Dakota County Parks

General Description

Hedge Parsley is an invasive plant found in our parks that is native to Eurasia. It was first brought to North America as a medicinal herb in the early 1900s. This is an early detection species (non-native, invasive, high-risk species) that we want to remove ASAP when we see it. 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 can blanket areas (it grows fast and tall) and outcompetes native plants that are beneficial/necessary to the local health of our environment. 

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, singles, everyone! 

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)

PARKING AND 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. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn how to safely and effectively remove this invasive species from pre-designated areas of our park system.
• Work as a group to remove hedge parsley safely and effectively (while having fun!). 

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

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

2 hours - Attend as many shifts as you would like, no minimum needed. 

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