Dakota County Parks

General Description

Dakota County Parks is excited to host Garlic Mustard Guardians at Lebanon Hills Regional Park this season. In addition to our community picks, we also offer an opportunity that is flexible to your schedule. Pick a pre-designated site in the park and invite your friends, family and neighbors to help remove Garlic Mustard and then "guard" your section during the growing season from any additional Garlic Mustard growth and/or spread. All training and supplies will be provided. 

Garlic Mustard is an invasive species brought over from Europe that outcompetes our native wildflowers and tree seedlings that various native species rely on for food and shelter. As plants mature and flower, they must be bagged up and properly disposed of since they can still produce viable seeds even after being pulled out from the ground - zombie plants! This is one pesky plant we do not want out in our parks and you can help us contain/remove it from our parks. 

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

(Driving directions)

Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn how to safely and effectively remove this invasive species.
• Work with a group or individually to remove Garlic Mustard from predetermined sections of the park. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to adopt a section of park to remove Garlic Mustard from. 
• Need a goal to work towards? Most sections will take about ten hours of your time during the season removing Garlic Mustard from your site.
• Never fear, if things become unmanageable, we will utilize county staff and community volunteers to help you manage your adopted section. You are never alone in fighting the spread of Garlic Mustard! 

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain and stand/crouch for extended periods of time.
• Comfortable with walking distances up to 1 - 2 miles per event.
• Must be OK with getting a little dirty and being outside in nature exposed to the elements. 
• Fun for the whole family and all age groups.
• If you would like to volunteer as a group (families not included), please contact our Volunteer Coordinator before registering.

• Extra caution (or avoidance of this project) should be taken by those who have allergies to bees, bug bites and plants.

Minimum Time Commitment

Managing sites usually take around 10 hours each season (April - June). Hours will vary depending on site selection and seasonal variabilities. 

Activity Level

Moderate - You will encounter uneven surfaces and extended periods of time on your feet. Most of the work will happen while off trail and you may come into contact with wildlife and other natural elements. Includes walking distances of up to 1-2 miles per event. Appropriate shoes and clothing required.

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