Restore Saint Paul: Conservation Corps Update: YO2 September 18-22

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Conservation Corps Update: YO2 September 18-22

Post contributed by Youth Outdoors Crew 2:

It was another beautiful week in St. Paul; we got a good mix of sun and much-needed rain. We spent Wednesday working on planting a variety of plugs (small nursery-grown plants) around Como Lakeshore. This project will work to remove many invasive and noxious plant species and replace them with beautiful native grasses.

Caitie planting native grasses at Como Lakeshore

On Thursday, we worked with our Youth Outdoors crews clearing debris and mulching the entrance to Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom in preparation for volunteers to plant with native grass plugs. The area will eventually be a prairie and will serve as an entrance to CWOC.

Friday was a busy day at Lilydale Park and Pickerel Lakeshore. We assessed the quality of plants before removing a good amount of black locust trees and common ragweed.

Saturday was another beautiful day of planting native grasses along Como Lakeshore.

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.