The City of Moorhead and Resilient Moorhead are hosting a planting event to install the first phase of a pocket prairie planting around the stormwater pond at Southside Regional Park. This project is made possible by the City of Moorhead, Resilient Moorhead (Bush Grant Funding), United Prairie Foundation, Wildlife Forever, and the Minnesota DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant.
This entire project will convert about five acres of the turf grass around the stormwater pond to prairie plants. This will help with water filtration, improve erosion control (which is an issue at this location), create pollinator habitat, and add aesthetically pleasing views to the park.
About 2,500 small plants will be planted for the first phase, so help is needed. Please sign up today for the slot that best works with your schedule. A short training will be done at the beginning of the shift; no experience necessary.
Our main planting day will be July 20. There will be two shifts with 15 volunteers needed for each shift. The shifts are 9:30-11:30 am and 10:00 am-noon. If planting is not completed on July 20, there will be another shift on July 21 from 9:30-11:30 am. July 21 will also serve as the backup day in case of inclement weather.
Please park in the parking lot of Southside Regional Park and walk to the stormwater pond in the northwest corner of the park. Please sign in at the canopy for training. There will be a few shelters for shade breaks, water, and a limited supply of gloves. Please bring sturdy shoes, sunblock, gloves if you have them, and comfortable clothing meant for outdoor work.
To volunteer, please contact City of Moorhead Sustainability Coordinator Crystal Rayamajhi at 218.299.5448 or crystal.rayamajhi@cityofmoorhead.com.
