The Friends of Eden Prairie Parks (FEPP), an organization founded last year, is continuing its efforts to combat invasive buckthorn through several events this fall and is seeking volunteers to help.

“We’ve made great strides in our first year getting park stewards and volunteers active in several parks in Eden Prairie, including our largest conservation area Edenbrook, but buckthorn is a stubborn invader,” says Bridget Beyer, Friends of Eden Prairie Parks president. Founder Glenn Olson agrees. “We need everyone willing to lend a hand to fight buckthorn,” he says. 

Buckthorn, an invasive shrub originally brought from Europe, crowds out native plants, depletes soil health, and reduces habitat for wildlife. Although many removal events have been held since FEPP was formed in 2023, the relentless nature of buckthorn requires constant attention, and lots of help from volunteers willing to take on the challenge.

Volunteering at a buckthorn removal event involves cutting down and treating mature plants and pulling seedlings to prevent further spread. Experienced team leaders will provide training and tools to ensure everyone can participate safely.

These events offer a hands-on way to improve local ecosystems and preserve native plant biodiversity, according to FEPP.

“After buckthorn has been removed, FEPP has a window of opportunity to seed and plant native species,” says Lynsey Owen, who holds the position of FEPP’s native plant chair. Once buckthorn has been removed, Owen says, “Ample light is now available to reach the ground and help native species thrive that otherwise would be outcompeted.” This restoration-focused approach is backed by ongoing research at the University of Minnesota.

All of FEPP’s buckthorn removal events are open to ages 12 and up. Interested volunteers should visit www.friendsofepparks.org/events or email friendsofepparks@gmail.com to specify the park where they wish to volunteer.