Restoring Natural Areas in the Twin Cities Buckthorn Bashers Restoring Natural Areas in the Twin Cities

What is Buckthorn Bashers? Buckthorn Bashers is an organization whose goal is to help connect volunteers with habitat restoration projects in and around the Twin Cities metro area. A website has been created on meetup.com which allows volunteers see restoration events that are going on and sign up to attend them.

Benefits of the Website . It instantly connects you with a variety of habitat restoration events from various organizations such as The National Park Service, Great River Greening, and the MN DNR. . You can see what other “Buckthorn Bashers” are signed up for events . You can sign up to receive email reminders for events that you signed up for. . The website allows you to share events you are attending with your facebook and twitter friends with a couple clicks of a mouse. . It is free to sign up!! www.meetup.com/St-Paul-Buckthorn-Bashers/

What is Buckthorn? Buckthorn is a non-native , extremely invasive shrub, that is highly capable of crowding out the majority of the native plants and trees in the understory of forests where it is present. Common Buckthorn Glossy Buckthorn Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA K.E Bolin, MN D.O.T

Common vs Glossy Buckthorn Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus Cathartica)- As the name suggests this is the more common of the two and is found more in the upland sites. Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula Alnus)- Glossy Buckthorn isn’t as large of a problem as common buckthorn. It typically grows in lowland, wet sites.

History Buckthorn is not a native species to the United States. Common Buckthorn and Glossy Buckthorn are the two species found in Minnesota. While both species are native to Europe, they were brought over to be used in landscapes and hedgerows. It quickly became evident that both species spread rapidly and could not be contained. Buckthorn rapidly spread to Woodlands, wetlands, parks, roadsides, and yards taking over as the dominant plant. With no natural insects or diseases to control buckthorn populations, it has quickly outcompeted native species degrading the overall quality of the natural habitat. [Anoka County Parks] http://www.anokacountyparks.com/park_info/documents/BuckthornBrochure.pdf

Video Links “Buckthorn Boot Camp” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oq-6JpL88k&feature=related Forest Avenger (Funny) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dzgCuq5LM8&feature=related Forest Restoration-Buckthorn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSeD-oiEvOM&NR=1 Buckthorn Experiment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqGbyF55eRU&feature=related

US Common Buckthorn Distribution USDA http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=RHCA3

MN Common Buckthorn Distribution USDA http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Minnesota&statefips=27&symbol=RHCA3

WI Common Buckthorn Distribution Map USDA http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Wisconsin&statefips=55&symbol=RHCA3

Why Should We Be Concerned About Buckthorn Buckthorn is detrimental to the health and future of our woodlands, prairies, wetlands and parks because is takes over large areas destroying wildlife habitat and food sources and out-competes other important native plants that we need for a stabile, healthy ecosystem. [Rice Creek Watershed District]

Restricted Noxious Weed The MN Department of Agriculture has put both common and glossy buckthorn on their restricted noxious weed list. This means it is illegal to import, sell, or transport it in the state of Minnesota. [MN Department of Agriculture] http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/badplants/noxiouslist.aspx

Methods of Removal Mechanical Chemical Biological

Mechanical Methods Hand pulling Weed Wrench Loppers Girdling Chainsaw

Chemical Methods . There are a variety of chemicals that have proven effective at treating buckthorn. It is very important to make sure you are using a chemical that is approved by reputable agencies and that you use an amount that is strong enough to kill the tree, but not so strong that you are wasting chemical. See links below for local agencies recommendations on chemical use. http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/publications/pestsplants/badplants/buckthornfactsheet.pdf http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/control.html

Biological Control Biological control, the use of natural enemies to control non-native pests, can be an effective tool in managing invasive plants. Non-native plants can become invasive because they lack the insects and diseases that control them in their native environments. Biological control reunites natural enemies, such as herbivores and pathogens, with their host (invasive plant) to reduce impacts caused by the pest. Frequently, this involves the use of specialized insects that were tested extensively for host specificity (safety) and efficacy. The goal of biological control is not to eradicate the invasive plant, but to reduce its impact to an acceptable level. [MN Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources]

Biological Control Biological Control in Minnesota is a collaborative effort that involves many organizations. The MN DNR and the MN Dept. of Agriculture have been the two agencies that have taken lead roles to find “natural enemies” for some of the invasive species found here in MN. The MN DNR, the leader in buckthorn biological control research, is still in the research phase of finding a suitable “natural enemy” for buckthorn. If they find a suitable “natural enemy” it will be another 10-20 years before they could implement a biological control program for buckthorn. Here is a link that provides more information on Biological Control in Minnesota. http://www.ipaw.org/symposium/posters/chand015.pdf

Alternate Uses of Buckthorn Energy Source- Buckthorn can be collected and burned to create energy at a heat plant. St. Paul’s District of Energy has partnered with some local organizations to use the “waste wood” to create energy for the city. http://www.districtenergy.com/ Craftsmanship- Some people have said buckthorn can be used to make “walking sticks” for hikers.

Buckthorn and Beyond Buckthorn Bashers does a lot more than just eradicate buckthorn. Buckthorn is perhaps the biggest threat to our woodlands in Minnesota, but unfortunately there are many other threats to our forests, prairies, and wetlands. There are a variety of non-native species that restoration organizations see as major threats to taking over our native plants. Here is a list of a few other non-native species you may help to eradicate as a “Buckthorn Basher” .Burdock . .Purple Loosestrife .Garlic Mustard .Leafy Spurge .Sweet Clover .Canadian Thistle .Hoary Allysum http://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/page/invasive-species

Buckthorn and Beyond Buckthorn Bashers will be involved in much more than just pulling buckthorn. We will also help out with the critical step of planting trees after the buckthorn is out. Last year we helped out with other restoration events such as planting acorns and collecting prairie seed. It is a really great opportunity to work with environmental professionals, learn about nature, and meet new friends!!

That Buckthorn got Bashed!! Matt Dynan-Buckthorn Bashers-mjdynan14@gmail.com-612-859-114 3-www.meetup.com/St-Paul-Buckthorn-Bashers/