Brush Control Work Party at Ottawa Bluffs

Saturday, August 15 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Ottawa Bluffs, Le Sueur, MN

This month we are going to continue like we did last month, cutting brush. We have two targets, sumac and European buckthorn. The sumac is a native plant, and a component of prairies and savannas, but years of little fire allowed it to grow so dense in spots that it severely limits the other native species, sometimes to the point of elimination. The site now sees more frequent prescribed fires, but fire alone is not enough. Cutting sumac stands repeatedly (at least twice, in June and 6 weeks later) has a positive impact, but it also requires a lot of labor. Buckthorn, a very invasive non-native, can be killed by cutting them off near the ground and painting the cut stump with an herbicide. Done correctly, it is highly effective, but it also requires a lot of labor.

So if you would like to help out, please join us this Saturday. We will also be looking around the site to see what is blooming. Things we may see: purple prairie clover, white prairie clover, leadplant, and various sunflowers. The cool season native grasses in the savanna area are just coming into bloom also. Please consider joining us. The day promises to be a hot one so we will try to find work areas that are at least partially shaded.

Learn more about Ottawa Bluffs HERE. 

WHAT TO BRING:
Please bring a lunch, plenty of beverage, appropriate (sturdy) foot wear, and work gloves. Leather gloves work best for brush work, thinner gloves (or none) for seed collection. Dress in layers with an eye toward the weather. Rain, snow, or shine, we will be out there.

LOCATION:
If you need help getting there: Look for the preserve sign and vehicles parked along the side of the highway. MAP

Alternatively, from LeSueur, take County 36 south to Co. 23 to the preserve.