Garlic Mustard Removal at Lebanon Hills Regional Park

General Description

Help Dakota County Parks fight off invasive species - one handful at a time. We are gearing up for another garlic mustard pulling season at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Garlic Mustard is an invasive species brought over from Europe that outcompetes our native wildflowers and tree seedlings that various native species rely on for food and shelter. This is one pesky plant we do not want out in our parks.

Following a brief training, you'll work alongside Dakota County staff and other volunteers to remove the plants from pre-designated areas of the park thanks to our GM tracking volunteers. We will host multiple shifts during the pulling season to make sure we exhaust this plant before it starts to seed, helping keep this invasive from spreading deeper into our parks. Come for as many shifts as you want and make some new friends as we work towards removal season goals.

Why use volunteers? Because people can pinpoint and effectively remove this plant better than by machine or using chemicals. Mowing indiscriminately removes plant life and we want to limit chemical spraying while hiring private contractors and crews can become very expensive. Utilizing volunteers is a fiscal, effective and greener way of tackling this issue.

Garlic Mustard Guardians 2026: Looking for more opportunities to pull Garlic Mustard this season or want more flexibility with the schedule? Become a Garlic Mustard Guardian today!

Location

Lebanon Hills Regional Park - various locations

860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123

(Driving directions)

Date/Time

Pulling season will start in May and run through June 2026. Please keep in mind that seasonal variations will determine when we begin and stop each pulling season. We might add/remove dates based on the growing profiles of the targeted plant. Various times available - choose as many dates/shifts as you would like.

PARKING AND MEETING LOCATIONS WILL BE SENT BY EMAIL A FEW DAYS BEFORE. PLEASE REGISTER FOR EACH SHIFT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND SO WE KNOW WHO TO CONTACT.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely and effectively remove this invasive species.
• Work with a team to remove garlic mustard from predetermined sections of the park.
• Remove pulled plants by putting them in black garbage bags and leaving the bags at predetermined drop sites.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain and stand/crouch for extended periods of time.
• Comfortable with walking distances up to 1 - 2 miles per event.
• Must be OK with getting a little dirty and being outside in nature exposed to the elements.
• Fun for the whole family and all age groups.
• If you would like to volunteer as a group (families not included), please contact our Volunteer Coordinator before registering.
• Extra caution (or avoidance of this project) should be taken by those who have allergies to bees, bug bites and plants.

Age Requirements

All ages are welcomed to attend but we do encourage participants to be at least 5 years old or older to properly enjoy the event. If minors want to volunteer by themselves, they need to be 16 years old or older.

Minimum Time Commitment

Most shifts last for 2 - 2.5 hours.

Activity Level

Moderate - You will encounter uneven surfaces and extended periods of time on your feet. Most of the work will happen while off trail and you may come into contact with wildlife and other natural elements. Includes walking distances of up to 1-2 miles per event. Appropriate shoes and clothing required.

Required Training

Training will be offered at the beginning of each shift for those that need it.

ATTENTION: Pollinators are out! This event will take place outside, in nature, out in the elements. This project may expose you to outdoor elements that are beyond our control. Please do not participate if you have severe or adverse allergic reactions to outdoor elements such as bee stings or plant sensitivities. Please let the volunteer coordinator know if you get stung or hurt during the event so that we can help.

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us