Stick it to Invasive Species
Utter the word “buckthorn” in the presence any native plant lover and you’ll see a shudder. Though it hasn’t been sold in Minnesota since the 1930s, this invasive weed chokes out native plants, plays host for pests and degrades wildlife habitat. Take action at Wild River State Park in Center City, where staff from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hook you up with a handy orange weed wrench, instructions on how to tell buckthorn from everything else and set you loose in the park.
651.583.2925; dnr.state.mn.us/volunteering

Restore the River Banks
Pitch in along the Mississippi River watershed in St. Paul and help the National Park Service remove invasive species (garlic mustard, thistle and, yes, buckthorn). If you prefer addition to subtraction, they also need help planting native grasses and flowers. Most commitments are two to three hours and the Park Service will provide everything you need, including work gloves. Groups are welcome.
651.290.3030 ext. 303; volunteermatch.com; nps.gov/miss

Become an Island Advocate
Stillwater Islands, a remarkable stretch of the St. Croix River known for its cliffs and islands, is getting trashed, and the park needs your help in keeping it pristine. Volunteers selected for the program will assist with trash clean-up, public education, native plant restoration and invasive plant removal. The park will provide all the materials you need and time commitments are flexible and vary by availability.
715.483.2272; nps.gov/sacn