Dakota County Parks

General Description

Help us showcase what Minnesota natives have to offer while supporting healthy habitats in Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Habitat Stewards focus on maintaining designated areas that have been planted with native grasses and wildflowers in highly visible areas of our parks. These locations provide pollinator habitat as well as serve as demonstration gardens for park visitors that will hopefully inspire folks to “go native” in their own backyards.

Tasks will vary for each shift but will include general garden maintenance such as weeding, pruning, watering, planting, etc. No knowledge of plants or gardening is needed, in fact, volunteers will learn about plant identification, gardening skills, and habitat restoration practices related to native plants during their time in the gardens by seasoned professionals and county staff.

Great program for all ages and walks of life - many hands make lighter work. A tidy garden is an eye-catching way for people to learn more about pollinators and pollinating plants and the important roles they play in our lives. Help us keep this area bloomin’ and boomin’!

Location

Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Visitor Center Backyard

860 Cliff Road

Eagan, MN 55123 

Date/Time

Varying scheduled shifts available with more times likely available to help manage the garden throughout the season. Sign up for as many shifts as would like during the program season. No shift minimums. 

Duties & Responsibilities

Volunteers will assist Parks staff and volunteer leaders in maintaining native plantings in high-use areas of the park. Activities will vary but will include planting, watering and weeding. You will also get a chance to learn about plant identification and native gardening skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be able to walk through tall vegetation and on uneven terrain. Children are welcome to accompany their grown-ups. Tools, gloves and training will be provided.

Age Requirements 

All ages are welcomed to attend but we do 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

Shifts will be 2-3 hours. You are welcome to sign-up for as many shifts as you are available for.

Activity Level 

Active to Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity (rough terrain, and moderate physical exertion, bending over to pull weeds). May not be recommended for volunteers with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes and long pants required.

ATTENTION: Pollinators are out! This event will take place outside, in nature, out in the elements. This project may expose you to outdoor elements that are beyond our control. Please do not participate if you have severe or adverse allergic reactions to outdoor elements such as bee stings or plant sensitivities. Please let the volunteer coordinator know if you get stung or hurt during the event so that we can help. 

Contact Information

Sara Nelson

Natural Resources Specialist

sara.nelson@co.dakota.mn.us 

612-643-0454