We successfully burned the upper bluff prairie and open oak woodland at Garvin Heights on April 8th. The upper bluff prairie is no longer dominated by invading invasive shrubs, it is remarkably open, full of native grasses and forbs, with beautiful stands of greater Indian plantain. In the open oak woodland, Joe-pie weed has become very prominent, it is over 5 feet tall, and it is shading the buckthorn beneath it.

Now let’s get started on the lower bluff prairie. Help us put in a fire break that we hope will lead to a prescribed fire next spring. We will cut and treat invasive shrubs as we go down a steep slope perpendicular to the contour along the south side of this burn unit.

WHAT TO BRING:

Bring loppers and saws. Winona State University will allow us to use power equipment when we sign their waiver form.

WORK PARTY LEADER:

If you’re interested in helping, please send Peter Harman an email (hartmanpm@charter.net) who will provide information about the location.