This tour is part of an emerging Metro Conservation Network (MCN) program that is being developed by the Minnesota DNR. The field trips are open to anyone to attend for free, but space is limited.

Location: Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

Description:  We’ll look at the results of several different management strategies, especially focused on controlling buckthorn while seeking to preserve native ground-layer vegetation. Methods included forestry-mowing followed by different chemical treatments, goat browse, hand-cut, RX burn etc. Which method has had the best buckthorn control AND the least negative impacts on native plants?

Ecosystem: Southern dry-mesic oak woodland

Contact: Karen Schick, kschik@fmr.org, Phone: 651-329-4210