What: The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and the Friends of the Refuge—Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78) are looking for volunteers to help plant over 1,000 bare root shrubs alongside the Wagon Wheel Trail near La Crescent, MN. The native dogwood, nannyberry, and cranberry shrubs (among others) will help provide food and habitat for songbirds and other wildlife, as well as provide some additional safety for bicyclists.
 

When: Tues. May 29th and Thurs. May 31st, 9:00 a.m.—2:30 p.m.. We will cancel our work day on the 31st if all shrubs are installed on the 29th.

Where: Wagon Wheel Trail near La Crescent, MN - please park at the parking lot on Shore Acres Road (by the old swing bridge). More details to follow.

What we’ll be doing: Using hand tools to plant small seedlings on flat and sloped surfaces.

What to wear: Hiking boots/work boots and long pants are required. Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are also highly recommended.

What to bring: Please bring a pair of work gloves if you have them—we will have some extras to share. Please bring a filled water bottle and any snacks you might like to have. Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat are encouraged!  Lunch will be provided by the Friends of the Refuge—Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78).

Register: Limited to 15 people per day. Please RSVP to Katie Julian at katherine_julian@fws.gov, call or text 608-769-6947. People under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian-signed volunteer form prior to the event.
 
Thank you for your consideration of this volunteer opportunity to enhance habitat on our refuge!