(January 2013) Restoration volunteers and partners head east and west this month, to gather and burn buckthorn that was cut this past fall.

Buckthorn contributes to erosion by shading out other plants that grow on the forest floor, and threatens the future of forests, wetlands, prairies, and other natural habitats. It is designated as a restricted noxious weed in Minnesota and is no longer legal to sell.

At Freeman Park in Shorewood, buckthorn removal is helping to improve the quality of the natural area of the park. At Valley Park in Mendota Heights, work continues on restoring a large oak grove.