Notes from Barsness Park

By Wayne Zimmerman

The volunteers working with the Barsness Buckthorn Brigade have been “making a difference”. They have been working with the city since 2021 in the daunting task of protecting the prairies, oak grove savannas, wetlands, and wooded areas of the park from being devastated by buckthorn. We initially focused on areas along walking trails and areas with scenic views of Lake Minnewaska and popular features (high value sites) within the park. Volunteers have been removing buckthorn using hand pullers, chainsaws, skid loaders, and pulling small saplings by hand. We also raised funds for forest mulching (large machine which shreds even large buckthorn trees 4-6 inches in diameter). Volunteers assisted in helping to secure 3 grants each for $50,000. Grant work focuses on removal of buckthorn from highly infested areas. Volunteers assist in monitoring work completed and in prioritizing areas to be treated by the grant monies.  Getting rid of berry producing trees is a major step in buckthorn management. We began using goats in 2021. The goats prefer buckthorn over other vegetation, plus, they do not disturb or compact the soil. They have become a popular attraction for park visitors.

Currently we have about 30 volunteers. Typically, 5 to 10 volunteers have a work morning once or occasionally twice a week. When the goats are in the park our volunteer activity increases as we monitor the goats twice a day and move fencing as often as once a week. We have “light duty” activities which do not require lifting or using heavy equipment. These may include walking the goat fence to assure it has not been damaged by windfall or a running deer; helping identify new areas being infested by buckthorn; monitoring new growth in areas previously treated; fund raising; educating others in identification of buckthorn and native plants we hope will replace the buckthorn; and volunteer recruitment. A volunteer with skills using social media would be greatly appreciated. “Heavy Duty” activities may include using self-propelled walk behind brush cutters, weed whips, chainsaws, and/or mechanical hand pullers. It also includes dragging, piling, and burning the buckthorn. It may involve working in wet soggy conditions or on steep terrain. Volunteers are encouraged to go at their own pace, stay hydrated, take breaks, and not overdo. We have a beautiful diverse work environment. Volunteers are privileged to spend time and work in areas of the park not typically seen when walking, running, or biking the trails. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact City Hall at 320-634-5433 and leave your name and contact information in the “leave message in general mailbox”. A volunteer will contact you, answer questions, and gather information regarding your availability and areas of interest. Barsness Park has other volunteer opportunities, such as, helping with maintenance and enhancement of bike trails, flower gardens, disc golf course, prairie restoration etc… If volunteering in 2024 does not work, please consider putting it on your to do list.