Join the naturalist as we go on a collecting spree for acorns and learn about oaks-acorns life cycle. Discover strategies for bringing oaks back to our woods. Learn buckthorn removal techniques. Join us for one or all events.

I. Collect acorns –
ages: adults
join the naturalist as we go on a collecting spree for acorns. We’ll also take time to hike the natural area and learn about oaks-acorns life cycle. We’ll id acorns, learn the float test, and discuss how to store them for future planting. Learn about great river greenings’ million acorn program.
Free, please call to register at 249-2170.
Location: maplewood nature center and one other neighborhood preserve – to be determined.
Date: thursday, sept 4
time: 4-6 pm

2. After buckthorn— restore oaks to your woods
co-sponsored by the city of maplewood urban forest program and the friends of maplewood nature (a non-profit group supporting the mission of maplewood nature center & neighborhood preserves)
for adults
a healthy oak forest has oaks in all sizes from seedlings to majestic trees. Maplewood residents have been removing invasive buckthorn from their woods for many years. Now it’s time to take the next step to restore oaks and wildflowers to the woods.
•learn strategies for integrating buckthorn removal with restoration of your oak woods
•discuss the effectiveness of removal techniques on various terrain, and how to prevent soil erosion
•get some tips on protecting oak seedlings from deer and rabbits
free potted oak trees available to replace the buckthorn in your woods

date: saturday, september 27
time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
location: maplewood nature center, 2659 7th st. East, maplewood, mn 55119
free – call 651-249-2170 to register

3. Remove buckthorn and plant acorns!-
adults, kids 11 and up
restore the oaks and battle buckthorn! Individuals and groups welcome! Help pull, cut and herbicide buckthorn at vista hills city park. Training, tools, gloves, and refreshments provided. Wear, long pants, sturdy socks and shoes. Dress for weather.
10-11:15 am: pull buckthorn in the morning (adults & kids 11+) pulling will happen rain or shine.
Noon – 2:00 pm: cut and herbicide starting at noon (adults only). If rain is in the forecast, call the nature center. Meet in the vista hills parking lot off of mailand. Address: 2480 mailand.
Call the nature center at 249-2170 to register by october 8.
Date: saturday, october 11
free

4. October: oak id and inventory-perfect for master naturalist service hours and advance training!
Adults
a healthy oak forest has oaks in all sizes from seedlings to majestic trees. Delve in to the ecology of the oak community. Discover strategies for bringing oaks back to our woods. On, saturday, assist the naturalist with oak seedling and sapling inventory, mark and map plots, at both nature center and at the priory preserve. Bring a lunch.

Date: saturday, oct 25
time: 10 – noon :training 1-4 pm: plots and inventory
fee: $15, please call maplewood nature center for the registration form. Free for open space monitors, nature center volunteers.
Location : maplewood nature center, 2659 7th st. East, maplewood, mn 55119