Dakota County Parks

General Description

Hedge Parsley is an invasive plant found throughout our park system. It was brought to North America as a medicinal herb in the early 1900's from Eurasia and has now spread into non-residential areas. As an early detection species (non-native, invasive, high-risk species), we aim to actively manage hedge parsley to mitigate the damage done to our local habitats and biomes. This pesky plant spreads by hooked seeds that easily attach to fur and clothing, spreading by contact with people and animals (especially along trails). Once established, this plant spreads rapidly and blankets areas (growing fast and tall) and outcompetes native plants.

During this event, you'll learn why this plant is a threat to our native ecosystems, how to identify the plant and how to effectively remove it. Following a brief training, you'll work alongside Dakota County staff and other volunteers in pre-determined areas of our parks. No experience or supplies are necessary, we will provide everything that is needed. Great for families, couples and singles! 

Why use volunteers? Because people can pinpoint and effectively remove this plant better than any machine or chemical ever could. Mowing indiscriminately removes plant life and we want to use chemicals sparingly and as little as possible. Hiring contractors and private work crews to remove can become very expensive, very fast. Utilizing volunteers is a fiscal, effective and greener way of tackling this issue. 

Location

Lebanon Hills Regional Park* 

860 Cliff Road

Eagan, MN 55123

(Map and driving directions)

*VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE PARK. MEETING LOCATIONS WILL BE SENT A FEW DAYS BEFORE EACH DATE. PLEASE REGISTER FOR EACH SHIFT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND SO WE KNOW WHO TO CONTACT AND SHARE EVENT DETAILS WITH. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn how to safely and effectively remove this invasive plant from pre-designated areas of our park system.
• Work as a group to remove hedge parsley safely and effectively (while having fun and being safe in an outdoor environment). 

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to attend the full event.
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be OK with getting a little dirty and being outside in nature.
• If you would like to volunteer as a group (families not included), please contact our Volunteer Coordinator before registering. 
• Extra caution should be taken by those who have allergies to bees, bug bites and plants.

Age Requirements 

All ages are welcomed to attend but we encourage participants to be at least 5 years old or older to properly enjoy the event. If minors want to volunteer by themselves, they need to be 16 years old or older. 

Minimum Time Commitment

2 hours per shift. Attend as many events as you would like during the season, no minimum hours required. 

Activity Level

Moderate - May include work in varying temperatures, rough terrain, and bugs. Comfortable shoes, pants, and tick preventable clothing recommended.

Required Training

A short safety briefing and training will happen prior to the start of each event.

Allergy Alert - This type of event takes place outside, in nature, surrounded by outdoor elements. This project may expose you to elements that are beyond our control. Please participate with caution if you have severe or adverse allergic reactions to things such as bee stings or plant sensitivities. Please bring with you an EpiPen or any other medication that you might need in the event of a reaction. Let the program coordinator know before the group goes out to the worksite if you have an outdoor allergy so that they can assist in the event of a reaction.

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us