN DNR information
FALL BUCKTHORN workshops hosted by the city of minnetonka
The city's restoration specialist teaches strategies and timings to tackle this invasive plant on your property. There are two opportunities to attend the workshop this fall:
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September 15th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Register for this event |
Watch these short videos to learn how to identify and control garlic mustard
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Tuesday, April 26th from 8 am - 9:30 am
Minnehaha Creek Headwaters Join Dr. Dennis Yockers for an early spring birding and nature walk at Minnehaha Creek Headwaters park. We will search the wetlands, woods and open water around the headwaters of Minnehaha Creek for waterfowl and some early neotropical migrants. Bring binoculars. Address: 16501 Grays Bay Blvd, Minnetonka Note: around 7 parking spots are available |
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Thursday, May 19th from 4 - 5 pm
Big Willow Spring Ephemeral Nature Walk Join Diana Houston with the Friends of Big Willow Park for a spring wildflower walk. Learn about the wildflowers that were planted by 6th graders, the park’s ecology, and what’s in bloom. We will also look for migrating songbirds, aquatic birds on the creek, and mammals. Address: 11522 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka Park either in the small parking lot off Minnetonka Boulevard or by the playground near Minnetonka Public Works and take the asphalt path to Big Willow. |
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Tuesday, May 31st from 4 - 5 pm
Lone Lake Spring Wildflower Walk Join Linda Russell with the Friends of Lone Lake for a walk on the wooded trail to find spring ephemerals and look for various aquatic birds and mammals. Binoculars recommended! Address: 5624 Shady Oak Road, Minnetonka Enter the park on Shady Oak Road and park in the lower lot by the lake. |
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Tuesday, June 7th from 4 - 5 pm
Shady Oak Park and Isthmus Your tour hosts, John and Lyn, will talk about the history of this park and isthmus, the current uses of the park, and future opportunities for restoration. Help brainstorm what a transformation could look like. Bring your binoculars to observe songbirds and waterfowl! Address: 5200 Shady Oak Road Park in the main parking lot off of Shady Oak Road (beach side). Meet at the path down the hill to the bridge. |
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Tuesday, July 19th from 4 - 5 pm
The Birds and the Bees at Purgatory Take a walk with the Friends of Purgatory Park through the prairie to see midsummer wildflowers in bloom. While on the walk, we will look for pollinators and birds that live in the prairie and oak woodlands. Address: 17315 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka Meet at the main parking lot, and bring your hat and binoculars. |