The Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District and the City of Prior Lake are once again hosting their annual Fall Clean Water Clean-Up event on Sunday, October 27 from 9:00-11:30 am. This time it will be held at the Woods at the Wilds Park, located at 3190 Wildwood Trail in Prior Lake.
Volunteers are needed to remove buckthorn and rake leaves at the park for this family-friendly event. This spring’s volunteers removed 1.8 tons of buckthorn and other woody debris and raked over 1.6 tons of leaves at Fish Point Park – all in just a few short hours!
Buckthorn is a non-native, invasive species which can take over wooded areas, crowding out native plants, degrading wildlife habitat and negatively impacting water quality.
Leaves, grass clippings and other organic matter can also impact water quality when they wash down street gutters into the storm drains and end up in our lakes. Urban development causes excess amounts of these natural materials to be released into lakes, where they break down and release phosphorus which feeds algae. Algae blooms can be a serious threat to water quality, aquatic life, property values and water recreation. The good news is that residents can take action in their own communities!
REGISTRATION: Volunteers are asked to register in advance for this family-friendly event and to bring work gloves, rakes and handsaws or loppers for buckthorn. Sign up for this free event here or by calling the Watershed District at 952-447-4166. Local businesses have generously provided door prizes and light snacks will be served.
In the case of poor weather, the event will be held the following weekend on November 3 at the same time and place.
