Imagine a warm sunny day, with clear blue skies, peace and quiet while overlooking the magnificent Mississippi River. What more could anyone seeking a quiet spot in an urban setting ask for? At first, most of us would say nothing. However, appearances can be deceiving. Remember I said imagine. In many places along the river bluff in St. Paul, Minnesota all a hopeful observer can do is imagine a great view. Visitors to the river bluff will notice that in many areas they cannot see the river below because an impenetrable wall of unnatural vegetation exists. Our fragile, diverse river bluff is slowly giving way to an emerging monoculture dominated by aggressive exotic species.
In 1999, Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County (Friends) received funding for a 36 month grant from the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR). The grant specifically seeks to restore ecological health by removing exotic species and replenishing with native species; thereby, increasing diversity of plant life, slowing erosion, and ultimately creating a healthier sustainable ecosystem. One of the culprits for the increasing loss of diversity, erosion and reduction of native plant species on the river bluff is buckthorn.
Find out more about this project by following the links below.
Mississippi River Bluff Restoration
Developing a sustainable plan for maintaining native plant communities
About the Mississippi River Bluff Restoration Project
Why Remove Buckthorn?
Buckthorn Identification and Removal Guide
Prescribed Woodland Burns
Hedge and Shrub Alternatives to Buckthorn
Understanding Bedrock Geology
More Information about Maintaining Native Plant Communities and Bluffs
“Exotics are considered to be among the most damaging agents of habitat alteration and degradation in the world.”
William P. Cunningham, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota