Restore Saint Paul: Conservation Corps Update: May 30th-June 2nd

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Conservation Corps Update: May 30th-June 2nd

Post contributed by Conservation Corps of Minnesota, Youth Outdoors crew 2:

Blueflag Iris in bloom at Como Lakeshore

The weather is warming up as we move into June. We spent the week working around Como Lake. In Victoria Rain Garden, we spotted a female snapping turtle preparing to lay eggs. We gave her some space as we worked through the area managing several invasive species including penny-cress, shepherd's purse, and curly dock. We moved on to Como Lakeshore managing reed canary grass, which has reddish panicles and is particularly distinguishable by the prominent ligules at the stem. Irises are in bloom around the lake as well, a welcome sight along the shore.

Female snapping turtle preparing
to lay her eggs

Contributing Authors

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation--Natural Resources Division:

It would be impossible for us to maintain and improve Saint Paul's natural areas to the high standards that we are used to without the coordinated efforts of our many partner organizations and volunteers. In addition to Saint Paul's Natural Resources employees, the following groups will be contributing to the content of this blog as they work hard to keep Saint Paul "the most livable city in America."

Conservation Corps of Minnesota:

The Conservation Corps provides meaningful work for young people in conserving energy, managing natural resources, responding to disasters and leading volunteers. Not only do they provide training in resource management, safety, job-readiness and technical skills, they help young people develop personal responsibility, a strong work ethic and greater awareness of environmental stewardship. CCM has been a valuable partner in maintaining Saint Paul Parks natural areas for years.

Eco Ranger Acadamy:

The Environmental Services EcoRanger Academy is an educational summer job program for youth interested in plants, wildlife and the natural environment. Youth work throughout the City in forests, lakes and prairies on restoration projects. They perform tasks such as invasive species removal, planting and mulching. The program covers plant anatomy and identification, trees, entomology, water, soils and ecology. Youth that successfully complete the summer program graduate with a certificate and references from their crew leaders.