City of Crystal volunteers have been leading an effort to restore woodlands in Hagemeister Pond Natural Area. The group meets at the Hagemeister Pond gazebo south of 41^st Avenue on Thursdays, May through July, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Volunteers will spread seeds; plant bulbs, seedlings and trees; and remove invasive species like buckthorn and garlic mustard, between the gazebo and pond.

Participants should wear long sleeves, closed toed shoes, and pants. Gloves, safety glasses and tools are available. Participants are welcome to bring their own.

If you would like to be on the e-mail list to receive updates on this woodland restoration project or to participate in the restoration, subscribe at go.crystalmn.gov/subscribe .

Buckthorn is a non-native, invasive species that forms dense thickets in woodlands. These shrubs crowd out native plants that provide habitat for birds and other animals, and can contribute to erosion by shading out plants that grow on the ground. Garlic mustard forms thick mats that can shade out and outcompete native plant species. They also produce chemicals that can reduce growth of other plants. Removing buckthorn and garlic mustard from woodlands is an ongoing effort in Crystal and throughout Minnesota.