Buckthorn Work Party & Bonfire

Join us at Shoreview Natives (local native plant nursery south of Two Harbors) for a Halloween morning buckthorn work party! Watch out– buckthorn is SCARY!  We’ll be working to slow the spread of this thorny and VERY invasive shrub that quickly outcompetes native plants and trees. Shoreview has recently purchased property with some big (and small) buckthorn in need of addressing. This property also has some very special flora (including native orchids!) well-worth protecting. For this event, we’ll be focusing on the berry-producing trees  and testing a few organic (herbicide-free) control methods: the high-cut (for easier management of future resprouts) and something similar to the baggy method but using various biodegradable fabrics instead of plastic bags. Big trees will be hauled to the bonfire to burn up the brush and berries. We’re planning to come together annually at this site to continue learning and adapting these approaches over the years. 

• You will:

• • Learn how to identify, remove, and manage buckthorn without chemicals.
  • Gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship.
  • Get your questions answered regarding invasive species and restoration opportunities in your own lands/communities. Both Sarah Foltz Jordan (conservation biologist/ forager) and Shoreview Natives staff will be on-site for the event. 
  • Share the joy of working, observing, laughing and singing with fellow foragers/land-stewards (we’re going to teach you an amazing 3-part round for pulling buckthorn!).
  • Visit with native plant experts and shop for end-of-season native shrubs on site!  shoreviewnatives.com/

This is a free, volunteer event. Registration is required so that we can get in touch with you if anything changes or we need to communicate more details in advance of the event.

Register here.