Our work continues with a hands-on effort to restore sections of our Moorhead Park forests. We will focus on removing invasive buckthorn saplings in order to support the next generation of bur oak saplings beneath. This is simple, direct work—pulling saplings, protecting young trees, and paying closer attention to the land we move through every day.

This event is open to anyone interested in helping care for the park, whether you’ve done this kind of work before or not. More hands, less work, more fun.

Event Details

Date: Monday, May 11

Time: 5:30–7:30 PM

Location: MB Johnson Park (Near the park playground)

What to bring:

• Leather gloves (some will be available)
• Sturdy shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing

What We’ll Do

Depending on conditions, we will focus on one or more of the following:

• Pulling young buckthorn saplings where soil conditions allow
• Identifying and protecting young bur oak saplings
• Marking berry-producing buckthorn for future removal
• Removing buckthorn branches from previous clearings. 

Why This Matters

Buckthorn removal is where this work begins, but it is not the goal. By clearing it, we open light, space, and possibility for the forest to return. Native trees like bur oak can begin to regenerate, understory plants can reappear, and the relationships that define a healthy system can start to rebuild. This is long-term work—less about restoring a fixed past and more about setting the conditions for what can emerge over time. With steady effort, we are helping shape a forest that can outlast us, one that continues to grow and renew itself for generations—as though we were never here.

A Different Kind of Work

This work asks something different of us. It’s not just about removing a plant, but about learning to notice what is here, what is missing, and what is trying to return. It’s an opportunity to slow down, pay attention, and take part in the recovery of a place over time. Once we learn to listen, we can begin to hear what the land once was—and what it can become again

Looking Ahead

This is the beginning of an ongoing effort. Future events will continue this work, expanding to other areas of the park and building a community of people engaged in its care.

We hope to begin introducing simple signage in the area so others can understand the work and find ways to get involved. Our future events will include removal of fallen buckthorn branches, harvesting bur oak acorns for nearby plantings, and more. Please share this event with others.

Walking Stick Project

As part of this effort, and as part of spreading the news, we will host events for shaping felled buckthorn into walking sticks. Over time, we intend for these to become shared-use items within the park—available for anyone use and return. Anyone with woodcarving tools or experience is encouraged to reach out. 

Join Us

Come out, spend a couple hours, and take part in something that will continue to grow over time.

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