Buckthorn Removal Project
in Quarry Park

Sections of the trail may be temporarily closed week days 7:30 - 5:30

All trails will be open on weekends

Use Caution: Heavy Equipment Working

Project Location:

Project Description:

Stearns County Parks, in partnership with Great River Greening and National Wild Turkey Federation, is undertaking restoration of 90 acres of Quarry Park forest, wetland, and rock outcrops.

The main focus of the work is the removal of non-native invasive buckthorn through a 3-year sustained effort of cutting and spraying and goat browsing. Volunteers will assist with controlling overabundant aspen on the perimeter of the buckthorn units. Through this process, we will be releasing the oaks and several rare species from the scourge of buckthorn and returning the habitat mosaic to a state where its high ecological value can be maintained more easily.

Funding provided from the Outdoor Heritage Fund as part of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.