Neighborhood Creek Restoration: Buckthorn Removal

About this Project

Join us to remove invasive buckthorn along Minnehaha Creek and do our part to preserve our shared green spaces. In early 2023 FRNNG began a Park Stewardship Agreement with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) to address rapid erosion and ecological damage along the watershed. 

The wooded area between 12th Ave and Bloomington Ave along the creek is struggling from an overgrowth of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). In natural areas, buckthorn crowds out native plants and trees and is detrimental to wildlife. We'll provide training and tools to carefully control buckthorn along Minnehaha Creek. 

2024 Buckthorn Removal Dates

  • Saturday, June 1 • 9-11 a.m.

  • Sunday, June 16 • 9-11 a.m.

  • Wednesday, June 26 • 9-11 a.m.

  • Saturday, July 6 • 9-11 a.m.

  • Sunday, July 21 • 9-11 a.m.

  • Wednesday, July 24 • 6-8 p.m.

  • Saturday, Aug 3 • 9-11 a.m.

  • Sunday, Aug 18 • 9-11 a.m.

  • Wednesday, August 28 • 6-8 p.m.

  • Saturday, Sep 7 • 9-11 a.m.

  • Sunday, Sep 15 • 9-11 a.m.

  • Wednesday, Sep 25 • 6-8 p.m

Creek Restoration Event FAQs

All events meet at 14th Ave S. and Minnehaha Creek (at the footbridge). This is a great opportunity for beginners, older kids and teens, etc. as no power tools or chemicals are used. Please take a moment to sign Minneapolis Parks’ waiver in advance. If you forget, you can also do so on site. Email frnng@frnng.org with any questions.

We will share the project guidelines, go over safety, and answer questions before teaming up to mark, cut, and remove buckthorn from the area. 

Tools are available for use (handsaws and loppers) or you may bring your own if you prefer (loppers, hand saws, and pruners are permitted; NO power tools or chemicals). Mark them with your name. Other items you may want to bring are gloves, safety glasses, water bottle, and bug spray. 

More About Buckthorn Removal

The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board recommends removing buckthorn using an organic approach called the High-Cut Method in which volunteers cut off the canopy, flag the stump with red tape so it’s easy to find and return during future sessions to remove any new foliage that has grown.

Buckthorn management is a multi-year commitment as seeds in the soil can remain viable for up to five years. FRNNG will continue to lead volunteer sessions in years to come as we restore the natural areas along Minnehaha Creek.

Want to start learning how to identify buckthorn? You can download an identification app like Seek or Google Lens or use this free training.

Join the Greening Volunteer E-list

Click here to sign up for our Greening Volunteers e-list and be notified for future Greening Committee meetings and events.