Your help is needed to continue the progress being made towards prairie and savanna restoration on the Billings-Tomfohr Conservation Area in Red Wing. The Minnesota Driftless Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts received a Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant in 2025, and significant restoration work was accomplished with those funds.

Recently, another CPL grant was awarded, and phase 2 of the project will start in June. Phase 2 will consist of expanding on the work begun in 2025 and beginning new work on the restoration of several previously untouched areas of the property.

Several volunteer workdays have occurred so far this summer with approximately two acres of dry bluff prairie spot treated with herbicide in order to control buckthorn, oriental bittersweet, sumac and black locust. Work will consist of cutting and stump treating invasive woody plants such as buckthorn, oriental bittersweet, red cedar, black locust and sumac and constructing firebreaks for planned fall burns.

WHAT TO BRING:
A limited amount of hand tools like loppers will be available but if volunteers have some they can bring that would be helpful. Herbicide and herbicide application equipment will also be provided. Volunteers can bring their own brush cutters and chainsaws, along with gas and bar oil, if they are proficient in their safe use and bring appropriate PPE such as eye protection and chaps. As usual, all volunteers should bring enough hydrating liquids and snacks to keep them happy and healthy, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent.

CONTACT:
If you’d like to help during any of these workdays, send your RSVP to the project manager, Jeff Lightfoot, by email or phone: lightfoot.jeff56@gmail.com or (218) 290-7518. Be sure to send Jeff your RSVP so he can schedule each workday accordingly and notify folks if any plans need to be changed. Those who RSVP will also receive updates and specifics in advance of the workdays. You can also email or call Jeff if you have questions or are interested in knowing more.