- Max Trip Size: 20 people
Make a difference! Help restore our Minnesota prairie habitat and the species that depend on them!
Through the simple act of collecting native wildflower seeds, volunteers increase the amount and diversity of seed planted in Three Rivers Park District’s 1,200+ acres of restored prairie. You will learn about the rich history of Minnesota’s prairies and how to identify many of the plants.
Event starts at 10:30 a.m. and ends at approximately 1:30 p.m. Training will be provided at the start of each session. Arrive on time or a little early. Come prepared for the weather and bring something to drink, a snack/lunch, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen. Light garden gloves and hand clippers are recommended as you will be collecting seed by hand. Please also bring your own paper bags with a handle if possible. Water and restroom facilities will require a hike or drive. The minimum age for participation is 12. Youth must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult/8 youth 12-14 years). A permission form (at the link below) is needed for all participation by minors.
An information packet and a permission form for youth is available from the page: https://www.threeriversparks.org/page/prairie-seed-collection. A map is also included on page 2 of the seed collection information packet.
Directions to event location: Murphy-Hanrehan – West Side (Murphy Lake)
Prairie seed collectors should park along County Road 75 (Murphy Lake Boulevard) about ¼ mile south of the boat launch near the red gate. To get there:
From Interstate 35W, take County Road 42 west 2 miles, turn south on Burnsville Parkway (will turn into Hanrehan Lake Boulevard when it crosses ScottCounty line), turn south on County Road 75 (Murphy Lake Boulevard).
**Continue south past the trailhead, bear right at the intersection with Sunset Lake Boulevard. Continue past the boat access ¼ mile to a red gate on the left (across from Webster Court). Enter through the red gate and park in the mowed area.
From Highway 169, take County Road 18 south to County Road 42. Go east on 42 to County Road 27. Turn south on County Road 27, then east on 154th Street, and south on County Road 75 (Murphy Lake Boulevard).
**Follow directions above to meeting location.
Please call the hotline (763.694.7849) the morning of 9/18 – the event will be cancelled in the event of wet conditions/bad weather. If you can participate, it would be great if you could let Cyndi know by Wednesday, September 15. Carpooling may be possible. Contact Cyndi to discuss.
HIKE BEFOREHAND! We will go for a quick hike starting at 9:15 a.m. from the prairie seed meeting place. Come early if you’d like to join us for Rovers socializing!